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Can you still buy aluminum siding?

Which siding WOOD you choose? (or aluminum)

  • Should our second-story siding be wood, aluminum, or a combination of the two? Our first floor will have plaster over the straw-clay walls. The 8x16' loft overlooks a greenroof on one side. It will be constructed on more conventional lines. Plaster is doesn't make as much sense here, because it would require lath over the walls. Also, re-plastering the high walls every year or two doesn't sound very appealing. We're considering using wood on the wall facing the greenroof for aesthetic reasons, but in the Pacific Northwest rot could become a problem, and wood requires routine painting or staining. This would be easy enough on the wall that overlooks the greenroof, but not on the other three sides. Aluminum would be easier to maintain, but doesn't look as nice. Also may be prone to leaks at seams? (Yes, there are other types of siding. We have ruled them out for various reasons.) Two questions: 1) Is it feasible to put wood siding on one wall and aluminum on the other three, or will this cause trouble at corners? (It looks like http://ask.metafilter.com/258891/Giving-our-house-a-facelift. Is it also ok with aluminum?) 2) Are there any other disadvantages to aluminum?

  • Answer:

    Cementicious (hardy board) siding. Comes in a variety of styles from clapboard to shingles. You really should not rule this one out. rot free, maintenance is minimal, and you can get the look you want from a natural material. As far as meeting at the corners, as long as you have a vertical corner board you can do it with any type of siding as long as you terminate it properly. And don't forget to caulk where dissimilar materials meet.

sibilatorix at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

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Second cement board. Hardiboard is actually a brand name of the James Hardie company; other companies make similar materials. Not the cheapest option, but looks like wood and won't rot.

Benny Andajetz

Thirding fiber cement siding. Looks good, does not rot, and is very easy to install.

Nackt

We're not interested in cementicious siding, thanks.

sibilatorix

Unless you enjoy repainting on a regular basis, I'd suggest you want aluminum. Our wooden cottage needs redoing with varnish every five years or so. It's a great look-pine logs-but it takes a lot of upkeep. If you go that way, be sure that you're OK with that.

bonehead

Aluminum is fragile as heck. It's one reason vinyl is so popular. It has no tolerance for abuse and can be hard to fix, as paints change and fade with time. That's not a huge concern on a second story though.

bonehead

Look around your neighborhood. Does anyone have cedar siding? If it works for them it will work for you. Cedar can be installed unstained and unpainted, and it will fade to gray. This may be attractive in your setting.

Midnight Skulker

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