From our perspective as a custom home builder, choosing the right materials for your exterior is more than just a design decision. It’s a critical step that affects your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency and overall durability. The selection should involve careful consideration of both our local climate and your own personal preferences.
First, start by prioritizing materials that are durable, low maintenance, and resistant to the weather. For example, fiber cement siding and insulated vinyl siding provide excellent insulation to withstand the cold temperatures of a Prince George winter. They’re also low maintenance, cost effective, and energy efficient. Next, consider aesthetics and how the materials and colours you choose will complement the architectural style of your new custom home. Can you find a balance between natural materials that might be appealing, but require more maintenance? Are there enhanced insulation options that look good and reduce heating costs? Your designer and home builder can help guide you through these decisions.
Cement Fibre Siding
Cement fibre siding is what it sounds like – it’s made from a blend of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibre. It provides excellent insulation and moisture resistance and is a long-lasting and low maintenance option preferred by home builders.
Cement fibre siding is readily available and comes in a wide array of colours. This variety allows homeowners to easily select shades that match their style preference. If you’ve been planning your custom home for a while, you might be familiar with the James Hardie brand of cement fibre siding – which comes in planks, panels, and shakes / shingles.
Aluminium Siding
Aluminum siding is a durable and low-maintenance choice that’s perfect for our Prince George climate. Its rust resistant nature makes it ideal for wet conditions. The wide variety of colours allow you to personalize the appearance of your home and match or complement your existing design preferences. This is another high quality choice preferred by home builders.
- Energy efficient for northern climates
- Low maintenance for long-term living
- Wide selection of colours available
Stucco
Stucco is made of cement, sand, lime, and water. It provides a clean, seamless look that can complement your home’s architecture by providing a different textural element. It’s available in a wide range of colours, too. Stucco works best in dry warm clients, but home builders can apply additional treatments to make it more durable in northern BC where it will be subject to rain, snow, and temperatures below freezing.
- Both fire resistant and rot resistant
- Available in varied textures and colours
- Can require some maintenance
Brick
Bricks are primarily made from clay, sand, and water, with some other additives included. It offers a low maintenance option for a timeless look. Brick may be sourced in a variety of colours and styles to suit your custom home design. With excellent insulation properties, a brick exterior is an energy efficient choice and an eco-friendly one as well since it is made from natural materials.
- An expensive exterior material choice
- Fewer colour options than other materials
- Low maintenance and fire resistant
Wood Siding
Wood siding exudes charm and can be a natural choice in a city like ours with strong ties to the forestry industry. It can be customized with stains and paints in an almost unlimited variety of colours. On the other hand, wood siding requires regular maintenance to protect it against rain, sun, and snow. It can potentially absorb moisture, leading to warping or rotting over time. It’s typically not the first choice for home builders working in northern climates with plenty of precipitation.
- Requires regular cleaning and staining
- Easily damaged by pests and woodpeckers
- Low fire resistance compared to other options
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from PVC resin which is shaped, cooled, and cut into lengths. It is affordable, versatile, and offered in a wide range of colours and styles. From a practical perspective, it is lightweight, easy to install, and requires minimal maintenance. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low cost yet attractive exterior option.
- One of the most affordable exterior options
- Easy to install and easy to care for in general
- Wide range of colours and quality levels
Our Favourite Exterior Options, As A Quality Custom Home Builder
At Lithium One Homes, we prioritize exteriors that combine durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. Cement fibre stands out with its low maintenance and impressive longevity, providing a cost effective solution for modern homeowners. Aluminum siding is another favourite, offering resilience against harsh weather, easy upkeep, and energy efficiency – ideal for Canadian settings.
For a touch of timeless elegance, we frequently incorporate engineered stone into our designs, which adds character to the home’s exterior. Together, these materials ensure your new custom home will look attractive and stay warm both now and in the decades to come.
