Natural Stone Siding

Stone Siding Installation

Natural stone siding is a high-end exterior material typically reserved for grand structures like cathedrals and university buildings. But depending on the structural stability of your home, you can also add it to your home’s exterior to create a stunning look that will last a lifetime.

Natural stone is significantly more expensive than other home siding options. However, it is completely resistant to rot, insects, fire, and almost anything that mother nature can throw at it.

In fact, depending on where you live, installing natural stone may even earn you a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premiums. So while the initial cost to install new siding may be steep, the long lifespan of natural stone combined with the potential increase in your home value can make the investment well worth it.

Natural Stone vs. Faux Stone Siding

You can create the look of natural stone at a much more affordable price by using manufactured faux stone veneers. In fact, most homes that appear to have stone siding today actually have stone veneer siding.

But it is important to understand the difference in quality between natural stone vs. stone veneer. Faux stone is created by pouring concrete into a mold that resembles natural stone. Then, that product is stained so that it is more closely imitative of natural colors.

Siding installers started using faux stone decades ago as an alternative to heavy natural stone. Real stone is typically at least four inches thick, which placed a lot of weight on the structures of homes. Stone veneer and faux stone is less expensive, as it forgoes the quarrying process. It is also light weight which makes installation and labor costs significantly less.

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Faux Stone vs. Stone Veneer

You may have heard of both stone veneer siding and faux stone siding. Believe it or not, they actually have subtle differences.

The natural stone market responded to competition from faux stone by developing a new sawing processes to produce a much lighter natural stone mix product, most often referred to as stone veneer siding. Stone veneer makes natural stone more budget-friendly and lessens the impact on the structure of your home.

Customization

The look of stone veneer is superior to faux stone and it can be customized to fit your home, as masons can cut and chip stone to make it fit a desired pattern. This kind of customization is less possible with faux stone, as cutting and chipping would expose the inner, unstained concrete.

Appearance

Additionally, while faux stone may look great from far away, up close, it cannot compete with the stunning beauty of stone veneers. Natural stone veneer has a unique appearance and texture, while faux stone is limited to a certain number of molds.

Longevity

Finally, in terms of longevity, stone veneer provides a beautiful look for the lifetime of your home, while faux stone is stained and painted–so count on fading, less durability, and more maintenance.

Benefits of Installing Natural Stone Siding

While it is an expensive siding option, there are plenty of benefits to know about natural stone siding.

Unique Appearance

Natural stone creates a unique look for your home. It is not crafted from a mold in a factory and comes in a variety of natural colors and textures to give your home a distinct, one-of-a-kind look.

Very Durable

This type of siding is significantly more durable than other types. It will not fade over time and is resistant to chipping or scratching.

Eco-friendly

If making an environmentally sustainable choice for your home is important to you, natural stone is a fantastic choice. It is naturally occurring and emits no gases that would impact indoor air quality. Depending on where you live, you may be able to use stone that comes from your immediate area, which reduces CO2 emissions from long-haul transportation costs of stone siding.

Long Lasting

With its durability and relatively low maintenance, natural stone will last the lifetime of your home. You should never need to complete another siding replacement project!

Is Natural Stone Siding Worth the Cost?

While natural stone siding is probably the most expensive siding choice you can select for your home, unlike other siding choices, you can expect it to last the lifetime of your home so it’s a one-time investment.

Most siding replacements can yield a 77% rate of return on your investment or more, and you can expect an even greater return with stone. According to Real Estate Pro Magazine, stone siding is very attractive to prospective homebuyers as they associate natural stone with quality, polish, and durability. If you plan to sell your home at a premium price someday, new stone siding can make your home stand out to the competition.

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Stone Siding Maintenance Tips

Natural stone siding is virtually maintenance free, but you’ll still want to adopt a few regular practices to keep your stone siding looking great.

• Inspect siding regularly: Check your siding a few times a year for damaged stones. While natural stone is durable, impacts or strong vibrations can still cause damage.
• Repair damage quickly: If you spot cracks, apply mortar directly into the crack. Use a damp finger to smooth it out, then let it dry overnight. Reinspect and reapply if needed. For recurring cracks, consult a professional.
• Clean natural stone gently: Mix warm water with a bit of vinegar or dish soap. Use a moistened sponge or soft brush to scrub the stones. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

Finding a Stone Siding Replacement Professional

Before selecting natural stone for your home’s exterior, you will need to make sure that your budget can accommodate the high cost, typically $30+ per installed square foot.

Additionally, because of the heavy weight of the stone and need for heavy duty professional tools to cut the stone, this is definitely not a do-it-yourself project. You will need to consult with a reliable stone siding installer near you to first make sure that your home’s structure can handle the additional weight from the stone, as well as to complete the installation.

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