Fiber-Cement is a low maintenance alternative to wood siding, it is a dense, non-porous product which is less susceptible to the effects of weather. A wider variety of styles is being offered every year from traditional lap-siding to shingle-looks. Manufacturers offer weathered-look wood finishes and pre-finished colors. Smooth and wood-grain trim boards are also available.
These manufacturers also produce underlayment and backer-board products (preferred for installation of tile in bathrooms and kitchens because of their dense non-porous surfaces). Manufacturers include James Hardie Building Products, Certain Teed, GAF and LP Smartside.
Simulated Stone
Manufacturers of simulated stone use molds of actual stones to craft realistic looking products. Stones are colored with natural oxides to further simulate the natural material. The advantage of these products are their weight (not requiring masonry foundations) they can be attached to wood frame structure. A wide variety of styles are achieved, from “old world European” to “rustic mountain west,” to ashlar patterns, “river washed creek rock”, ledge-stones and rubble.
Textures are hand-hewn or saw-cut and installed with or without grout joints. All products are produced with complimentary finished corners, most with window sills and lintels. Before installing I recommend the use of mock-up panels to test varying grout colors. Also, most manufacturers offer a line of decorative pieces, including corbels, quoins, and keystones. Many also manufacture fireplace surround kits and hearthstones. Manufacturers include Coranado Stone, Canyon Rock, Eldorado Stone and California Stone.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is now available in a wide variety of styles based upon historical wood shingle and siding designs. Textures have become more realistic, “transferring” or “molding” actual wood board textures into the vinyl. Colors have developed to include “semi-transparent stained blends” increased fade resistance. Trim products to complement each style are also available.
Shingle styles include straight edge perfections to staggered edges and rough-split shakes, to half-round and other decorative shapes. Clapboard styles include smooth and rough textures, “colonial-style” reveals, boar & batten vertical siding, beaded lap siding. Millwork to complement numerous home design style are available, traditional profiles and trim-work and accent pieces window and door trim, corner-boards, gable brackets, frieze boards, etc.
Newer “technologies” have improved impact resistance, compensation for wall imperfections and movement due to temperature changes increased insulating values, reduction of air infiltration, wind-resistance, “true” finishes (solid painted to wood-tone blends). Manufacturers include Alcoa, Certain Teed, Heartland Building Products, Louisiana Pacific, Owens Corning and Revere Building Products.
Worth A Second Look
These products are much improved aesthetically from their original offerings and may provide superior performance.
Brian J. Pilling - Brian J. Pilling, AIA has designed over 200 custom homes and renovations for primary and vacation home buyers. He graduated from ...
