Brick & Stone Siding Contractors in Chicago, IL

Chicago Stone Siding

In a place with architecture that's been around for decades upon decades (not to mention pizza and hot dogs that'll stick with you all day), homeowners should expect improvements to their property to go the distance. In Chicago, stone siding is a cladding option that will not only look good on your house, but can stand up to the harsh weather conditions that the city is known for. When compared to other siding options like vinyl, aluminum, or even cedar shake, nothing comes close to the durability of stone siding. Chicago residents looking for a unique and exceptionally tough siding should take a closer look at this material when it comes time to upgrade the exterior of their homes.

Options for Stone Siding
When considering stone siding for the outside of your home, there are several options to choose from. The first, oldest, and most expensive type of stone siding is made from actual, rough stones. Though the individual stones may be cut or shaped to make installation easier and the end product's surface more even, the look is one that screams of rustic authenticity that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Stone veneer siding will maintain much of this rustic appearance, but the stones are cut to create a thin layer of actual stone on the outside of your house. Stone veneer is easier to install and less expensive to purchase than using whole stones. The last option is faux stone siding, which is generally made of concrete or polyurethane molded to look like stone. It is inexpensive and easy to work with, but in most cases can be distinguished from natural stone products.

Installation
Obviously, installation techniques will vary depending on what kind of stone siding you choose. Using whole, natural stones is an involved and specialized task. In general, only an experienced mason should be used for this type of work. Both stone veneer and faux stone can usually be installed by a siding specialist without the help (or high cost) of hiring a mason. It is important to remember that faux stone may not have the same kind of benefits that come with natural stone, though the difference in price is significant enough that many homeowners will find it a more appealing option.

Repair
Though natural stone siding can literally last for centuries, and even faux stone siding can be very durable, problems can arise that will require some repairs. Natural stone deals rather well with most natural factors like moisture, wind, direct sunlight (no fading here!), and even fire. A strong, acute impact, however, can cause some damage. Repairing natural stone siding is often a job that will require hiring an experienced mason.

With stone veneer or faux stone, hiring a siding specialist is usually adequate for repair, though both are far more likely to require repairs over their lifetimes than homes built with whole stone.

Prices
It isn't cheap to install real stone siding; Chicago residents can expect their prices to be far more than $11,000 (the average cost of vinyl siding installation in the area). Using faux stone or stone veneer should bring the price down dramatically. Remember, though, that installing a high quality material like stone siding is not just going to make your home look more appealing to you, but to prospective buyers, as well. This means that installing stone siding in Chicago might have the added effect of increasing your property value, as well as make your home more marketable than others in the area.