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Choosing Your Home’s Exterior Materials
The siding you choose for your home has to look good — that’s a given. But it also has to protect it from the elements, and those vary with climate zone.
Most siding materials can be adapted to work in different climates. But some provide better insulation value and moisture protection than others. Some are easier to clean and resist mold growth better than others. And lastly, some are more expensive than others.
Besides appearance, the main factors to consider when choosing exterior siding include:
- Your climate zone;
- Purchase and installation costs;
- Maintenance;
- The sustainability (eco-friendliness) of the material.
If an exterior siding material is a good value, it’s going to be more popular. According to an October 2021 report by the National Association of Home Builders, the most common exterior wall materials in new U.S. homes are:
- Stucco: 27 percent;
- Vinyl siding: 25 percent;
- Fiber cement siding: 21 percent;
- Brick or brick veneer: 20 percent;
- Wood or wood products: Five percent;
- Stone or rock: One percent.
Just because an exterior siding product is popular doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you’re researching exterior home materials, consider these options:
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Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco is a mixture of Portland cement and sand, typically applied in three coats to a lath substrate. The final coat, known as the color coat, can be tinted a variety of earth-tones. That makes stucco a good option for various urban and rural settings.
Stucco is most prevalent in the Western and Southwestern states where Spanish and Mexican architecture has strong influence. But it’s also popular in cold or humid climates.
Pros
- Pest resistant: Stucco forms a solid barrier, impenetrable to rodents and insects.
- Energy efficient: Stucco has more insulation value than many other types of siding.
- Fire-resistant: Cement doesn’t burn, and neither does stucco.
Cons
- Requires maintenance: Stucco accumulates dirt and mold and will look dingy without regular cleaning.
- Expensive to install: Slapping on the stucco is easy, but constructing the lath substrate requires skill and experience.
- Can crack: Cracks develop when the foundation settles or an earthquake occurs.
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