Vinyl: One of the fastest growing siding types nationally, slowly gaining a foothold in our area. Poor installation can make it prone to leakage at penetrations. Difficult to caulk or seal, because it flexes and moves when the temperature changes. Occasional complaints about it blowing off due to installation errors. Virtually maintenance free and very reasonably priced. Not a good choice with small roof overhangs in this climate, due to leakage issues. Vinyl is good for covering other intact siding materials.
Aluminum: Dents fairly easily and color may oxidize and fade over time (painting it is routine and usually easier than wood). Reasonably watertight when installed well. A poor reputation among consumers is not always deserved. Associated with trailers, which may detract from perceived value.
T1-11 Plywood: Comes grooved or smooth. Can delaminate with heavy exposure to elements. Generally sound material, associated with inexpensive homes and garages, as it honestly is not the most attractive choice. Don't expect as much life as with other more expensive materials.
Composite wood (LP, Smart Siding, Weyerhaeuser, Masonite and others): Comes as full sheets or individual boards with numerous textures. Class-action lawsuits on all the earlier big sellers due to deterioration, swelling and delamination. Environmentally friendly, holds paint well, fairly attractive and inexpensive. .
Fiber-cement: Available in smooth, textured, individual boards or sheets. There are no reports of chronic problems on these relatively new products when used as siding (not to be confused with fiber-cement roofing products, which have a poor track record). Used on many new homes.
Synthetic stucco: Versatile and attractive, it has been the subject of many recent lawsuits based on poor installation practices resulting in widespread damage. The industry is improving, however, as is its reputation.
Traditional stucco (Portland cement-based): Time tested building product, ideally suited to a somewhat drier climate than this one. Not necessarily a poor choice here, but can be brittle and crack over time if not done perfectly. Long-term exposure to moisture can result in blotchiness, requiring painting. Also tends to grow mildew fairly easily. Requires highly skilled labor for installation.
Cedar boards: Quality down, price up, in past 20 years. Horizontal cedar siding, whether graded tight-knot or clear, is the Old Faithful of the siding world. Many homes built in the '50s have first-growth heartwood siding more than an inch thick, which will be around longer than that fruitcake you got for Christmas last year.
Newer thinner, and lesser quality sidings tend to produce problems on south-facing walls with warping and splitting, paint peeling on occasion.
Contemporary-styled homes in the 1970s and '80s utilized narrow, vertical boards popularly called "half-by"; 3-1/2 inches wide, this may be more recognizable as interior paneling. Half-by is not as trouble-free as other cedar. It seems to shrink and split as it ages. Lack of roof overhangs on houses with half-by contributes to the shrinking.
Shingles:
A: Combed cedar shingles wear well, but get paint buildup in the grooves, rendering it less than attractive after multiple re-paintings. It is associated with less expensive older homes, although I know of no problems endemic to the material. Still available, but not used for new construction due to recent architectural preferences and cost.
B: "Shakertown" type shingle utilizes high-grade cedar shingles glued in a factory to a small piece of plywood, which is then attached to the wall. A very uniform appearance. Typically used for trim and architectural detailing.
C: Traditional shingles are labor intensive and tend to curl and warp if not "dipped" prior to installation. Stained or left raw to weather (beach-house look), but can be painted when they deteriorate. High maintenance. Very rustic looking and desirable, although expensive.
Brick/stone: Fairs poorly in earthquakes, but has aura of quality and solidity that is mostly justified. Occasional problems crop up related to manufacturing defects or installation problems (e.g. soft bricks, plugged weepholes), although not widespread. Requires cleaning and sealing when exposed. After 60 years or so may need to be "tuckpointed" (renewing the mortar). Can be spendy to install. Completely covering a new home with brick is virtually unheard of outside Texas.
Asbestos: Not legal for new installations for more than 20 years, but a personal favorite nonetheless. Can be brittle, is dimensionally stable, doesn't burn, rot, warp, or curl and pests don't eat it. Put old-school lead-based paint on it and you had permanent siding you could ride through a firestorm. However, these attributes are not appreciated by those who cover or remove asbestos from older homes. |
