Selecting Your House’s Outside Construction Materials
The exterior cladding you select for your house must be aesthetically pleasing — this goes without saying. Additionally, it needs to safeguard your property against various weather conditions, which differ based on where you live.
climate zone
.
Many types of siding materials can be utilized across various climate conditions. Nevertheless, certain options offer superior thermal insulation and water resistance compared to their counterparts. Additionally, some sidings are simpler to maintain and have greater resistance against mold development when contrasted with alternatives. Finally, pricing varies among these choices as well.
In addition to looks, the primary aspects to think about when selecting external siding encompass:
- Your climate zone;
- Purchase and installation costs;
- Maintenance;
- The eco-friendliness of the material.
If a particular external cladding material offers good value, it tends to become quite popular. As stated in an October 2021 report by the
Home Builders Association National
, the most prevalent external wall materials used in newly constructed homes in the U.S. are:
- Stucco: 27 percent;
- Vinyl siding: 25 percent;
- Fiber cement siding: 21 percent;
- Brick or brick veneer: 20 percent;
- Wood or wood products: Five percent;
- Stone or rock: One percent.
Just because an exterior siding product is popular doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you’re researching exterior home materials, consider these options:
Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco is a mixture of Portland cement and sand, typically applied in three coats to a
lath substrate
. The final coat, known as the color coat, can be tinted a variety of earth-tones. That makes stucco a good option for various urban and rural settings.
Stucco is most prevalent in the Western and Southwestern states where Spanish and Mexican architecture has strong influence. But it’s also popular in cold or humid climates.
Pros
-
Pest resistant:
Stucco creates an impervious shield that prevents rodents and insects from passing through. -
Energy efficient:
Stucco offers greater insulating properties compared to numerous other materials.
types of siding
. -
Fire-resistant:
Cement doesn’t burn, and neither does stucco.
Cons
-
Requires maintenance:
Stucco collects dirt and mold and will appear dull without frequent cleaning. -
Expensive to install:
Applying the stucco is simple, but building the latticework foundation demands expertise and practice. -
Can crack:
Cracks develop when the foundation settles or an earthquake occurs.
Synthetic Stucco
Unlike traditional stucco, synthetic stucco is acrylic, applied as part of an Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS). That consists of a layer of insulation board and a wire mesh grid to hold a base coat and finish coat of stucco, which is typically applied by hand or by spraying.
EIFS systems have been around since the 1950s. But because they create such a watertight barrier, any moisture that gets behind it damages the home’s sheathing. These days, EIFS siding must include a drainage system to prevent this.
Pros
-
Energy efficient:
(EIFS) systems rank as some of the most air-sealed and thermally efficient cladding options available today. -
Design flexibility:
Acrylic stucco can be tinted to any color. -
Fire and impact resistant:
Unlike conventional stucco, synthetic stucco remains crack-free.
Cons
-
Cost.
Synthetic stucco costs more to install compared to conventional stucco. Additionally, repairing it comes with higher expenses as well. -
May cause moisture damage.
Improper installation of synthetic stucco can lead to the deterioration of sheathing and encourage mold development. -
May necessitate mechanical ventilation.
Synthetic stucco is so airtight that the house might require an air exchanger.
Vinyl
Appearing on the stage in the late 1950s as an alternative to aluminum and
wood siding
,
vinyl siding
It consists of synthetic PVC resin. Inexpensive, light-weight, and simple to set up, its quality has enhanced over time, contributing significantly to its widespread use.
Vinyl siding
is available in multiple designs and types, ranging from simple clapboard patterns to various widths, finishes, and hues. Certain vinyl sidings mimic stones, bricks, or wooden aesthetics. On its own, vinyl offers minimal thermal insulation, yet insulated vinyl siding exists as an option.
Pros
-
Affordable:
One of the most budget-friendly options for both buying and setting up siding is vinyl. -
Low-maintenance:
PVC remains cleaner for a longer period compared to other materials, and it is simple to clean whenever it gets soiled. -
Durable:
Vinyl offers resistance against impacts and fires. -
Easy to install:
Installation can even pose a challenge.
DIY project
.
Cons
-
Prone to cracking:
Prolonged sun exposure causes vinyl to become brittle. -
Not biodegradable:
Vinyl siding can be recycled, yet it takes a long time to break down. -
Can’t always be repainted:
Needs vinyl-compatible hues to prevent degradation from sunlight.
Fiber Cement
Created towards the end of the 19th century by Austrians Ludwig Hatschek,
fiber cement
became commercially viable by the 1980s. Comprised of Portland cement, sand and water reinforced with cellulose fibers from trees, fiber cement can mimic natural wood, brick or stone.
Fiber cement siding is available in panels, slats or shingles from such manufacturers as James Hardie, GAF and others. It’s typically attached to house wrap-covered plywood siding with screws or nails.
Pros
-
Fire- and water-resistant:
Suitable for extremely wet and dry climates. -
Won’t rot, warp or buckle:
It may contain cellulose fibers, but has none of the responsiveness to moisture that wood has. -
Paintable:
It often comes pre-primed.
Cons
-
Heavy:
Apart from brick and stone, fiber cement is among the heavier options for siding materials. -
High installation cost:
Dealing with fiber cement can be quite difficult. -
Requires special cutting tools:
Fiber cement quickly dulls conventional saw blades.
Brick and Brick Veneer
One of the oldest and most beloved exterior
building materials
, most modern
brick
is made of clay that’s formed, dried and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. Brick can be textured, coated or glazed.
A brick house isn’t framed in a conventional way because the exterior walls are strong enough to support the structural load of the house. Brick veneers, on the other hand, aren’t load-bearing, so they must be attached to sheathing installed on standard framing.
