EXTERIOR SIDING
The retention of the frame weatherboard and/or wood shingles is essential for historic houses in the East Row Historic District. Modern materials such as aluminum or vinyl siding, imitation stone or imitation brick are not permitted. The appearance of artificial sidings is never convincing and always look out of place on older homes. Wood is a natural insulating material and, if properly maintained, will last indefinitely.
The reasons for not allowing artificial sidings on older homes are many and important.
- Economy is questionable -- All materials have a limited life span, and baked enamel or vinyl sidings are no exception. After no more than twenty to twenty-five years many applied sidings begin to crack, mottle, or lose their finish making it necessary to paint the exterior of the artificial siding. The property owner is then left with painting the metal or vinyl siding which may be costlier than painting wood surfaces. Although you may save on one or two paint jobs following application of new siding, the initial expense and inevitable painting required later does not make economic sense.
- Practicality -- On historic homes synthetic sidings are almost always placed over the original frame clapboard or weatherboard siding. Frame siding must "breathe" and allow moisture evaporation. Artificial sidings interfere with this natural process, and the wood can retain moisture and rot beneath the applied siding. When deterioration of the wood occurs it often goes undetected for many years.
- Fire Susceptibility -- Firemen dislike artificial sidings because they intensify the heat within a house. Metal siding in particular traps and intensifies a fire on the interior of the home. Vinyl siding when burned often produces toxic fumes.
- Insulation -- The insulating properties of metal siding are often promoted, but very little heat is lost through walls. Applying artificial siding will have little effect on a property owner's bills.
- Aesthetics -- No matter how good your contractor is, artificial siding looks like artificial siding and lacks the character of clapboard or weatherboard. The horizontal spacing and overlapping "boards" on the imitation siding often does not match siding appropriate for historic homes. Significant ornamental detailing is often removed or covered in the application process.
Artificial sidings result in moisture condensation and wood deterioration.
Original wood exterior elements shall be retained as at 343 E. Second Street.
EXTERIOR SIDING GUIDELINES
- Replacement of siding and corner boards shall be with new wood to match original wood.
- Artificial exterior sidings are not suitable for historic buildings in the East Row area. Property owners are encouraged to remove existing artificial siding and restore the original wood siding.
- Existing vinyl or metal siding that is removed shall be replaced with wood siding or original siding beneath is to be restored.
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