New Home Exteriors Facades

Introduction

The subject of this month’s newsletter will review the various types of external facades for homes; these include: stone, brick, stucco, siding, and wood siding.

As usual, we will provide a number of links that will provide you with additional information regarding these subjects, which you can refer to for more information.

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General Description of Each Type of Facade

The choices of siding for your home can depend on a number of factors, from cost, to durability, esthetics and even the locale were you are building your home. Vinyl siding has become the most popular siding used across North America, due to the many advantages that come with Vinyl siding. It’s easy to install, it’s durable, comes in a multitude of colors and can be repaired with little trouble. The one major disadvantage that many homeowners notice is that subdivision after subdivision is clad in PVC or vinyl siding. In more southern climates, stucco is used as a predominant siding, due to the heat, as well as cooling properties.

Homeowners planning the construction of a new home and aiming for a more unique look and feel to their home will often select brick or stone as a preferred cladding. In some locations, it is mandated for the street facing part of the home to be clad in brick, while the cheaper more easily installed sides and back of the home will be clad in vinyl. Brick or stone clad homes portray a more durable and sturdy style of home and are often the favored choice of many homeowners for long-term durability and overall esthetics.

In this section of this month’s newsletter, we will provide a brief description of each type of siding, or cladding, as it’s sometimes referred to and then provide a more detailed review in later sections of the newsletter.

Stone

Using stone for your home’s walls, in place of brick or vinyl and wood, represents the pinnacle in terms of wall design and construction. Although, more costly and time consuming to construct, the value of your home is enhanced, while at the same time, providing a long-term durable and relatively maintenance free construction technique. In addition, your home can be personalized with unique designs, color, texture, as well as arches and other architectural additions that can be added. Stone walls provide a high thermal mass, which serves to cool a home in the summer and warm it in the winter. As with brick, it is more expensive to construct; however, the combination of value and maintenance savings offset this extra cost.

Brick

Brick facades, or siding as it is sometimes referred to, are often used only on the front of the home for reasons of cost. However, an all brick home will often sell for higher price than vinyl or wood clad homes. Brick facades are generally maintenance free, and numerous designs and shapes such as arches, curved brick walls, provide that extra flair not achievable with vinyl. Brick allows homeowners to personalize their home’s exterior by incorporating their own design with texture, finish and color. Although more expensive than other types of siding to construct, ongoing maintenance cost of wood siding and some vinyl siding may negate their lower cost.

Stucco

Stucco is a very popular type of siding that is used in many southern climates. Consumers appreciate the Spanish or mission style type of homes. Stucco is prepared with a combination of cement, lime, sand and water and applied to a wall that is re-enforced with chicken wire or metal screening. In some cases stucco will be applied to cement walls or concrete brick walls to improve the esthetics. Stucco will stand up to blows and also water. It is porous, so it will absorb water, however it will dry easily, especially in arid climates.

Siding

The term “siding” often refers to PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride siding; however, aluminum was also used for many years. PVC has virtually taken over the market, due to the many advantages over aluminum siding, notably denting and maintenance issues.

PVC comes in many colors, can be installed relatively rapidly, compared to other types of siding and is very durable, withstanding rain and the elements with little impact. One disadvantage of PVC siding is related to the installation technique. Seams provide an opportunity for insects to enter and also for high wind to lift off sections of the siding. The siding also expands and contracts with heat and cold; so, if you are subject to large temperature swings, you may want to consider this issue more thoroughly.

Wood Siding

For many years, wood siding, including shingles, plywood, cedar shakes, hard board and a number of other products was the choice for many homeowners who did not want to use brick cladding. During the last 20 years, vinyl has been overtaking wood siding as the cladding of choice. There are many choices for siding, which include cedar or redwood siding, plywood, clapboard, hardboard, rectangular plank, cedar shakes, cedar shingles, wood plank siding, and a number of others.

There are a number of drawbacks to wood siding, such as regular maintenance that is required, and attraction of insects and animals. Sealing, staining or painting of most wood siding is required on a regular basis.

Cost of Siding

The cost is always an issue for many new homeowners, in addition to the look and feel of the cladding that you select. Homeowners should request quotes for the type of cladding they select, as well as take into account the neighborhood and the environment in which their home will be built. Desert conditions dictate different solutions, compared to tropical or humid situations. Everything from termites to cold and heat should be considered, along with local bylaws in deciding which type of cladding you decide to use. Generally, brick and stone are more expensive from an initial first cost perspective, compared to wood and vinyl siding. Maintenance free stone and brick siding often compensate for the higher initial cost.

