When selecting exterior materials, there are various options available to fit within your preferred budget and style. Making decisions can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with a product or what you’re looking for. If unsure where to begin, start by asking yourself simple questions. Do I have a preferred style in mind? Am I looking for a low-maintenance product? What level of durability am I expecting? Are there any warranties offered on the product? What are the cost differences like?
Answering questions like these can help narrow your search and get you thinking about what you value in an exterior material. It’s important to think about your expectations prior to selecting to avoid any possible letdown in your final product.
These are 5 things you should consider when selecting exterior materials to help achieve your goal.
Cost Differences Between Products
Cost difference is one of our most frequently asked questions when selecting exterior materials. Many factors come with the cost, such as material composition, performance, labour, installation, etc. If you lay out typical types of exterior material from lowest to highest price, it would be as follows— stucco, vinyl siding, fibre cement board (Hardie Board), wood composite, wood, and finally stone
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Product Warranties
An important factor to consider when selecting product is the warranty. Each supplier will offer a different warranty depending on the type of product. This is not to say you should make your final choice based solely on the warranty, but it is something to be aware of. Having all the information to make an informed decision will help you meet your expectations and leave you feeling good about your selections.
Performance & Durability
Each product will have pros and cons associated with its performance and durability. When you build a new home (or cottage), you want to ensure you’ll get the best value. The performance & durability of an exterior product can add to that value. This is an area you may want to research on your own.
Product Maintenance
Another key factor to consider is the product maintenance. If you’re looking for low-maintenance— vinyl or composite siding may be your best option. They are easy to clean and require minimal care after installation. Wood tends to be higher maintenance and require more care with exposure to the elements. Neither option is technically better than the other. It simply comes down to personal preference and what you feel is the best option for your lifestyle.
Style
Last but not least is style! There are many colours and profiles to choose from that can create your desired look. If you can’t envision what you want your exterior to look like, try and find inspirational photos that draw your eye. It will give you a great starting point for colour and profile ideas. Don’t be afraid to mix different types of products, colours, and profiles; this will create dimension and add some visual interest to your home’s exterior.
If you’d like to find more information about the different types of exterior material products we typically work with you can check out these suppliers below:
