siding

[locohorn93]

So we're re-doing our kitchen, and as part of this, a couple windows will move. The happy accident of that is the aluminum siding we have there gets yanked and replaced with something that goes with the rest of the house better---tin roof and limestone.

The house I grew up in has tin and limestone and the rough cedar gives the whole thing a nice Hill Country look. The aluminum is therefore like kryptonite to me, although the upside is that it doesn't take the maintenance that the cedar does.

What are y'alls thoughts/experience with either of the following other options currently on the table:
stucco
hardiplank
rough cedar (tips I might not already know to make it last)

Looking for input on upfront whip-out/sq ft, cost of ownership (experiences with upkeep), dimensional stability, durability, ease of installation, etc.

If it matters, the upstairs is all aluminum siding. There's otherwise not much on the house, except where the kitchen is.

Much appreciation in advance!

 

[Orangeblood]

We went with Hardiplank when we added on a few years ago. Had them tear off all the old wood and re-did the whole house. No problems yet at all and no worries about most of the wood upkeep.

 

[wherzwaldo]

My parents got Hardiplank a little over a year ago. No complaints. Held up magnificently during the hailstorm too - golf ball sized hail and not even any scratches in the paint. By contrast, our neighbor's normal siding looks like a dalmatian. There is little if any upkeep - just hose it off.

It is expensive though. I think the siding (upper story plus half of the lower story), replacing three exterior doors, and adding a window in the garage came to be about $20k.

Installation (including taking the old stuff off) took about three weeks.

 

[shaq]

Being in the construction business, I'd go with stone or cedar. IMO, Hardi is a great product, but would stick out like a sore thumb if you used it as specified.


Apparently, you live around Austin (low humidity) the stone/cedar combo sounds like a better option.

 

[locohorn93]

Thanks for the input, everyone!

 

[utexas_61]

I worked contruction a summer in the Houston area when I was in high school and all we used was Hardiplank. So much better that wood. Wont ever rot and paint clings to it better.

 

[wherzwaldo]

Addendum - upon further inspection, our Hardiplank did sustain some damage in the hailstorm. One panel had a nickel-sized piece chipped off the edge, but that was it.