As a homeowner, you want your house to look its best. After all, your home is not only a reflection of your personal taste, but it’s also a major financial investment. In this blog post, you’ll find out the benefits of stone veneer siding. This is a popular choice for many homeowners who want the classic look of stone without the hefty price tag.
When it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal, one of the most impactful (and permanent) changes you can make is installing new siding. There are several different types of siding available on the market today, including brick veneer, vinyl, and aluminum. But what about stone veneer siding?
Here are the benefits of stone veneer siding:
Affordability
The main reason why stone veneer siding is more affordable is that it doesn’t require as much material as natural stone siding. In addition, the installation process is much quicker and easier, which also helps to keep costs down.
The price of the material itself will vary depending on the type of stone you choose. For example, a natural stone veneer will be more expensive than a manufactured stone veneer.
Natural Aesthetics
One of the most obvious benefits of stone veneer siding is its aesthetic appeal. This type of siding can give your home a natural and rustic look that will surely increase its curb appeal.
Unlike other siding options—such as vinyl or aluminum—stone veneer looks like the real thing because it is the real thing. Each piece of stone is unique, so you can be sure that your home will have a one-of-a-kind look that will make it stand out from the rest.
Stone veneer siding also comes in a variety of colors and styles. You can easily find an option that complements your home’s existing exterior and style.
Long-Lasting Durability
When properly installed and maintained, stone veneer siding can last for decades. In fact, it’s not uncommon for stone veneer siding to outlast the homes in which it is installed!
This is due in part to the material itself; natural stone is incredibly durable and resistant to the elements. But it’s also due to the installation process. Stone veneers are bonded to their backing material with mortar, creating a strong bond that can withstand the elements and daily wear and tear.
Stone veneer siding is also very good at resisting moisture. This is important because moisture can damage your home in a number of ways. Moisture can cause wood rot, which can weaken the structural integrity of your home. It can also cause mold and mildew to grow, which can be harmful to your health. By choosing stone veneer siding, you can rest assured knowing that your home is well-protected from moisture damage.
Great Insulation For Your Home
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a siding material for your home is its R-value. The R-value is a measure of how well a material resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at resisting heat flow.
Stone veneer siding has a very high R-value, making it an excellent choice for insulating your home. This is because stone is an excellent conductor of heat, which means it can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Easy To Install
One of the biggest benefits of stone veneer siding is that it is easier for professionals to install. It can be cut and shaped to fit any area, making it a great option for both small and large projects alike.
It also doesn’t require a lot of tools or special skills to install stone veneer siding. This makes it a perfect do-it-yourself project for homeowners who want to save money on labor costs.
Panelized Systems
Panelized systems are a type of stone veneer siding that consists of panels that are attached to the exterior of your home. The panels are made from real stone, and they are cut thin so that they are lightweight and easy to install. Panelized systems are a great option for those who want the look of stone without the weight or cost.
Benefits Of Panelized Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer panels are just that- panels of stone veneer. They are easy to install, and they are much lighter than traditional stone siding. This makes stone veneer panels a great option for those who want to avoid the cost and mess of tearing down any existing siding. Panelized systems are also more energy efficient than traditional siding. This means they can help you save money on your energy bills.
Another benefit of stone veneer panels is that they allow you to create a custom look for your home. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles, and you can even add accents to personalize your house siding. Panelized systems give you the freedom to create a one-of-a-kind look for your home that will make it stand out from the rest.
Individualized Systems
This style of stone veneer is also called loose stone veneer. Loose stone veneer siding simply requires that you adhere it to a backing with construction adhesive and then secure it with nails or screws.
Benefits Of Individualized Stone Veneer Siding
You can choose almost any type of stone to use. This widens your design options to where you will find something that appeals to your taste.
Low Maintenance
Unlike other types of siding, such as aluminum or wood siding, stone veneer siding does not require regular painting or staining. And unlike vinyl siding, it’s not susceptible to damage from UV rays or extreme temperatures. Stone veneer siding is also resistant to fire and pests, making it a low-maintenance option for your home.
