Choosing Exterior Materials for Your Home
Choosing materials for the exterior of your home is a big decision! These material choices determine the curb-appeal of your home. There are so many options to choose from. We have narrowed it down to the five exterior materials we use most often and provided the pros and cons of each one!
- Vinyl Siding
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
- Stucco
- Stone
- Brick
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl Siding Pros
- most affordable option
- comes in several styles (vertical, lap, shakes)
- many colors
- insect resistant
Vinyl Siding Cons
- while it comes in many colors, the options are limited- can not be painted
- darker colors may warp or melt in heat
- fading can occur
James Hardie Siding
James Hardie Pros
- unlimited color options
- several styles of siding (vertical, lap, shakes, panels)
- storm, fire, & insect resistant
- can be repainted
James Hardie Cons
- higher cost (especially when customized)
- more labor to install
Stucco
Stucco Pros
- many color options
- seamless look
- good insulator
- durable
Stucco Cons
- more expensive
- can crack
- labor intensive
Brick
Brick Pros
- durable
- easy to maintain
- fire, weather, & insect resistant
- good insulator- temperature control
Brick Cons
- more expensive option
- can crack due to foundation settling
- repairs can be costly
- repairs are sometimes difficult to match existing perfectly
- can trap moisture if not properly installed
Stone
Stone Pros
- many color and style options
- adds a natural element
- good insulator
- fire, weather, & insect resistant
Stone Cons
- more expensive option
- can crack due to foundation settling
- repairs can be costly
- repairs are sometimes difficult to match existing perfectly
- can trap moisture if not properly installed
The materials chosen for the exterior of your home add character and personalization. There is much depth added when multiple materials are used (like the home shown above). We would love to help you with the material selection process when you build your 'Dream Home' with us!
If you are interested in building with us, check out Dream Homes Construction & Design!
