There are a lot of things to consider when looking to build a new home or renovate an existing one. Here are some places to start.
Choose Your Siding
One of the most popular types of siding in Grande Prairie and northern Alberta is vinyl. But which is right for you? With our climate, you should choose siding that’s durable and efficient: tough enough to endure winter yet efficient enough to avoid spikes in your energy bill. Some of our favourites include vinyl siding, metal siding, and fibre-cement board (also known as Hardie board or HardiePlank). Here’s a breakdown:
Vinyl Siding – a durable option at a lower initial cost than fibre-cement board siding or metal. It’s also low maintenance and comes in a variety of colours, textures, and profiles. It’s been known to last up to 25 years when managed properly. Vinyl siding is durable, but heat can warp it and cold temperatures increase the risk of cracking or peeling.
Fibre-Cement (Hardie Board) Siding – more expensive initially but more durable than vinyl. Hardie Board has been known to last 50 years or more, even in the coldest, harshest Alberta winters. Because it’s made from fibre cement, it’s less susceptible to warping or peeling with extreme temperatures. It can, however, crack upon a large impact. Unlike vinyl, fibre-cement board can require new paint after a while, as the colour may fade with time.
Metal Siding – less common for homes, but a convenient option for industrial, commercial, and other buildings. Generally made from aluminum or steel, it’s durable, low maintenance, and strong. It’s resistant to bugs and other pests and it’s recyclable – a greener option for when it eventually exceeds its lifespan.
Metal siding can pose a problem when completing repairs as it can be costly and difficult to match the colours. It also doesn’t provide as much insulation, which makes it a trickier option for homes in a northern climate. It can also be more expensive than other options.
Remember The Details: Soffit, Fascia & Eavestroughs
The exterior of your home includes soffit, fascia, and eavestroughs. Each has its own place in the structural integrity of your home and, just like siding, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Soffit – an extension of the siding that covers the overhang of your roof to protect it from water, pests, and the cold. Older soffit may be wood or aluminum, but today, we offer soffit in a variety of materials, including synthetic and composite materials such as UPVC and vinyl. These materials are more durable than wood and offer plenty of design options to complement your home.
Fascia – the exposed band you can see connected to the soffit, acting as the support for your home’s eavestroughs. Since it’s more exposed than soffit, it’s more easily viewed from the street and can add to the aesthetic of your home. It comes in a couple of materials and many designs. As with the soffit on your home, making choices about the colour and design of fascia can complement the architecture of your house.
Eavestroughs & Gutters – these collect rainwater and melted snow, and carry this water off your roof to prevent water damage. For materials, you can choose between copper, vinyl, aluminum, or steel gutters.
When choosing materials, remember that Steel gutters are incredibly durable, but they also require regular maintenance to avoid rusting. Aluminum eavestroughs are more affordable but lack the durability of steel and still require maintenance.
Making The Right Decision For Your Home Or Business Exterior
You have a lot of options to consider when designing and renovating the exterior of your home. While some of these decisions may be easy for you to make, the difficulty often comes with the details. The most efficient course of action is to talk to the experts at Heritage Roofing. We’ll be able to answer your questions and give you personalized advice to fit your home or business.
