Expert: Dave Johnson - 11/21/2009

Question
I am reducing an 18 foot garage opening to 9 feet. It's the front of the house, and is actually the only part of the home that is visible from the street. The house is slump block with a few areas of what I will call pseudo grained wood paneling. I would like to use some other (more substantial looking) siding.  This is in the desert southwest and the wall is southern facing. Termites frequent the area, too!

Answer
Hi Renee,
First, being from Maine I have had very little experience with this type of construction. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure what you mean by "slump block". (by now you must have a lot of confidence in me).

However, I wouldn't use any wood siding because of the termites. That leaves "Hardy Plank" ( a cement based product); any decorative blocks or bricks; stucco or even tile. (we just recently got home from Italy/Spain and saw a lot of tiled exteriors.

Sorry I wasn't of more help, best of luck anyway....

Dave