When you’re ready to upgrade your siding, it may be surprising to realize that you don’t actually have wood or vinyl, but rather aluminum on your Troy, MI home.
While you may not hear people talk about it, aluminum siding was popular several decades ago. But it hasn’t aged well, and today’s homeowners are turning to more attractive, longer-lasting options such as James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Here’s why.
The History of the Troy, MI Colonial Style Home
During the 1940s through the 1970s, builders in and around Troy focused on construction of a specific style home, one that mimicked the look of historical Colonials, but working with the modern building materials of the day.
Often, that meant using aluminum siding as the original exterior. This material could be made to look sleek, and it was also lightweight and easy to install—which made it appealing to construction companies that were erecting whole neighborhoods on a budget.
Why Aluminum Has Fallen Out of Favor
Over the years, this type of siding has proven to be vulnerable to wear and tear. Aluminum siding needs to be repainted frequently, and it is prone to becoming dented. It tends to look dated and drab. When rain strikes it, the resulting noise is loud and annoying to many homeowners. And while it doesn’t rust, it can corrode.
Replacing a Colonial’s Original Siding
For many reasons, it can be worthwhile to replace your old aluminum siding with an attractive, lasting upgrade like fiber cement. This applies even to historic homes as well as houses that are restricted by HOA guidelines.
Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about ensuring your new siding matches your architecture.
How to Tell if Your Siding Is Aluminum
Assessing your existing exterior begins with taking a look at your home to see if it fits into the category of a Troy Colonial. Here’s what to look for.
Distinct Colonial Features
Colonial-style architecture is clearly recognizable when you know what to look for.
Troy Colonials display a two-story, rectangle shape with a front door or porch in the absolute center. The roofs are moderately pitched, with a balanced number of windows on each side of the front door.
Typically, the second floor has the same number of windows as the first floor. There’s usually also a window directly above the front door. Essentially, Colonial-style homes are stately, symmetrical, and practical.
Date of Build
Troy Colonials were generally built in the 1970s—a revival and imitation of the old-fashioned American Colonials of the 1700s. So, if your home was built in the 1970s, it’s likely that it has aluminum siding.
What Makes James Hardie Siding Better than Aluminum Siding?
Many homeowners want to maintain the original look of their Troy Colonial. Fortunately, covering it with fiber cement siding brilliantly recreates the original wood look of these historic and traditional-style houses.
And the most popular brand of fiber cement siding is James Hardie siding. Consider the reasons over 8 million homeowners across America love what Hardie siding delivers.
Why Choose Hardie Siding for Your Home?
Hardie siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, which makes it extremely sturdy and stable. With beautiful colors and styles to select from, it’s a gorgeous option. Unrivaled in its ability to resist rain, wind, snow, ice, fire, and sun, its durability and curb appeal makes James Hardie the first choice for replacing a home’s old aluminum siding.
Outperforms Other Materials
Unlike other options, Hardie siding delivers top value for the investment. It doesn’t easily dent like aluminum and vinyl. It can’t rot like wood. It doesn’t provide a home for insects and woodpeckers. It holds its color longer than aluminum and wood, yet it doesn’t fade like vinyl.
Does Great in Michigan Weather
Hardie siding is crafted with different product lines for different climate zones. So, you’ll get siding that is perfect for Michigan winters because it is engineered to stand up against cold, snowy winters and wet, windy weather. Other siding materials simply can’t outlast fiber cement.
Fits Troy Colonial Style
The charm of your home is maintained when you use Hardie siding, which looks great on any architecture. With an impressive number of colors and designs to choose from, you can match your house’s unique look with ease.
You can also get creative by opting for vertical siding to mimic modern Farmhouse looks. Check out this article on Hardie’s smooth and textured vertical panels.
Easy to Maintain
Other forms of exterior protection for the home require maintenance on a regular basis—including brick, wood, stone, stucco, vinyl, and aluminum. But fiber cement requires very little effort—usually just a rinse with a garden hose once or twice a year. Choose Hardie’s ColorPlus technology, and you’ll get baked-on color that lasts up to 15 years.
Superior Value
Aluminum siding simply hasn’t aged well as a product for residential properties. Since it tends to look outdated and drab, you’re probably not happy with how it impedes your curb appeal. Also, it’s not a plus when you’re getting ready to sell your home. Hardie siding is a top replacement because its long warranties, enduring beauty, and performance give you a fantastic return on your investment.
Envision Your Home Beautified with Lasting Hardie Siding
Ensure your Troy Colonial is gorgeous and truly low-maintenance by switching out aluminum with America’s #1 choice—Hardie siding. Our recent remodel for a Troy homeowner has totally transformed its looks—and John McCarter Construction can do the same for you. Check it out, and start dreaming of your home’s new style.
