What does the outside of your dream home look like? Many people spend a lot of time deciding on all their interior finishes, but put little thought into what goes on the outside. The exterior of your home is the first thing that people see when they arrive. You want that exterior to reflect your style as much as the inside does.
Custom Home Builders in Calgary: Common Exterior Finishes
When working with custom home builders in Calgary clients have a number of options for what goes on the outside of their dream homes:
1. Wood siding, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, is an eco-friendly option that works well in Calgary homes. With low impact forestry practices, the lumber extracted for this siding is done with sustainability in mind. Wood offers durable beauty for any home's exterior.
2. Fiber cement siding is a blend of cellulose fibers, cement, sand, and water. During the blending process, color is added to impregnate it throughout the siding, not just on the surface. The molding process places a grain pattern on the surface. It offers resistance against fire, rot, and UV degradation. You can expect it to last 30 years or more.
3. Vinyl/PVC siding is an affordable exterior cladding option. It is lighter to transport than most other options and does not need painting. It resists typical Calgary weather quite well, with insulated panels available by special order. The downside to this siding is the high levels of chemicals used in its manufacture.
4. Brick and natural stone are both classic options for just about any home. While both need a lot of energy to produce, they provide an exterior that will outlast the rest of the home. Once installed, they offer a classic beauty that siding of any sort cannot match.
5. Cultured stone is an option for those who want the look of stone, but not the cost. This stone installs as a veneer, much like brick. It gives the look of stone without the weight involved. Cultured stone often contains a high level of recycled materials, which helps offset the high energy costs associated with its production.
6. Stucco is a solid choice, even in the wild weather of Calgary. Today's formulations include a certain amount of acrylic that makes the stucco flexible enough to handle the freeze/thaw cycles in this part of Canada. The durability of this material makes it a great eco-friendly choice.
Soffits: Another Consideration
Besides the exterior walls on your home, another element you will need to decide upon is the soffits. Clients can select wood for a completely natural look. Alternatively go with aluminum and fascia soffit boards for a low-maintenance option. Soffit coverings need to be ventilated as they help keep attic humidity levels down.
When considering custom home builders Calgary clients need to look at what exterior cladding options they offer. Fine Line Homes offer several standard options for the exterior of your home and we can handle custom orders, as well. Give us a call today.