But there's more to these choices than appearances. Roofing and siding may also be a property's first line of defense resistant to the weather. This is exactly why the materials have to be durable, properly set up, and well maintained. Conventional possibilities wood, brick, stone, and stucco for walls; cedar, slate, and tile for roofs are time-tested and good-looking. They are also pricey. So in recent decades they've been joined by man-made look alikes that cost less plus don't need just as much upkeep.
"You once had to decide on between low-maintenance and nice-looking," says a general contractor. "Today you could have both." Continue reading for Tom's installation techniques and a review of the next generation of roofing and siding products.
No roofing or siding material by itself is a great barrier from the elements. So before the outer skin continues on, he protects most of the vulnerable areas — the corners and edges — with sticky strips of waterproofing membrane. Then he tops everything with layers of builder's felt, a thick, asphalt-impregnated paper.
The plastic housewrap beneath the siding of most new houses or additions is intended to end wind and water. But Tom uses the old (and much cheaper) materials — builder's felt or rosin paper — because he would rather insulate with spray foam. "there is no air or moisture passage to worry about," he says. And always, whether over felt, paper, or a wrap, Tom tacks up drainage strips before he hangs wood siding. "It needs an air space behind so that it can dry out."
Peel-and-Stick Flashing
Of all the new building materials that Tom has present in the last 25 years, he is embraced none more enthusiastically than self-adhesive waterproofing membrane. This peel-and-stick high-tech tar is impervious to water and literally seals itself around any fasteners that penetrate it. The membrane also sticks tenaciously to itself, so installation could be tricky. "We learned not to ever do the installation into the wind," Tom says. Tough as it's, the membrane does have an Achilles' heel - sunlight = therefore it should always be covered with siding, roofing, or metal flashing.
Cement Siding
Fiber-cement siding is virtually indistinguishable from painted wood, yet it never rots, will not burn, extends the life of a paint job, and is warranted for 50 years. Additionally the price—about $3 per sq ft, set up and painted—is slightly less than that of most wood clapboard. The siding, a mixture of cement, cellulose fiber, and sand, was utilized on the Billerica TV project house. Tom was impressed. "It looks really nice," he says.
Plastic Trim
PVC, an extrusion of vinyl whipped packed with tiny bubbles, could be cut, routed, nailed, and painted exactly like real wood. In fact, it does everything wood does—except rot, check, warp, or fade. Tom used it on the outside regarding the Concord cottage project, as well as Norm Abram was hard pressed to tell that it wasn't painted wood
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