Natural stone siding has been a popular choice for homeowners and builders for many years. It adds a timeless and elegant look to any home, but has a few drawbacks. Natural stone is expensive, heavy, difficult to install, and requires maintenance. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem - faux stone siding.
Faux stone siding, also known as manufactured or artificial stone, is made of lightweight materials, such as polyurethane, that mimic the texture and colors of natural stone. It has become a popular alternative to natural stone due to its durability, affordability, and easy installation.
One of the biggest advantages of faux stone siding is its cost-effective price point. In general, faux stone is less expensive than natural stone, eliminating the need for homeowners or builders to cut corners on design plans by choosing other, less adequate materials.
Faux stone veneer is made up of lightweight materials that are much easier to install. Instead of requiring a thick foundation and support, the builders can quickly add faux stone siding by laying it on top of a pre-existing surface. As a result, building with faux stone siding creates less construction waste, and it is much more energy-efficient during construction.
Natural stone requires regular maintenance, such as resealing, to protect it from water absorption and discoloration. In comparison, faux stone siding is much more durable and requires hardly any maintenance. Faux stone veneer is typically constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, rain, and wind.
Faux stone siding offers a wide range of design possibilities. Faux stone veneer is now available in different textures, styles and colours, such as limestone, sandstone, and granite. It eliminates the need to go hunting for stones in different quarries, and it is easy to cut and shape to fit any design style.
Faux stone is typically produced by molded polyurethane or a similar synthetic material. The polyurethane cast is then painted with quality paint to mimic the colour and style of natural stone. As a result, it is incredibly realistic and difficult to differentiate from the real thing. Due to the use of lighter materials, the overall weight of the faux stone siding is much lighter than that of natural stone.
Faux stone siding is relatively easy to install. The installation process requires fewer resources, less time, and less labour than natural stone siding. The fasteners for the faux stone siding are similarly secured to the wall, the same way natural stone fits, ensuring a durable and long-lasting effect.
Yes, you can paint faux stone siding. But since it is painted to look like natural stone, repainting it can be a complicated and difficult task. If you decide to paint faux stone siding, it is recommended to leave the job to an experienced professional who has experience with working with a veneer painting.
It is possible for faux stone siding to crack, especially if it is installed incorrectly. However, properly installed faux stone siding is typically guaranteed against cracking and is built to last for many years without any damage.
Cleaning faux stone siding is incredibly easy. It requires a gentle mix of dish soap and water and a soft-bristle brush to apply to the surface. Thorough cleaning of gravel or grit can be essential, particularly if you live in a dusty area. It is not recommended to use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your faux siding, as this can cause damage or discoloration.
Faux stone siding is not fireproof; however, it is less likely to catch fire than natural stone. Since faux stone siding is made of synthetic materials, this may be a concern for people who prefer fewer synthetic substances. If fire resistance is your primary concern, seek out a company with faux stone siding that is rated purely for its fire-resistant properties.
Faux stone siding is undoubtedly an excellent alternative to natural stone, particularly for homeowners who would like to add a unique look to their home. It is more affordable, lighter, and durable than natural stone, making it an ideal choice for any construction project. Its versatility and range of design options puts faux stone siding on par, if not above, natural stones, making it an excellent option for homeowners looking to create a unique, stylish home.
