What is the first thing that people will see when they look at your home or commercial building? It is the exterior of your building. If you’re running a business, people will most probably judge your reputation based on what they see as the appearance of your building. Moreover, your exterior siding is the first line of defense against outside elements.
There is a wide array of materials and techniques that can be used for finishing your exterior walls. From brick to vinyl, to stucco, to wood, there are a number of various options for your build. Of course, you would want to use windows, doors, and wall resistant access hatch that would suit your exterior so it is important to know what are the options that you have. Browse through all of the options, including the advantages and disadvantages of the materials that we will discuss in this article.
Vinyl
Pros: Vinyl is quite versatile but also relatively inexpensive. It can be installed over existing materials for a nice retrofit option. Because it is easy to handle, it can also be installed quickly and this helps in reducing labor costs. Available in a variety of colors and textures, modern vinyl can mimic wood shingles, wood-grain lap siding, and even stone.
Fiber Cement
Pros: Fiber cement is a mixture of cement, pulp, clay, and sand. It has a strong reputation for low maintenance and stability. Fiber cement can be made to mimic stucco, masonry, shingles, and even wood clapboard. There is also a diversity of attractive finishes that you can choose from and it’s also easy to paint. If you want a termite-proof, fire-resistant, and has a 30-year warranty, fiber cement siding should be at the top of your list.
Cons: Fiber cement requires special installation tools and techniques because it is so heavy
Wood
Pros: Wood siding is prized by designers and homeowners for its natural aesthetics and because it is easy to cut, shape, and install. There are an array of wood species and grades that you can consider whether it’s board and batten, shakes, clapboards or shingles. If you have quality wood siding, you will be ensured that it can last decades with the proper maintenance.
Cons: If you prefer quality wood grades, you have to prepare more amount than usual because they cost a lot. It is also vulnerable to woodpeckers, rot, and termites.
Engineered Wood Siding
Pros: Engineered wood siding is made from exterior-grade resins and wood fibers that make it strong enough to tolerate the most extreme weather conditions. You can avail of this material in a nice variety of textures and styles, such as rough-sawn clapboard, beaded lap, and wood shingles. Usually, this also comes with existing factory finishes, primed and ready to paint.
Cons: Due to moisture issues, the earlier versions of this material, although backed by iron-clad warranties, have prompted class-action lawsuits. Some still believe that this material might not be on the market long enough to prove reliable.
Stucco
Pros: Stucco is valued for durability and unique aesthetics. It also has epoxy that helps to prevent cracking and chipping. If stucco is well-maintained, it can last a lifetime, especially in drier places.
Cons: Stucco can drive up labor costs since it usually requires three coats. If you are in an area with a wet climate, this is not an ideal option. However, it can still be a viable option when applied using the proper techniques.
Synthetic Stone
Pros: Synthetic stone siding is made inside molds from a mixture of sand, cement, and aggregate. It can mimic virtually any stone type, including limestone and granite. Although rarely used to cover an entire building, it works great on chimney exteriors and lower portions of walls. Builders no longer to reinforce foundation footings since it is lightweight. With synthetic stone, you can get an outcome that looks very similar to real stone but only at a smaller cost.
Cons: Even though it costs much less than real stone, it’s still quite expensive compared to other siding options. It is also less structurally sound than actual stone because it is made of concrete.
Brick
Pros: This offers substantial aesthetic appeal together with impressive durability. You only need minimal maintenance for this kind of exterior and it typically lasts the life of a building. Moreover, brick is resistant to fire and won’t mold or rot.
Cons: Because masonry is not structural, builders have to tie it back to the building structure to prevent movement under earthquake occurrences and weather changes. This is also expensive compared to most of the other siding options and you only have limited color options.
When thinking about improving your exterior, the cost is probably your primary concern. We can’t deny it-- quality exterior will help you attract more customers if you are in the business industry. Before you start anything, you must first have a solid plan, list everything that you need and the overall design that you would want to achieve. With these materials in mind, hopefully, your planning for the exterior of your building will be easier.
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