Before we look at the possible veneers and sidings that are available, it is important to understand the basic construction of your home.

The house framing, its support, sits on a foundation wall which in turn sits on a footing.

The 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 stud wall framing sits on the sub-floor which rests on the floor joists.  This framing supports the roof joist and rafter system or pre-manufactured roof trusses.

An outside layer of sheathing covers the stud wall and provides twisting and bending structural support in order for the stud walls to carry the weight of the roof or in some cases a second and third story.  The sheathing also provides a surface to connect the veneer or siding to the house framing.

The sheathing is then covered with a siding or veneer to protect it from the elements.  It is this structure that supports the siding and veneer.  The siding or veneer does not support the structure.

From a structural standpoint the siding or veneer does not carry any of the load of the home or at least it shouldn't..

The width of the foundation wall will vary depending on the type of veneer chosen for the home. 

For horizontal or vertical material siding, the sheathing will either be flush with or overlap the outside of the foundation wall.	For a stucco or thin brick veneer the foundation will extend about 2 inches farther than the sheathing to allow space for the thickness of the veneer so that the finished veneer surface is flush with the foundation wall.	For brick veneer the foundation is made wide enough to provide a platform for the bricks.  The outside edge of the brick is usually vertically in line with the outside edge of the foundation wall.

As a general statement, you cannot remove horizontal siding, stucco or thin brick veneer and replace it with bricks, as the foundation wall is not designed with a ledge wide enough to support the brick wall.

Horizontal or vertical siding can generally be installed over any existing wall surface including brick and stucco.  It should be noted however, that window and door frames may have to be modified or replaced to account for the added thickness of the siding or veneer material.

The following page lists exterior house sidings and veneers available.  Please note that the list is in alphabetical order and by no means is the order meant to suggest a preference in installation or quality.  It should also be noted that there are many manufacturers of each of the sidings and veneers and there specifications as to the life of the material, guarantees warranties, accessories and fittings will vary dramatically.  Always compare the specific specifications of each of the manufacturers.

The following chart will give you some indication as to the costs, installed, of different types of siding and veneer products.  Note, this is only a guideline as there are many items that can influence the actual price of a project:

• Quality of the material chosen,

• Removal and disposal of the current siding or veneer,

• Insulation requirements,

• Difficult installation, due to landscaping or other obstacles,

• Location.

To receive, no obligation, quotations on any of your home siding projects click on the contractor button:

Siding Terminology

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