Expert: Joan Miller - 3/26/2009

Question
Hello~
I have a ranch-style home built in the 1950's. It is a combination of cedar shakes,
brick and a small amount of wood siding.  The siding was placed when the previous
owner closed in a breezeway.  The problem is that the siding doesn't match the rest
of the house well.  My husband and I have been thinking about taking the siding
down and replacing it with brick original to the home we have from a patio we are
pulling up.  We have also considered purchasing new coordinating brick or stone.  
What are your opinions on this idea?  Are there stone/brick surfaces that we can use
without having to pour a new brick ledge (something that works like tile?)

Answer
Thank you for your question Charlotte. Yes, there are a few suggestions that I would like to recommend in order to keep the concept of your ranch in a stylish classic look. The first step is to find your local brick and stone distributor. Please ask them if they distribute either Rinox, Shouldice or Cultured Stone products. With regards to Cultured Stone, and Rinox, they make concrete stone products that are 1½" thick. These can be easily installed just as a ceramic tile as you had mentioned. My highest recommendation goes to Shouldice for the "Fusion" system. The concept of the Fusion system provides you with, again, 1½" thick stone along with clips and screws that permit you to install directly onto the veneer panel. It comes with the POZ E FLO panel that permits ventilation behind the stone. Add the finishing touch with a real masonry joint that makes the product look less "artificial" than the others that I had mentioned to you. The variety of colors and styles available will also impress you! Hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

Best Regards,

Joan Miller