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Exterior finishing options for your custom home in Calgary. Consider stone, stucco, cement fibre, wood clapboard, brick, metal, vinyl, or Hardie Board.
Building with a Calgary custom home builder gives homeowners’ the opportunity to work through an in-depth selection process. Exterior finishes are an integral part of this process as it sets the aesthetic and style for your custom home before you even step foot in the door.
Your custom home’s exterior finishing should be lasting and weather-resistant given Calgary’s winter weather and windy conditions. At Sunset Homes, we follow a building process that helps guide home buyers to select the best options for their homes. Nothing transforms a home more than the perfect exterior. With all the different options out there, how do you pick the right one? We have put together a list of exterior finishing options for your new custom home in Calgary to ease your selection process and help you find the most durable option with the highest quality that fits your budget.
Stone Veneer Siding
The use of stone for construction dates back to ancient monuments and temples, this material is the most durable of all building materials. Stone is a favourite, especially for homeowners who prefer a traditional look. Keep in mind that stone can be quite expensive due to installation costs and time. A way to save some money is to incorporate small touches of stone on your exterior rather than making the entire exterior this material. Your Calgary custom home builder can help you create a design that reflects the perfect amount of stone for your home. You can also consider some masonry products that have a similar look to stone, such as cultured stone. This option is a great alternative to stone. Cultured stone is a semisynthetic option that offers a similar look to stone at a reduced cost.
Stucco
Traditional stucco is cement combined with water and combines materials such as sand and lime. Many homes built after the 1950s use a variety of synthetic materials that resemble stucco. Some synthetic stucco has been prone to problems. However, a quality synthetic stucco will prove durable. Tint the stucco the colour you want, and you may never need to paint. Nowadays stucco is a very popular option. We provide the option to use EIFS, an exterior insulation finishing system that makes your walls water-resistant, provides insulation, and it can be mixed with assorted colours for a unique finish. Stucco has turned out to be the most efficient, resistant and durable material for exterior finishing, and also, one of the easiest options to install.
Cement Fibre Siding
Fibre cement siding can have the appearance of wood, stucco, or masonry. If you want the look of authentic wood with a bit less maintenance, cement fibre is a great option. Fibre cement siding is fireproof, termite-proof, and may have a warranty for up to fifty years.
Wood Clapboard Siding
Modern science has given us many synthetic wood-like products, and yet solid wood (usually cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cypress, or Douglas fir) remains the favourite choice for finer homes. With periodic care, wood siding will outlast vinyl and other pretenders. As with cedar shingle siding, wood clapboards can be stained rather than painted. Many wood frame houses built centuries ago still look beautiful today.
Brick
Made of fired clay, brick comes in a wide variety of earthy, eye-pleasing colours. Although it is expensive, brick is desirable because it can last centuries and probably won't need any patching or repairs for the first twenty-five years.
Metal and Vinyl Siding
Both metal and vinyl siding are popular options for siding that offer a modern look to your home. These materials are durable and strong, water-resistant and low maintenance. Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Unlike wood or cedar, it won't rot or flake. Vinyl is usually less expensive to purchase and install than most other siding materials. There are, however, drawbacks. Vinyl can crack, fade, or grow dingy over time. Vinyl is also controversial because of environmental concerns. Ask your Calgary custom home builder for guidance about using these options and check if it matches your custom home style.
Hardie Board Siding
Hardie Board is a widely used option by luxury home builders in Calgary that offers many benefits. It is durable and can be made to look like other materials such as wood. It is also fire resistant and can stand through wild storms. Hardie Board is very eye-catching and has great warranty options. Although this option stands among the most used in Calgary, its installation cost could be higher than the other options.
Before choosing your exterior siding, take into consideration your environment, as well. Certain climates can put more wear on your home than others. Talk to your Calgary custom home builder about these options and consider your custom infill home design. We recommend playing with different materials on your exterior to create a distinctive look for your custom exterior. At Sunset Homes, we will gladly guide you through the selection process and provide you with all the help to make your dream home come true.
Ready to build your new custom home? Contact Sunset Homes today.
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