I've started planning to remodel my 150 year old arts and crafts style house in Northern California, and I'm trying to find some environmentally responsible and modern alternatives to replacement vinyl siding and windows.

I really wanted to stay away from vinyl siding if I could, but I also wanted something low maintenance that I could install myself. And I need a crap load of windows and french doors, probably all in custom sizes.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it. And of course, since I'm updating the whole house, I could use any recommendations for alternative materials or finishes as well.

Cathy-Check out www.jameshardie.com for cement/cellulose siding products this may help. Let ma know what you think and excuse me if I am wrong just getting familiar with these things. I am a General Contractor and have used vinyl in the past but see more and more Hardie Board in the nicer areas.

Marcus093

Cathy.

Can you post a photo of the house? Is it out in the country or in an urban area?

The Hardi suggestion is a really good one. However, I think you would probably need a helper to get the siding up. You can whack the hell out of the stuff with hammer marks if you're not an experienced hand with the hammer.

What is the house clad in now? Is it wood? 150 yr old arts and crafts style home in Northern California sounds pretty rare. I'm not an art historian but if it has good bones it might be worth taking a look at some historic remodelling criteria to maintain the integrity of the home.

Usually a 150 year old home is so solidly built that it would be a shame to start mucking around too much with the integrity of the detailing.

- Jonathan

Universal Joint Design Associates:
Full Service Design and Construction

Jonathan Chertok. Principal
AIA Design Associate
Austin, Texas 1 512 407 9628

www.universaljointdesign.com