Construction Industry/Dryvit or lap siding?

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Expert: - 7/19/2008


Question
We are in the process of building an optometry office.  We have planned to place Silverdale stone around the bottom and up each corner.  Keeping in mind resale value, cost, aesthetics, insulating qualities and maintenance would you recommend Dryvit or lap siding for the sides? thanks! (We are leaning towards wide untextured lap siding.)

Answer
Carol,

If you are in an area that has extreme temperature changes (warm summer and cold winter) then I would not recommend Dryvit.  Expansion and contraction of the product could cause cracking which in turn allows water intrusion and damage.  

The lap siding is a good choice.  It can be repaired easily, painted and is very durable.  There is a lab siding product available that is made of composition including concrete.  It is not tapered like cedar or redwood siding but has the same visual effect.  It's called "Hardee Board".  Our local Home Depot carries it in sheets and siding.

As for insulation - that is not dependent on the decorative finish surface.  Rather, you are well advised to insulate with as much material as possible for the best energy savings.  That would depend on the "shell" construction - concrete block, poured concrete, steel studs, wood studs, etc.  For example, here in Florida we mostly use concrete block.  To provide the best insulation we fill all the cells with insulating material, furr out the interior walls with 2"x 2" wood and insulate between the furring strips.  Then you can go one step further and install the interior finish drywall with the foil coated drywall which has a reflective factor.

Hope this has been helpful.

Roger

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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