Some useful links to check out
===============================

Top 10 Exterior siding options
http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/siding.htm

New Siding Resource Center
http://www.new-siding.com/

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Stone

Stone walls, for home construction, represent the top end of siding material with the styles, and quality, texture, color virtually unlimited. Stone walls can be of natural stone quarried from a local quarry or imported or even simulated to look as it were real. At one time, stone walls were self supporting, larger at the bottom, narrowing as they reached the top and held together with mortar. Today construction techniques have changed, and now either a veneered stone wall technique or a slipform stone wall approach is used. Veneered stone walls are created by effectively gluing the stone to the structural wall with cement to form the wall. Slip form walls are built by setting up forms that are approximately two feet high, placing the stones in the form, good side facing the outside and poring cement into the wall to fill the gaps. There many other types of walls, such as framed on one side, tiltup stone walls that can be utilized. The references in several of the links to this section will provide you with more information.

Benefits

• Unique and esthetically pleasing
• Classic beauty and elegance of an all stone home
• Many color options and types of stone can be used to create a different look to your home
• Stone walls are never painted and require a very low level of maintenance
• Stone walls are virtually maintenance free, needing only an occasional washing to remove loose dirt
• Resale values of stone homes are generally higher than other types of homes, including brick or non-stone siding
• Stone walls will not be damaged by pests, such as termites, if you happen to live in an area that is prone to these pests
• Stone walls have great thermal mass, compared to vinyl siding and wood siding systems
• Stone homes are more fire resistant than other types of homes, and insurance companies may discount your cost of insurance as a result
• Brick, as well as stone, allows you to personalize your home with color, texture, arches, quoins and elegant detailing

Problems

• Matching stone to existing can be difficult, due to quarry location; however, simulated stone needs to be matched by die lot
• Expansion joints need to be factored into the design of your home
• Allowances for water migrating to the back of the stone wall must always be incorporated into the design
• Allowing ivy to cling to a stone wall can introduce damage to the mortar between the stones as the ivy tendrils find their way between cracks and loosen mortar during the freeze thaw cycle.
• The final finished product is partially dependent on the material used, the method and equipment used, and the skill of the stone mason

Energy Efficiency

• Stone walls help to cool the house in the summer and warm in the winter
• High thermal mass, contribute to cooling in the summer and warmth during the winter

Health / Safety / Environmental

• Stone walls have excellent fire ratings compared to other materials depending on the wall construction technique
• Highly fire resistant
• High thermal mass, contribute to cooling in the summer and warmth during the winter

Summary

Building and designing your home with stone is a highly personalized decision and above all, you will want to select high quality materials and a stone mason skilled in building such homes. The choice and selection of your stone can impact the texture, color and the overall image that you want to create. Stone homes can sell for prices that are generally higher than brick or vinyl and wood sided homes. Stone walls resist damage from wind blown debris, animals and pests and are considered the most durable of all building materials. There are also several construction techniques, as well as simulated stone available for consideration. The links at the bottom of this section will provide additional information for your consideration.

Useful Web Links
===============================

Brick or Stone
http://www.new-siding.com/brick-stone_siding-ratings-reviews.html

Simulated Stone & Brick
http://www.genstoneproducts.com/features-benefits.cfm

Stone Masonry Construction
http://www.hollowtop.com/cls_html/do-it-yourself/stone_masonry.htm

Books and Videos
http://www.hollowtop.com/cls_html/do-it-yourself/stone_masonry.htm#mcraven2

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Brick

Brick facades, or siding, as it is sometimes referred to, are very versatile, while at the same time providing a stronger and sturdier look to anyone’s home. In some neighborhoods across North America, municipalities have bylaws in place requiring the siding of homes to be all brick or stone, while others are more flexible. In these municipalities, builders will build homes with brick only on the front or street facing side of the home and use vinyl siding on the rest of the home. Brick facades are generally maintenance free, although periodic washing may be required to remove surface dirt. Most bricks manufactured today are extruded brick, i.e., they are pressed through a die and then cut to shape to meet specified brick size. Bricks can incorporate numerous designs and shapes such as arches, curved brick walls, flashing for chimneys, lipped brick and bricks are often used to support other masonry.

Benefits

• Many color options, natural coatings, different textures and finishes
• Brick walls can be painted, however most brick walls are never painted
• Classic beauty and elegance of an all brick home
• Resale values of brick homes are generally higher than other types of homes with non-brick or non-stone siding
• Brick walls are virtually maintenance free, needing only an occasional washing to remove loose dirt
• Brick will not be eaten by termites if you happen to live in an area that is prone to these pests
• Bricks will not dent from impact, nor will they rot over time
• Although brick homes are a bit more expensive than other types of siding, they require less maintenance and will last a lifetime
• Brick walls have great thermal mass compared to vinyl siding and wood siding systems
• Brick homes are more fire resistant than other types of homes, and insurance companies may discount your cost of insurance as a result
• Brick, as well as stone, allows you to personalize your home with color, texture, arches, quoins and elegant detailing

