Hi all. I am new on this forum, but not new to remodel projects which I usually do myself. I am considering changing out a (for lack of a better word) "Alpine Haus" type fascia board on the front of my 1979 split level. I attached a photo of my house front so you can see what I am up against. I like that it is fairly unique but it really doesn't fit the area I live in (north Seattle suburbs - rolling hills not mountains, wet weather, i.e., Pacific Northwest).
We do plan on selling within ten years so I need to keep in mind material cost vs house value added (I don't want those figures to get too lop-sided). I see a lot of new construction that uses lap siding for the majority of the house (same as on my house) and then cedar shingles for front accents. I was thinking about doing the same with cedar shake accents but had a few questions:
1. That white (alpine haus) facia is actually plywood with some sort of light stucco application. Once the dark brown trim strips are removed, is there any reason I cannot apply cedar shingles directly to the plywood? It is plenty smooth enough and I would think nails would grab plywood as well as the traditional shingle furring strips.
2. I can visualize all shingles in place of that white board over the garage, but am having a harder time seeing it around the larger white board area - the three living room windows. Should I do it all in cedar shake, or partially and the rest lap siding (like the rest of the house uses) or..? Here's where your experiences or notions will be very helpful to me!
3. I see on new construction where they are staining (looks like) the cedar shakes, unless it is left to weather naturally (I don't want the natural weathered graying because of the brown color tone to the house). I am looking for advice on the stain for any that have done this - did you use water based or oil stain? How long can I expect colorfast stain retention before reapplication is needed?
4. If you have other ideas/notions for replacing that alpine haus fascia I would sure appreciate hearing them.
Thank you all!
We do plan on selling within ten years so I need to keep in mind material cost vs house value added (I don't want those figures to get too lop-sided). I see a lot of new construction that uses lap siding for the majority of the house (same as on my house) and then cedar shingles for front accents. I was thinking about doing the same with cedar shake accents but had a few questions:
1. That white (alpine haus) facia is actually plywood with some sort of light stucco application. Once the dark brown trim strips are removed, is there any reason I cannot apply cedar shingles directly to the plywood? It is plenty smooth enough and I would think nails would grab plywood as well as the traditional shingle furring strips.
2. I can visualize all shingles in place of that white board over the garage, but am having a harder time seeing it around the larger white board area - the three living room windows. Should I do it all in cedar shake, or partially and the rest lap siding (like the rest of the house uses) or..? Here's where your experiences or notions will be very helpful to me!
3. I see on new construction where they are staining (looks like) the cedar shakes, unless it is left to weather naturally (I don't want the natural weathered graying because of the brown color tone to the house). I am looking for advice on the stain for any that have done this - did you use water based or oil stain? How long can I expect colorfast stain retention before reapplication is needed?
4. If you have other ideas/notions for replacing that alpine haus fascia I would sure appreciate hearing them.
Thank you all!