Wood Siding

Wood siding is one of the oldest and most beautiful choices. It's hard to beat especially when it comes to finishing a New England Cape , a Rancher or a Craftsman-style home. But it can be expensive. Of all the choices, it can be the most maintenance intense. If you choose wood siding, the best defence against rot and premature aging is paint or stain. Use the best that money can buy. A premium-quality stain or paint will protect the material from ultraviolet deterioration, mold and weathering. What's more, top quality will mean less maintenance and will make the material last longer; you won't need to paint as often. The most expensive product might, in the long run, end up being the least expensive choice.

Fibre Cement Siding

If you like the look of wood, but are not enamoured of the price or the upkeep, wood composite or fibre cement might be a good choice. Wood composites have been around for a while. Some brands have performed well while others have failed miserably. Among the best-performing wood look-alikes are the fibre cement materials. They mimic the look of natural wood better than any other "man-made" product. Among the many advantages of fibre cement siding are that it won't warp, twist or melt or burn and, in contrast to natural wood, is pest-resistant-a real plus if you live in termite country. Also, fibre cement is more impact-resistant than aluminium, steel or vinyl. Like natural wood, fibre cement must periodically be painted and can be subject to freeze-thaw damage when not properly sealed.

Brick, Block or Stone Siding

Masonry is a popular choice, although, is quite costly. Masonry traditionally has been popular in the South and Midwest and wherever tornadoes or hurricanes occur. However, brick and stone are used almost everywhere as an architectural element to accent another primary siding material. Of the choices, masonry generally requires the least maintenance and maintains a consistently good-looking appearance. It is especially pest-, fire- and impact-resistant. As with fibre cement, masonry is subject to freeze-thaw damage, and the mortar used at joints might need to be restored (tuck-pointed) over time-especially in a salty ocean environment. Painting masonry offers limited protection and can be a maintenance headache. We recommend against it. Use a high-quality acrylic or silicone sealer to prevent freeze-thaw damage in cold climates.

Cement Stucco

Traditional stucco application consisted of two to three coats of plaster with varying finishes-from smooth to a rough trowel finish. The biggest drawback with stucco is cracking and damage from freeze and thaw in cold areas. However, on stable soil with static hydration, cracks can be kept to a minimum. A bit of high- quality flexible caulking that can be painted will usually do the trick. Good ventilation and paint is the best means of preventing freeze-thaw damage. Severely cracked or discoloured stucco can be recoated in time.