Have you seen a house that grabbed your attention and imagination - and day-dreamed about having one that looked "just like that?" It might be perfect for you - but then it might not.
Different types of siding have different visual appeal, but they also have different maintenance requirements. Your choice should reflect your personal style and taste, and also reflect the time and/or money you have for maintenance.
Vinyl siding was popular in our area for several years - because it didn't have to be painted, and seemed not to fade too badly. BUT - the wide fluctuations in heat and cold cause it to warp and crack. Some homeowners were pretty unhappy with that aspect. In a more even climate it probably does well. I'm personally not fond of the look, but I know people who think it gives a neat and tidy appearance that they appreciate.
Some turned to aluminum or steel siding. That held up pretty well, but the paint does eventually fade, and aluminum is highly flammable.
Almost everyone loves the looks of cedar siding - BUT it requires re-oiling every year or two - and if the water splashes against it or snow lays against it for months during the winter, it requires bleaching to remove the black stains. And - in a country where fires are a threat, it can be dangerous, as that oil soaked wood ignites almost instantly.
Log siding makes your home look like a log home - and it requires the same kind of maintenance that the real thing would take: cleaning and oiling every year or two. Again, unless your home is surrounded by large lawns, it's not the best choice in forest-fire country.
Wood has been a standard since our forefathers began building frame houses - but unless you're fond of the "weathered wood" look, it does require a new coat of paint every few years.
Pine and hemlock are not as flammable as cedar - but they do still burn. You can treat the wood with a fire retardant, but if you're concerned about exposing your family to environmental toxins you might not want to. The upside is that you can change the color of your home for a whole new look.
A newer choice is "manufactured wood." One such product is Hardi-board. Made of wood mixed with concrete, it is impervious to both fire and water. It comes pre-primed and the boards look like real wood - with the grain showing. Again, you have to paint - but you get to change your look occasionally. Contractors don't especially love this one, because it wears out saw blades like crazy!
Brick and rock are attractive alternatives, but even they require a bit of maintenance. Grout dries out and cracks and needs to be re-pointed occasionally.
Before you choose, consider both the looks and the maintenance.
Marte Cliff is a freelance copywriter - a former real estate broker, and the wife of a retired home builder. She has over 20 years experience in dealing with both new home construction and clients who were financially damaged over land purchases and home construction projects. That experience led her to write two consumer e-books on the subjects.
The Land Buyers Guidebook and Home Building Simplified were both written to prevent the headaches and heartaches that come from moving forward without the proper knowledge. You can learn about both at http://www.marte-cliff.com/Survival.html
Marte also offers a free report: "How to Spot a Bogus Contractor" To get your copy, just send an e-mail to: helpmebuild@getresponse.com
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