Home Exterior Options

Homes come in all shapes and sizes, many different colors and textures.  It is no different here in the Raleigh area.  One of the main areas that can personalize or change the look of a home from that of a neighbor is in the exterior makeup of the home.  Here in the Triangle real estate market, we tend to see most of the homes built with 1 of 3 exterior options.

Brick (Brick Veneer)

Brick is made from fired and molded clay and has been used for hundreds of years.  Brick typically will last the life of the home and is seen as pretty much maintenance free.  You don’t have to paint it although some people do choose to go that option.  Most times these days when you see a brick home, it is actually brick veneer.  A veneer is a thinner brick that is outside of a homes wood frame structure and is applied to the home using mortar to hold it in place.  A waterproof membrane is installed between the brick veneer and the structure to help protect the wood structure of the home.  Brick siding is a very labor intensive process so the price of a brick or brick veneer home is considerably higher than an equivalent home with another siding option.

Vinyl Siding

Probably the most popular siding option in America, vinyl siding is durable, easy maintenance and the lowest cost option of home builders.  With an overwhelming number of styles and colors available, vinyl siding continues to remain popular and allow for some variation from home to home.  Style options in vinyl include traditional horizontal siding, shake siding, and board and batten styles.  You can combine these styles with different colors to make a very compelling and eye pleasing look on your home.  Vinyl siding is fairly easy to install and requires very few “specialty tools” which makes it a common selection for the “do it yourself” weekend contractor.

Fiber Cement Siding

More commonly known or referred to as “Hardi Plank” (just like all facial tissue is not made by Kleenex), Fiber Cement Siding is a robust durable product that lasts for 30-50 years without worry of rot.  Fiber Cement gives you the option to look like real wood siding at a much lower cost and is flame resistant, termite resistant and is very much maintenance free (or reduced). Fiber cement is paintable so you can personalize your home or some options come already colored from the factory and are supposed to last 15-20 years before needing paint.

Falling somewhere in the middle between vinyl and brick when it comes to the of product, Fiber Cement siding is very common in the Triangle and can be found on nice starter homes all the way up to $1M+ homes.

Regardless of which type exterior your home may have, everything needs to be taken care of.  Vinyl and Fiber Cement need to be cleaned annually just like anything else would be that is exposed to the elements year round.  Make sure to pressure wash your home atleast once a year.  Brick homes really don’t require anything but if they start to look a little dirty, then pressure wash them as well.  

If you have any questions about home exteriors or any questions at all in regards to homes, the real estate market or construction, please give us a call.  We can answer your questions or we know professionals in that specific field that can.  The Kima Real Estate Group wants to be your one and only source when it comes to the “home” market.  We look forward to your call and helping you soon.

Chad Wingler Lead Buyer Specialist chad@peterkima.com 919-300-5421