A house is not just a home but also a statement about your style. A beautifully designed exterior can say volumes about who you are and what you value, whether that is traditionalism or a more modern finish. As such, picking the right exterior is key to ensuring that your home matches your unique aesthetic and brings you joy all year round.
There are countless options available for exterior finishes, and it may feel almost impossible to pick the right one. This is especially true when you consider that your exterior should harmonize with your roofing, landscaping, and other design choices, like your patio railings, to create a beautiful whole. Today, we will look at some of the best options for your exterior so that you feel confident in your decision.
Brick: Strong and Stylish
Brick has an enduring legacy that stretches back to 7,000 BCE; it is one of mankind’s earliest building materials, weathering millennia of changes to remain relevant in today’s modern world. Part of the reason that brick is so popular is that it is incredibly long-lasting, able to withstand decades of wear without a problem. Their heavy material provides greater noise isolation, which is very helpful on busy streets, and they also offer natural insulation that works well in colder climates.
Additionally, brick exteriors are easy to repair because you can simply remove and replace damaged bricks without changing the entire facade.
Stucco: Beautiful yet Delicate
Stucco is a cement-like product that is spread across the exterior much like plaster; it is mixed, applied, and hardened on top of the home’s shell. If you work with a skilled stucco applier, you can get a unique exterior with fascinating patterns that add visual interest.
However, stucco is also very delicate. Because stucco is made of water and aggregates bound together, any water damage will cause the material to soften and become more porous, which can lead to rot behind the exterior, which imperils your home’s structural integrity. It is especially vulnerable to such damage in wet or humid climates, where constant water intrusion threatens to create tacky spots across the surface.
Because of its delicacy, stucco requires frequent maintenance and monitoring. If you choose to change your exterior, you will need to work with stucco remediation experts who can safely take off the damaged material and replace it with something hardier, like brick or vinyl.
Vinyl Siding: Attractive and Versatile
Vinyl siding has become an incredibly popular choice because of its versatility and ease of use. The material lasts for about two decades and comes in a variety of colors, whether that is a deep black or a bright white, so that you can better match your roofing and other exterior choices. This siding is also quite affordable because it is mass-produced, and you can even get it in different finishes to mimic hardwood for a more rustic look that lasts longer.
While vinyl siding is not as long-lasting as brick, it also does not take as long to place on the home because you do not need a masonry expert; the whole project can be completed in about two weeks rather than a month or longer for brick. Additionally, because it is so ubiquitous, you have your pick of installers and brands, meaning there is a wider variety of choices.
Fiber Cement: Long-lasting but Expensive
Fiber cement, such as James Hardie siding, looks very similar to vinyl, but it is heavier and stronger. This product is made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, making it much more durable than vinyl siding; in fact, it is one of the few siding materials with almost the same staying power as brick.
Another reason that people love fiber cement siding is because it is very fireproof, which is incredibly helpful in areas that are prone to wildfires. Its durability also makes it more impervious to severe weather conditions like hail or windstorms, and it can last for several decades longer than vinyl siding.
Like other materials, though, fiber cement is prone to water damage. It may lose its finish sooner than vinyl siding, requiring a quick paint job to keep it looking good. Fiber cement is more expensive than vinyl, and it also is heavier, so you will need to seek out specialist installers and ensure that your home is suitable for its use.
Conclusion
Your home’s exterior keeps the interior safe, and it also represents a bold statement about your style, so it is important to take great care in choosing the material that you intend to use. Options like brick, stucco, vinyl, and fiber cement all have their benefits and downsides that you must weigh. However, by researching and consulting with experts, you can find the perfect product to make a bold statement about what you want your home to be.