This also helps increase your home’s value. You, nor any future owner, will have to put in a lot of money or effort to maintain the curb appeal.
Cons Of Stone Veneer Siding
While stone veneer is a great material for siding, it does have a few downsides.
Not As Durable As Natural Stone
One of the primary disadvantages of stone veneer siding is that it is not as durable as natural stone. While stone veneer siding can last for decades, it is not as resistant to damage as natural stone. It’s more susceptible to cracking and chipping, and it doesn’t stand up as well to extreme weather conditions.
This means that it may need to be repaired or replaced more often than natural stone siding.
Not An Easy DIY Project
The first thing to know about stone veneer installation is that it’s heavy. Really heavy. A stone veneer wall can weigh as much as 10 times more than a conventional wood frame wall. That means that you’re going to need a very strong foundation to support the weight of the stones.
If you don’t have a strong foundation, the stones could eventually start to crack and crumble. This would not only ruin the look of your home but could also pose a safety hazard.
Another thing to keep in mind is that stone veneer siding is brittle. Unlike other types of siding, such as vinyl or aluminum, stone veneers can’t be bent or shaped. That means that any imperfections in your walls will be magnified once the stone veneer is installed. If your walls are not perfectly straight, the end result will be an uneven-looking façade.
Finally, installing stone veneer siding is labor intensive. It’s not a project that you can tackle in one weekend. It’s going to take days, if not weeks, to complete. Unless you’re experienced in working with masonry materials, it’s likely that you’ll make some mistakes along the way. Mistakes that could end up costing you a lot of money to fix.
This type of siding must be installed by a professional contractor who has experience working with it. If it is not installed correctly, it can lead to a number of problems, such as leaks and drafts.
More Expensive Than Other Types Of Siding
While stone veneer is affordable when compared to natural stone, it isn’t the cheapest option. Stone veneer siding is more expensive than other types of siding, such as vinyl or wood. This is because it is more labor-intensive to install stone veneer, and it requires specialized tools and equipment. The cost of the materials themselves can also be quite high.
Can Be Damaged By Water
The biggest problem with stone veneer siding is that it’s not as waterproof as other types of siding, like vinyl or fiber cement. If water gets behind the stone veneer, it can cause the stones to loosen and fall off. Water can also damage the underlying structure of your house, leading to rot, mold, and even serious structural damage.
To prevent water damage to your stone veneer siding, it’s important to have it installed correctly. Make sure that the contractor you hire uses proper installation techniques and materials. In addition, check the caulking and sealant around your stone veneer regularly to make sure it’s in good condition.
Not Suitable for All Climates
Stone veneer siding is also not suitable for all climates. In areas with severe weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rains, stone veneers can be more likely to suffer damage.
It’s the same for areas that experience very hot summers and very cold winters. That’s because extreme temperature changes can cause the stone veneer to crack or crumble. Also, the adhesives used to attach the stone to the backing material can break down, causing the stone to fall off.
If you live in an area with moderate summers and winters, stone veneer siding is a better choice. The moderate temperature changes won’t be as likely to cause damage to the stone veneer siding.
However, you should still have your stone veneer regularly inspected to look for any signs of damage.
Requires Regular Maintenance
Stone veneer siding also requires regular maintenance in order to keep it looking its best. This includes cleaning the stones on a regular basis and sealing them every few years to prevent staining and weathering.
It isn’t as much maintenance as other siding needs, but all sidings need some amount of care.
Love The Look Of Your Home Again
Stone veneer siding is a great option for homeowners looking to improve the look of their homes. It can be used to update the exterior of your home or as an accent on certain areas. There are many benefits to using a stone veneer, including its durability and how it can increase the value of your home in Winnetka.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a decision. Make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before deciding if this is the right option for you.
If you decide that stone veneer siding is right for you, fill out our contact form today, and we’ll be happy to help you get started!