SWET Construction Group provides painting and drywall services to multi-family clients throughout the Southeastern United States, and handles renovation and repair services which include disaster repair and demolition services as well.
Whether you are looking to buy or build a multi-family dwelling, aesthetics are a cornerstone in this decision. The side of the building is directly related to the home’s value and the home energy efficiency. There are a wide variety of materials available, but the ones chosen most are brick, stucco, and vinyl siding.
Types of material and the advantages:
- Brick has tiny holes in it allowing for air flow causing the energy efficiency to go down and is difficult as well as expensive to install.
- Stucco has limited colors, is difficult and expensive to install. It is also hard to keep from staining and cracking causing the maintenance of the walls to be increasingly difficult, especially when matching paint.
- Vinyl siding has been known for difficulties with being sealed to keep bugs, mold/mildew, and dirt out from behind it. It can also stain, and be punctured all of which question the energy efficiency and maintenance costs. Also the latest news suggests the realty value is somewhat of a concern.
Cost savings and comparison between types of building products chosen:
- Brick is great for retaining heat. It allows for heat within the house to be absorbed and radiated back in, but it also takes heat from outside and radiates it in. It also gives the most bang for your buck in real value and is also helpful with energy efficiency.
- Stucco is easily painted which means a house can be whatever color you want it to be and can be easier to repair than brick should it be damaged.
- Vinyl siding is better than both when it comes to ease of installation, price, and even durability with the new upgrades to the manufacturing materials.
You could choose other materials such as wood, stone, cinder block, or even fiber cement. However, brick and stucco are quite similar in their ability to outperform those options by leaps and bounds when it comes to energy efficiency. However, vinyl siding is a leader in energy efficiency.
The importance of energy efficiency:
Energy efficiency is no longer based on the outside materials, but the insulation behind them, so brick and vinyl siding can literally be brought to the same high rating with enough of the right kind of insulation added. It is maintenance where vinyl siding ranks ahead of the pack. Brick is easier to maintain than stucco, but not nearly as easy as vinyl siding. The bug concern has been taken care of in newer models, and with the way the siding is made today, a simple wipe down at least or spray down at the most would the only requirement to keep it clean.
Hurry back for more SWET construction news next time.