Today’s most popular cladding materials include vinyl siding, exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS), stucco and masonry. Here’s a look at how they compare for maintenance, cleaning, durability, life cycle cost and fire safety:
| Maintenance | Cleaning | Durability | Typical Lifespan | Fire safety | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | High, susceptible to mold | Requires regular cleaning | Vulnerable to damage from extreme weather and projectiles | Unknown | Combustible, adds to fire load, potential toxic emissions |
| EIFS | High, susceptible to mildew, dirt | Requires regular cleaning | Vulnerable to damage from extreme weather, moisture and projectiles | 20 – 25 years | May melt due to extreme heat from fire, does not contain fire |
| Stucco | Medium, may crack or need repainting | Minimal | Vulnerable to cracks, damage from projectiles | Unknown in Canadian climate | Non-combustible, fire resistance unknown |
| Masonry (brick, block, stone) | Low, requires little-to-no upkeep | Minimal | Impact-resistant and designed for water management | 100 years or more | Prevents fire from spreading, noncombustible, more than 2-hour fire resistance |
Visit www.MasonryWorx.com for more information about brick, block and stone masonry.
