Durability

We installed a rainscreen system (photo at left) underneath our siding.  This allows air to pass underneath the siding which serves to both dry out the siding as well as allow the house an opportunity to dry out as well if it turns out that our air and vapor sealing inside is less than perfect.

Durability is a concern, not only for the environment, but to prevent mold and save maintenance costs. Our siding is Hardi-plank, a fiber cement product that paints lasts on much longer than wood because it doesn't absorb water (and expand) like wood does. Most of our trim is wrapped in a powder coated sheet metal, and our windows are factory painted fiberglass.