A strong home exterior protects your home against the weather elements.
Homes that are constructed with brick exteriors are said to be sturdier in countering debris that is thrown up by strong winds, compared to vinyl or fiber-cement sidings. People prefer a brick home exterior for its warm look and easy maintenance. Also, brick homes have a higher resale value as against aluminum, wood siding, and cedar or vinyl home exteriors.

Many people love wood home exteriors while some mix and match wood with brick and stone, for a trendy look. However, there’s a difference in various grades of wood, and depending on which one you use, maintenance can be a costly affair, especially since wood can react to damp by rotting. If a wood home exterior is not properly finished with power washing and the right painting, exposure to weather can peel the surface paint and spoil the sealant, causing mold. But selecting the right kind of wood like redwood or cedar and maintaining it in the proper manner can give your home exterior a beautiful look. Cedar is strong and resistant to splitting or swelling, and insects do not affect both redwood and cedar.

These days we find a lot of home exteriors done with pressure treated fir, spruce or pinewood, as they are considered economical, but with the beautiful look of wood. For those who cannot afford real wood, there are alternatives available with engineered wood. Fiber cement siding is used, which looks similar to wood and will not warp or rot. It resists fire and termites, and manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on this. These alternatives are highly durable and can withstand the extreme cold and heat.

As far as inexpensive options are concerned, vinyl and aluminum sidings are used and these do not require much maintenance. While they don’t have the looks of wood or its strength, aluminum does not crack or warp like vinyl siding. Dents are a possibility, but considering the variety of colors and designs available, people like using it for its versatility.

Stucco home exteriors offer a traditional yet simple option. It also looks great and has been popular for centuries. Stucco exteriors have triggered off innovative styles in home architecture, bringing back the appearance of beautiful homes of olden times.

The kind of home exterior you decide to have will also relate to what sort of insulation, ductwork, heating and cooling etc. is required so that you enjoy a comfortable home. Looks matter; however, choose your home exterior after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each type.