Recently, I was asked to research an alternative exterior finish for two
historic preservation projects. Both projects have painted wood siding and while the clients would like to respect the look of the original materials, can not afford the ongoing maintenance costs. I have been looking into products such as Texcote and Liquid Siding as alternatives. Are these products as good as they sound? Can anyone give me the unbiased review of products such as these?
Amy
Replies
If the building is listed as historic you may not have any options...you gotta use the same materials as original, check with your local historic society. I've worked on wood siding a hundred years old that still looked good as well as wood that rotted after a decade, its all in the install (although I suspect that siding cut from old growth trees worked better as it was more dimensionally stable, with the straighter grain, fewer knots and higher density). I'm assuming you're talking about wood, correct me if I'm wrong.
Actually, they aren't in the historic district, or listed on the historic registry. It's more about repecting the historical look wihtout having the "historical maintenance" associated with wood siding.
Wood siding properly spaced off the wall sheathing (a rain screen), flashed, back-and-end primed and then painted with high quality paint should give low maintenance siding. Proper and concientious prep and methodolgy is key. However the fibercement products look very close to painted wood and every siding contractor I've talked to has nothing to say but positive things. I'd only done some small work with it so there are more qualified opinions on the product I'm sure. I'm currently flipflopping from wood to fibrecement on my own home to replace aluminum overlaid onto asphalt shingles, yeech!
The cement fiber siding (the good stuff like HardiPlank) is even accepted in some historic districts. The point is to have the right look, not necessarily the exact same stuff. Of course, if we are talking about Abe Lincoln's cabin, the feeling is different. But for historic neighborhoods, cement fiber siding is often ok.
I do recommend the factory prime and paint, which increases the lead time.
I'll tell ya a little tidbit.
We restored the oldest Dr's office in a western NC town ( yes it was hysterically accurate)...the paint chosen was Duron...before the job was completed the paint failed. This was a circa 1900 wood clap siding, interior was gutted so no worries about vapor barriers and that crap.
They found a better painter...it is done for 6 yrs now without a problem.
I would seriously vote for the fibre cement..
And to BSayer, Linclons cabin is LONG gone, the "new one" is fake. And My log crib is original to the era..and i am using? Fibre cement!!!..LOL
They woulda if thay had it..I know it. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Time, time, time look what's become of us..Time is all we have, spend it wisely with fervor..dance for no reason, love with out plans and live without worries..we all can.