My wife and I will soon be bidding out our new 3000 s.f. home. Most of the front will be rock (the fake yet “real” looking rock) and brick. However the sides are currently spec’ed out as wood siding, though we can use any kind of siding we like.
While on vacation last week in Myrtle Beach we passed several beachfront homes that had what appeared to be vinyl siding. However it was not your traditionally shaped long horizontal siding pieces. It was shaped like it was a cedar shake, had texture lines to it and everything. I recall seeing this product discussed in some publication and I think I recall that it goes up in sheets, almost like plywood. Does anyone have any thoughts on this product? Does it belong on a ~$500k home in the midwest? We like the cape cod look and I’m thinking that this may get us that look at a reasonable cost and still be the maintenance free exterior that I cherish. If we didn’t use it all over perhaps we’d use it on certain gable areas to highlight the home.
Thanks,
Rob
Replies
Several manufacturers make it, and I think it can look nice when worked into a scheme that's appropriate. Another option is James Hardie fibercement shingles. They are more expensive, but look more realistic and can be painted in any color.
It always seems to me, when I see some tye of masonry just on the front and vinyl everywhere else like the building is pretending to be masonry. I'd go with the Hardie all the way around. That or don't take the cultured stone all the up.
I worked on a job where a siding contractor was GC'ing the job for himself. He used the vinyl "shakes" and as much as it hurts me to admit it, the job looked pretty good.
Make no mistake, you still have vinyl siding, but it's unique.
Jon Blakemore
Check out the polypropylene products by Nailite
http://www.nailiteinternational.com/index.html
http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Undefined/Siding/Prodindex/Vinyl/CertainTeed/CedarImpressions.htm
Personally, I think the Nailite looks better. I too am not a fan of the rock facade on the front. Skip that and do something that truly reflects an architectural style. You can mix shingles with lap - either shingles in the gables over the lap (common and not my favorite) or lap in the gables over shingles below - maybe take the lap up to the bottom edge of the upper story windows?
Just some thoughts.
we use alot or siding on the beach in nc that sounds like what your talkin about called cedar impressionsthis is one place you can look and see http://www.cedar-vinyl-siding-shakes-shingles.com/.
we usually use certainteed brand check them out here http://certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Pro/Builder/Siding/Prodindex/Vinyl/CertainTeed/CedarImpressions.htm
pain in the butt to hang but they look good when they are done
Have you priced any of the vinyl shingles?
Pricey stuff compared to vinyl clapboard.
But IMHO...worth it!. I'm currently installing the cedar impressions by Certainteed on my house. Being a perfectionist myself, for me to say it's awsome is an understatement, even if it is plastic.
Even had people want to do the touchy/feely thing, cause they didn't believe it was vinyl.
FWIW...my boss just built a $500K house and used the same product. So yes it has a place on pricey homes.
A bad day at home is still better than a good day at work