Historic resonance

Buying an historic home in an established area can bring with it a responsibility to maintain the house in its original style. The choice of exterior products is therefore crucial in achieving a traditional look, without sacrificing the benefits of modern siding technology.

When Jonell and Steve Safford bought this 108-year old home, its exterior was in a state of disrepair. Layers of paint had chipped away, revealing wooden planks, whose dry, dilapidated condition posed a substantial fire risk.

When they contacted builders in the area, to find out how to replicate the historic exterior details they all recommended James Hardie® siding.

The building company they chose, Lakeside Exteriors, uses James Hardie siding because of the products' versatility, low maintenance and long-term warranty, says co-owner Dan Merrifield.

"People know that with James Hardie siding their house exterior won't rot and the paint won't chip it offers peace of mind."

In addition to its practical benefits, Merrifield says James Hardie enables builders to achieve architectural features that require a high level of craftsmanship.

"You are able to use your carpentry skills to create interesting details and maintain thearchitectural integrity of home."

This house is an amalgam of two distinct architectural periods. It was originally built in the Queen Anne style. In the late 1920s, an Arts and Crafts style front porch was added.

Pre-painted Hardiplank® siding with a 5in reveal was chosen for the main exterior because it closely matches the home's original cypress lap siding. The color, Monterey Taupe, also resembles the color the house had been for the past 40 years.

Many of the distinctive architectural details from the home's original facade were replicated using a range of Harditrim® XLD® products.

"The variety of lengths, widths and textures offered by the Harditrim product provides the kind of versatility needed to achieve specific details."

Features such as the witches-hat dormer windows on the second story, are entirely authentic. Intricate detailing, such as the curve on the fascia, was also achieved using Harditrim boards.

Simpler details, such as the slim white frieze board separating the upper and lower stories, offer subtle definition.

In the front and back porches, Harditrim boards were used to augment existing wood features. Merrifield says because Harditrim boards offer a traditional look, they blends seamlessly with the few original features able to be retained.

The completed renovation has not the only met with the homeowners' approval, but with that of the neighbors as well, says Safford.

"The house is well-known in the community, and neighbors were very concerned that we respect the heritage of the home," she says.

"Since the exterior has been done, we have received many compliments from people in town."

For further information, visit the James Hardie website www.jameshardie.com.

Story by: Trendsideas