Charlotte NC Relocation--What Type of Exterior Siding is on the Homes?
2011-11-15
Charlotte NC Relocation—What Type of Exterior Siding is on the
Homes?
I often work with Charlotte
NC newcomers who are not familiar with the variety of materials used on the
exteriors of homes here. They may be relocating from a part of the
country where homes are built predominately with one material, such as wood or
stucco. As we tour Charlotte homes, I find that I must give lessons on the
exterior materials used and the pros and cons of each type.
Here is a short guide to help newcomers to learn about the exteriors
on Charlotte homes.
Brick
Also called brick veneer, brick has been the favored siding material in
Charlotte for decades. You’ll find brick homes in the older sections of the
city as well as the newer more expensive neighborhoods. Because it is more
expensive that other forms of siding, newer homes in the moderate price ranges
aren’t likely to be built with brick. The great benefit of brick homes is that
they are relatively maintenance-free and the exterior is very durable.
Vinyl
Most moderately-priced homes in Charlotte today are built with vinyl siding.
Made of a durable plastic, vinyl siding is a relatively low-maintenance product
requiring power washing occasionally to remove dirt and mildew. If not
installed correctly, vinyl siding can warp and crack. You’ll find vinyl siding
in neighborhoods built since the 1990s.
Hardboard Siding
Used extensively on homes built in the late 1970s through the 1980s,
hardboard siding is a material made of compressed wood by-products. This type
of siding is prone to deterioration unless installed correctly to avoid water
intrusion and painted every five or six years. A home with hardboard siding
warrants close inspection to see that the material has been maintained well by
previous owners.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a new material used on more expensive homes to give a
“wood home” look. The materials used to create this siding are sand, cement and
cellulose fibers. It won’t rot and is very durable. It’s considered to be a
low-maintenance material. It needs to be painted but only every 10 to 15
years. It is a heavy material and does need to be installed correctly.
Wood
Wood siding is used less than other kinds of exterior materials. You’ll find
wood houses primarily in neighborhoods built during the 1970s and into the
1980s. It was used to provide a “contemporary” look during that period. The
great negatives of wood siding are its high maintenance need for frequent
painting and lower durability.
Stucco
Stucco has been used in Charlotte on upscale homes since the 1980s. There
are two types of stucco: hard coat and synthetic. Hard coat stucco is a cement
product while synthetic stucco is a watertight product. Homes built with
synthetic stucco in the late 1980s and early 1990s often had moisture problems
because no drainage system was installed to let water behind the siding escape.
These homes should have special stucco inspections and a regular maintenance
program. Synthetic stucco on newer homes has been installed differently and has
fewer problems.
Want to know more about real estate and living in Charlotte NC?
Request a free Charlotte
NC relocation package.
Copyright 2011. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Realtors. *Charlotte NC
Relocation—What Type of Exterior Siding is on the Homes?*