Problems

• Matching new bricks to existing can be difficult, due to die lot colors and weathering
• Always ensure that your order of bricks comes from the same die lot
• Efflorescence is to be tested before the brick lot leaves the factory; however, sometimes this characteristic will exhibit on brick walls within one or two years, leaving a whitish color on some bricks
• Brick expansion joints need to be factored into the design of your home
• Removing stains from brickwork must be completed with care to avoid changing the characteristics of the brick in the area were the stain is located
• Allowances for water migrating to the back of the brick wall must always be incorporated into the design
• Once built, changing a bricks color is difficult; however, it can be accomplished by a professional
• Allowing ivy to cling to a brick wall can introduce damage to the mortar between the bricks as the ivy tendrils find their way between cracks and loosen mortar during the freeze thaw cycle.
• The final finished product is partially dependent on the material used, the method and equipment used, and the skill of the brick layer

Energy Efficiency

• Brick walls help to cool the house in the summer and keep it warm in the winter
• Bricks must be able to pass the freeze- thaw test ASTM C 67 before they leave the factory

Health / Safety / Environmental

• Brick walls have excellent fire ratings, compared to other materials, depending on the wall construction technique
• Highly fire resistant
• High thermal mass, contribute to cooling in the summer and warmth during the winter

Summary

Brick homes generally attract higher home values, last many years and are relatively maintenance free. Personalize your home’s exterior by incorporating your own design with texture, finish and color. The choices are almost unlimited. Although more expensive than other types of siding to construct, ongoing maintenance cost of wood siding and some vinyl siding may negate their lower cost.

Useful Web Links
===============================

Brick Industry Association
http://www.bia.org/

Hanson Brick
http://na.hansonbrick.com/en/homeowner/techProfiles.php

Brickwork Basics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brickwork

Brick or Stone
http://www.new-siding.com/brick-stone_siding-ratings-reviews.html

Examples of types of brick
http://www.columbusbrick.com/gallery.html

FAQ’a
http://www.boralbricks.com/FAQ/FAQResults.aspx?cid=2

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Stucco

Stucco is a very popular type of siding that is used in many southern climates. Consumers appreciate the Spanish or mission style type of homes. Stucco is prepared with a combination of cement, lime, sand and water and applied to a wall that is re-enforced with chicken wire or metal screening. In some cases, stucco will be applied to cement walls or concrete brick walls to improve the esthetics. Stucco will stand up to blows and also water. It is porous, so it will absorb water. However, it will dry easily, especially in arid climates.

Benefits

• Stucco resists damage from everything from weed wackers to wood peckers
• Available in a variety of colors and textures
• Personalize your design of your home
• Proven system that can be used in all climates
• Stucco will last many years; however, some maintenance may be required
• Stucco can be painted; however, specialized paints are required
• Stucco can be used to create ornamental shapes
• Initial cost to construct walls and siding is relatively low, compared to other surfaces
• Stucco can be personalized by color, texture, shape and size of the aggregate, adding pigments.

Problems

• Using acrylic paints on Stucco will change the permeability of the stucco and may have negative effects on the long-term performance of the walls
• Stucco must be mixed properly and also applied within in specific temperature ranges.
• Stucco is a breathable material that allows moisture to pass through; however, it is capable of drying out and will not trap moisture
• Special care in the design and construction of the stucco walls must be incorporated to avoid moisture problems behind the stucco wall
• The final finished product is partially dependent on the material used, the method and equipment used, and the skill of the plasterer

Energy Efficiency

• Color selection is important, in terms of the amount of heat that is reflected
• Stucco is a greater thermal mass than vinyl, and less than that of brick

Health / Safety / Environmental

• Every stucco wall is applied and constructed differently. However, they generally have a better fire rating than other types of siding, but less than that of stone or brick.
• Since stucco walls breathe, allowances for water vapor behind the wall to wick away must be accommodated
• Stucco will dry on its own, and resist mildew and rot

Summary

Stucco is very popular in the southern climates; however, stucco can be constructed in virtually all climates. Color and texture can be used to personalize your home. In addition, various shapes and designs can be incorporated to create a unique design to enhance your home. Stucco is also fire resistant; however, actual design and construction techniques will determine the final fire rating of your home.