Pros
-
Classic look:
The only thing more old-world than a brick house is one made with stone. -
Durable:
Brick resists extreme temperatures and harsh weather well and has some insulation value. -
Long-lasting:
Ceramic brick siding has the potential to endure for over a century.
Cons
-
Expensive:
Clay tile setters are highly demanded and command substantial charges. -
Labor-intensive installation:
Building a home one brick at a time requires patience. In contrast, installing brick veneer is significantly quicker. -
Difficult to modify:
It can be difficult to create an opening in brick when you require a new vent or window.
Natural Wood
Wood is one of the most traditional and charming materials for home exteriors. Think San Francisco Victorians, Southern manor homes and Cape Cod-style residences. Here are the most popular
types of wood siding
.
The most common types are horizontal clapboard or shiplap planks, vertical boards and battens and
cedar shingles
. Wood can be painted, stained or coated with a clear finish.
Pros
-
Naturally beautiful:
Many siding materials are manufactured to look like wood, but there’s nothing like the real thing. -
Design flexibility:
No matter if you choose to paint it, stain it, or keep it in its natural state, wood can adapt to nearly any environment. -
Easy to install:
Nearly anybody who possesses carpentry abilities can put up wooden cladding.
Cons
-
Requires regular maintenance:
Lumber needs to be reapplied with coating regularly to shield it from environmental factors. -
Prone to decay and pest problems:
Lumber is not the best choice for regions with high moisture levels, or where termites are prevalent. -
Burnable:
Although typically coated with a flame retardant, it can still catch fire. Below is all the information you should know about this topic.
fire retardant coating
.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding can be divided into two main types: plywood panels and composite panels or slats. Composite options are created using compressed wood particles along with resin.
Plywood sheets like T1-11 typically feature a rough-sawn surface along with grooves designed to resemble vertical planks. These sheets are then secured using screws or nails directly onto wrap-covered sheathing.
Composite wood generally arrives as planks that get installed horizontally, just like natural wood planks. Brands such as LG’s SmartSide or Collins Truwood offer an elongated 30-year guarantee.
Pros
-
Looks like wood:
T1-11 panels are indeed made from wood. Even though these slats are an engineered product, they appear quite authentic. -
Cost-effective:
Engineered wood is approximately half the cost of natural wood and simpler to install. -
Eco-friendly:
Composite products are typically made from wood waste. -
Many finish options:
Engineered wood can come pre-finished or pre-primed so you can paint it whatever color you choose.
Cons
-
Moisture susceptibility:
Like real wood, engineered wood can swell or shrink with changing humidity conditions. -
Susceptible to insects and decay:
Requires routine upkeep to shield it from invasions. -
The coating might not last indefinitely:
Composite wood siding features a protective wax and borate covering which may deteriorate over time.
Natural and Synthetic Stone
Granite, slate, limestone, or travertine as natural stones may not be practical choices for many homeowners. However, synthetic stone veneers provide a cost-effective alternative that delivers the same stylish appearance.
Synthetic stones might be crafted using materials such as sand, cement, and aggregate. These imitations closely resemble genuine stones both visually and tactilely. Additionally, stone veneers can be created with polyurethane and formed into panels for simpler installation processes.
Rock panels are commonly placed around the base, on the chimney, or as a feature wall to complement another type of siding. This offers the traditional stone appearance and sturdiness at a lower cost compared to installing solid stone throughout.
Pros
-
The ultimate classic look:
Should you prefer something rugged and rustic, stone would be an excellent choice for you. -
Durability:
Genuine stone along with concrete-cast stone facades offer top-level protection against harsh weather conditions and excellent thermal insulation. -
Easy installation:
Real stone must be installed by a stonemason, but stone veneer panels are ideal for
DIY installation
.
Cons
-
Can be repetitive:
Stone veneer panels cast from a mold can have repetitive patterns. It depends on the manufacturer. -
Expensive:
Real stone is prohibitively expensive. Even stone veneer tends to be pricier than other exterior siding materials. -
No design flexibility:
Select your gemstone thoughtfully since what you observe is exactly what you will receive. It’s not possible to alter its appearance with paint or coloring.
Metal
While you might consider using corrugated galvanized steel siding for an industrial-chic look, aluminum is typically the most popular choice for metal siding.
Aluminum siding
Usually features horizontal slats mounted similar to vinyl siding, or in panel form that creates the appearance of vertical slats.
Aluminum cladding is light in weight and resistant to rusting. On its own, it does not provide good insulation, which is why numerous producers include an insulated layer behind it for added benefit. Siding made of metal can be painted easily and demands minimal upkeep.
Pros
-
Cost-effective:
One of the most budget-friendly siding options available is aluminum. -
Resilience against decay, water, flames, and insects:
Aluminum siding withstands most types of environmental wear and tear. -
Eco-friendly:
Recyclable aluminum siding is regarded as an environmentally friendly construction material.
Cons
-
Dents easily:
Aluminum is a ductile metal that can easily become dented and scratched. -
Noisy:
Aluminum siding moves back and forth as the temperature fluctuates, which can cause occasional cracking and pinging sounds. -
Industrial appearance:
Aluminum siding frequently features a texture designed to mimic wood, yet it retains an appearance that seems more industrially inclined.
FAQs
What is the most energy-efficient type of contemporary siding material?
An R-value of 4.0 makes insulated vinyl siding highly energy-efficient among siding choices. It consists of vinyl siding enhanced with built-in foam insulation layers. In regions receiving intense sunlight, steel siding provides notable savings on cooling expenses due to its reflective properties.
Do certain types of external house materials have better resistance to fires compared to others?
Stainless steel, bricks, stones, stucco, and aluminum sidings offer greater resistance to fires compared to wooden or vinyl claddings.
