What Should Be in Every New Home and Why --Part 5-- Siding / Exterior Insulation

Home construction has evolved over time. As we understand more about the environment and how the materials we use affect livability, new technologies have been introduced that have the added benefit of longevity with low maintenance.

Ask the builder: Was exterior insulation used?
The best way to boost the insulating value of your walls is to reduce the impact of temperature differences before they get to the structure. Builders who use a double vapor barrier exterior insulation have taken the extra steps to seal your home against weather.

Ask the builder: What were the conditions the home was painted in?
Many homes are painted on site under whatever conditions were present. Maybe the home was painted on a dry, overcast 70 degree day. Maybe not. Look for builders who use long-lasting cement based siding that was painted in a factory under controlled conditions. Ask about guarantees too. You should expect a finish that doesn’t need to be repainted for at least 15 years and siding that’s guaranteed for at least 30 years. When a manufacturer has a 15 year finish guarantee and a 50 year materials guarantee it says something about their confidence.
Mark Mecklem - Miranda Homes