Architectural Styles Across Houston

You may have noticed various architectural styles and exterior home building materials while driving throughout Fort Bend and Harris Counties. Today we’ll discuss several types of exterior materials. With the humid and hot Texas climate, choosing the right exterior material can feel challenging. Which one holds up best in the Texas heat?

Texas Home Exteriors

We’re going to focus on these four: siding, Hardie board, stucco, and stone and brick. These are the most commonly used options around our region primarily due to the climate but also due to which materials are available to local building contractors.

Wood and Vinyl/Metal Siding

Siding is available in wood, vinyl, and metal. While siding may be affordable, over the long-term vinyl and metal siding struggles to hold up to the demands of the environmental elements. Often times siding will need replaced over the life of the home. The Texas heat and humidity are intense and have been known to both fade and distort the fit of these siding options.  

Wood siding, especially cedar, is a favored go-to selection. This natural material is rot-resistant and pest-resistant. Plus using wood for your siding adds in a natural thermal and acoustic insulator to your home.

Hardie Board

Hardie Board is a fiber cement siding option composed of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. This material is durable and made to withstand many years in Houston’s high humidity and brutal Texas heat. Hardie board comes in a variety of colors and aesthetic styles. Hardie board is known for its resistance to moisture and humidity, making it a favorite among building contractors. This material can be cleaned with a power washer to remove dirt and grime and make it look new again.

Stucco

Stucco is a cement type of mixture made of lime, sand, and water. Some modern stucco includes polymers and other agents for increased flexibility that improves its resilience. Stucco can be painted or used in its natural color depending on the preferences of the homeowner. Stucco can be applied to framed structures or direct-applied to solid surfaces such as concrete masonry.

Stone and Brick

Hands down, the material with the most longevity is either stone or brick. These materials, when at least 4-inches thick, provide a maintenance-free exterior material. Homeowners wanting a material that is durable and can withstand the heat and humidity as well as the wind and tornadoes have been choosing either brick or stone.

The beauty in choosing stone or brick is the wide array of natural color choices. There are numerous masonry patterns available to give some unique and interesting touches to customize your home.

Whether you prefer your home’s exterior to be siding, Hardie board, stucco, stone or brick, I’m happy to help you find your ideal place. Schedule an appointment and we’ll get everything rolling.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.