Useful Web Links
===============================

What is Stucco
http://architecture.about.com/library/blgloss-stucco.htm

History of Stucco
http://architecture.about.com/library/bl-preservationbrief-stucco01.htm

Basics of Stucco
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stucco

Stucco Manufacturers Association
http://www.stuccomfgassoc.com/

Portland Cement Association
http://www.cement.org/stucco/

Stucco FAQs
http://www.cement.org/stucco/faq.asp

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Vinyl Siding

There are a number of products that fall into the category of siding, including vinyl siding, aluminium siding, Cedar or wood siding including cedar shingles, shakes and clapboard. Since Vinyl siding has become, by far, the most popular, we will concentrate on this material for our review. Aluminium is also popular; however, it will dent and sometimes get scratched by debris and is used less often for siding today, compared to vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and ranges in width from 6 to 10 inches.

Benefits

• Lower cost, compared to brick and stone siding
• Durable
• Wide variety of colors
• Easy to install, can be completed relatively quickly
• Scratched vinyl does not rust
• Easily replaced, if damaged
• There are numerous accessories to dress up your vinyl siding
• Vinyl siding never needs to be painted
• Vinyl walls are virtually maintenance free, needing only an occasional washing to remove loose dirt. However, damage from wind blown debris can be harmful

Problems

• Vinyl will last many years; however, it does become brittle over time
• Vinyl will melt, so keep appliances, such as the barbeque, away from it
• Seams provide an entry point for insects
• Subject to expansion and contraction as temperatures change
• High winds can lift off entire sections of vinyl siding

Energy Efficiency

• While vinyl does not provide significant energy efficiency, color choice can affect the absorption or reflection of heat from the sun
• The thicker the panels, the greater the wind resistance and overall protection against damage.

Health / Safety / Environmental

• Vinyl ignites at 736F and burns 1/3 as hard as cedar
• Vinyl will give you slightly more time to get out of the house
• Occasionally wash mildew and dirt away
• Easy to clean with water and soap

Summary

Vinyl is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for cladding of homes. Many neighborhoods will employ vinyl siding for the non-street facing sides and brick siding facing the street to reduce overall cost. There are many choices for length and color of siding. Vinyl is durable and is a very low maintenance product, although debris blown by the wind can punch holes in the siding.

Useful Web Links
===============================

The Vinyl Institute
http://www.vinylfacts.com/materialvinyl/material.html

New Siding – Quick Answers
http://www.new-siding.com/vinyl_siding-information-ratings-colors.html

History of Vinyl
http://www.vinylfacts.com/materialvinyl/history.html

Seamless Vinyl
http://www.new-siding.com/seamless-vinyl-siding.html

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Wood Siding

For many years, wood siding, including shingles, plywood, cedar shakes, hard board and a number of other products was the choice for many home owners who did not want to use brick cladding. Clapboard is a long board that is applied horizontally on the wall of the home. In some cases, clapboard is applied vertically. Hardboard is made of compressed fibre and adhesives that are applied to wood to make it stronger and more waterproof. Plywood siding is a veneer applied to hardwood, which makes it more durable than indoor plywood and waterproof. Rectangular plank is composed of smooth planks and when laid vertically will form a smooth surface. Shakes or cedar shingles are often hand split, are rough and will weather over the years. Shingles are machine cut and, therefore, are smooth and uniform. Shingles are placed in overlapping patterns. Wood plank siding comes in many shapes, are cut to give texture and a pattern if desired.

Benefits

• Wood generally provides excellent insulation
• Wood siding allows for unique and different designs and esthetics
• Can create a rustic look with various wood siding selections

Problems

• Wood of all types can be a haven for insects and small animals
• While providing insulation, wood does not always provide good protection from rain
• Some wood siding is rough and can damage the skin if rubbed against it, e.g., shingles
• Shingles will sometimes warp, crack and even curl
• Wood siding should be stained or painted generally every 3 years or painted every 6 years to maintain the integrity of the siding and avoid any kind of rot.
• Homeowners need to replace any pieces of siding that has begun to rot to avoid further water damage.
• Wood siding is very dependent on the climate and environment in your area.

Energy Efficiency

• Wood provides excellent insulating capability

Health / Safety / Environmental

• Insects, as well as small animals, can make a home in your siding and woodpeckers can punch holes in the siding if they are after insects.
• Over time, with expansion and contraction, nails holding the wood siding onto the frame can become loose, threatening the integrity of your siding and potentially cause water damage as well

Summary

Before you decide on wood siding, consider the environment you are building in and the possibility for damage from insects and small animals. Generally speaking, wood siding, regardless of the type, will require more maintenance than other types of siding or cladding. Homeowners should be prepared to stain or paint their siding on a regular basis. Any damage should be repaired immediately, to avoid interior water damage and further damage to the wood siding. With appropriate levels of maintenance, wood siding can out last many other types of siding.

Useful Web Links
===============================

Wood Siding
http://www.new-siding.com/wood-cedar-shingles-siding.html

Bob Villas Wood Siding
http://www.bobvila.com/Search/?q=wood+siding&x=0&y=0

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