ROOFING: OLD LOOKS, NEW PRODUCTS
Clay tile roofs have been known to last for hundreds of years in Europe, but their high cost has been a deterrent, and they’re not used much in areas with extreme freeze-thaw temperature cycles. New concrete-and rubber-based roofing products are tough and versatile and have traditional tile or slate profiles. Some boast a lifespan of 50 years or more, at about half the cost of clay. They may also have special “smog eating” qualities (see Boral, below). To maximize durability, put a heavy-duty underlayment beneath any type of tile, and fasten the tiles to the deck as recommended by the manufacturer.
NATURAL STUCCO FINISH
If you’ve ever visited Florida, you’ve seen how well mortar-based stucco finishes endure the test of time. For decades, they were the finish of choice over concrete block construction. Now, stuccos and plasters are coming back, being used on concrete as well as alternative exteriors, including SIPs, ICFs, and straw bale. Stucco finishes don’t burn, and some brands include natural pigment colors that contain no VOCs. Lime-based brands also resist bacteria growth.
PRE-PRIMED AND FINISHED WOOD TRIM
When carefully kiln dried prior to coating, wood can be extremely long lasting. Other options for long-lasting, weather-resistant trim include fiber cement and wood-plastic composites (with recycled content).
COMPOSITE WINDOWS
Fiberglass frames offer many performance and durability advantages over other materials. They won’t act as thermal conductors the way aluminum frames can. Unlike wood, they don’t need vigilant painting (or cladding) to remain moisture and mildew resistant. More stable than vinyl frames, they won’t expand excessively in rapidly fluctuating temperatures.
FIBER CEMENT SIDING
After several decades of solid performance, fiber cement continues to get better. These products tend to hold primer and stain well, and new profiles have more realistic wood textures. “Greener” brands use wood fiber that’s sourced from well-managed forests and mix fly ash into the cement-keeping it out of landfills.
BIOLIME ECOLOGICAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS
The ancient Greeks and Romans built with lime. The plasters, stuccos, and paints made by BioLime are similar. Biolime is an alternative to portland cement and chemical-based finishes. The high porosity lets buildings breathe. The product also helps eliminate mildew, mold, and VOCs, when properly applied.
www.biolime.com
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02.2011
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