The exterior finish, also referred to as cladding, is your house’s first line of defense from the weather. Its primary role is to shed the water away from the structural components to ensure that the building lasts for a long time.

There are many different types of exterior finishes and they all do the same thing. The difference is the type of material and its made of and that in turn will determine the cost. What’s most commonly used in today’s buildings vary from wood, engineered wood products, plastic, metal, and even concrete materials.

Vinyl Cladding

Most economical type used in residential applications. They are easy to install and maintain, come in all sorts of colours and styles like vertical and horizontal applications, and some are even made to look like stones or cedar shakes. They can last a long time depending on sun exposure. In time they tend to fade and turn brittle and at that point, it will be best to replace all the siding as it will be impossible to find one that can match the colour of the existing siding.

Wood Cladding

They can be made of different species of wood and offer different aesthetic, depending on the look you’re after. Oftentimes softwood is used for exterior application such as pine and cedar. Wood cladding come in different profiles such as clapboard, v groove, shiplap, half lap. Cedar can come in shakes or shingles – both installed a couple of different ways.

Wood cladding is a great material to use and can last a very long time if maintained properly. That being said, in Nova Scotia, we recommend staining your wood cladding at least every couple of years to help it last.

If maintenance is not your drift, alternatively engineered wood cladding is a great option if you still want to have the “wood look.” They are made out of pre-consumer recycled materials, manufactured with quality additives to increase strength, durability, and rigidity. They are easy to install, and require very little maintenance.

Fibre Cement Boards

Fibre cement boards are not commonly used in residential application, however, its durability, resistance to mold, animal infestation, rot, and fire-resistant makes it a good alternative to wood. It is easy to install, and requires little maintenance and has a longevity of at least 50 years.

Metal

Metal siding can be aluminum or metal. It is fire-resistant, and resistant to rot, mold, or infestation. They’re easy to install and typically comes pre-cut from the supplier to the proper length. They can be used in horizontal or vertical application and some have the texture and look of wood if the wood aesthetic is important. Metal siding is very durable, therefore is a good option for areas that experience harsh weather and high winds. Aluminum siding though lightweight, is prone to dents, and steel siding is prone to scratches therefore leading to corrosion. Care must be taken when installing this type of cladding to ensure no damages are made.

Any cladding mentioned above is a good option for a house. Generally, we do not recommend vinyl siding for our builds as when the units are traveling down the highway at 110 km/hour it is more prone to catching and ripping off the building. Solid wood siding is a good option as they are typically securely nailed to the building, however, keep in mind the maintenance. Engineered wood cladding is not recommended as it is heavier than solid wood. Fibre cement cladding is also not recommended as it is rigid and provides no flexibility for a structure that will encounter a lot of movement and shifting through the transportation process. Metal is the best option, and one that we use on our builds as it will stand through the test during transportation. It provides the next best solution for a lighter and durable material especially for Tinys on Wheels where weight is just as important as structural integrity.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *