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Discussion Forum

recommendation for siding in alpine town

RodK | Posted in General Discussion on July 1, 2005 06:07am

Hello all,

I own a condo in a 32 unit building located in southern British Columbia and we need to replace the siding within the next year.

Currently the siding is cedar planks which have dried out and curled especially on the southern and western walls which see a lot of sunlight . The options so far discussed are:

(1) Hardiboard
– durable
– retains color for 15 years
– more expensive base cost
– more expensive installation

(2) Cedar
– more expensive
– requires staining every few years
– attractive appearance

(3) Vinyl
– less expensive
– does not require staining/painting

The condo is located in a small town that is evolving in to a ski and golf town with the change of ownerships of both facilities. The building is mostly owner owner occupied and would like to make this an attractive building suitable for a recreation type of town, here’s a link to a photo: http://www.kootenayhomes.com/listings_details.asp?ID=495

I’m intested in hearing about the pros and cons of each type of siding if you can add anything else to the points above. As mentioned the south and west wall catch a lot of sun and weather. We would also like to maintain an alpine appearance to the building and am open to any suggestions as to any architectual enhancements such as trim

Also, it may make sense to install additional insulation before the siding goes on, are there any suggestions on type and thickness.

Thank you in advance

Rod

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Replies

  1. doodabug | Jul 03, 2005 04:45pm | #1

    Alpine appearance and Vinyl don't work.

  2. WayneL5 | Jul 03, 2005 05:06pm | #2

    In my opinion Hardie siding is the way to go for your application.  Vinyl will work against the earthy, natural, upscale community you appear to be driving towards.  Cedar is high maintenance, and in 20 years or so will look shabby and need to be replaced.  Hardie will produce a solid looking, very long lasting result.  It also has fire resistance the others don't.

    There is lots of good information and photos at the Hardie website, http://www.jameshardie.com .

    It is important to use the high quality nails they specify, and particulary to paint according to their instructions.  Do not use any oil based paints or primers on the material.  100% acrylic (more than an acrylic latex blend) will give you the longest life.

  3. Hooker | Jul 03, 2005 05:31pm | #3

    Ditto on the Hardi.  There are so many cementitious and composite materials out there that would do an excellent job on your building.  Yes the initial cost is high, but the sell is never any maintenance and an always brand new look. 

    You've already tried cedar, vinyl is a positive no.  Cement is ideal!

    Quality, Craftsmanship, Detail

  4. Chipper | Jul 03, 2005 06:23pm | #4

    you might want to research what yer options are, for using an expensive heavy duty high-end, quality maritime finish on cypress siding, cedar......

    What is the common tree(s) that grows in the habitat of yer home?

    If one prefers wood siding as the choice "medium", what/how it is prepared, installed(joinery), & finished is relative to the future maintenance.

    maritime finishes have properties that supercede the current residential finish properties. 

    Also a factor to consider:  do you love nature (are you a naturalist)?

                                              

    Do synthetic mediums take away from the "magic" of the "Home" and the landscape?

    is comfort aND eye appeal compromised by "maintenance free" products?

    1. RodK | Jul 05, 2005 09:46am | #6

      Thanks Chipper,I had not considered maritime finishes, are you thinking of a hard shellac or are you thinking of a type of paint? Do you have any suggestions? Do you have any experience with these treatments in terms of longevity and would they have to be scraped down when it comes to refinishing them?

  5. edwardh1 | Jul 03, 2005 10:38pm | #5

    use factory preprimed Hardie

    they sell the 8 in wide factory pre primed cypress imprint pieces here for like $5 for a 12 ft piece.

    great stuff

    wood should be mostly banned on the exterior of homes.

    1. RodK | Jul 05, 2005 09:47am | #7

      Thanks everyone, Hardiboard certainly merits more investigation, I'll start another post, Regards, Rod

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