Stone and Brick

It is hard to beat stone and brick façades when it comes to low maintenance solutions for your home. Stone and brick won't rot, burn, or fade. It doesn't require painting or replacement (usually). Stone and brick are the most durable façade solutions because they can last a century. The only maintenance needed is to check the mortar for cracks and an occasional power wash to take off built up grime. If you find any cracks in the mortar, it is important to repair them immediately. Stone and brick façades could probably use a power wash every few years, especially if you live in a windy area. This type of façade is low to no maintenance while it keeps its natural beauty year after year.

Vinyl Siding

If you like siding, your low maintenance solution is to go with vinyl siding rather than wood. Vinyl won't rot or peel, so very little aesthetic maintenance is required other than hosing it off every spring. Vinyl siding lasts about forty years, as opposed to wood siding which lasts about half as long and requires frequent painting to keep it looking fresh. If you spot mold or mildew on your vinyl siding, it is important to clean if off with a household cleaner or vinegar and water solution. Vinyl siding is available in lots of colors, which makes it very appealing. The only problem with this type of façade comes with those that are environmentally conscious. It is made from PVC, which is a source of organic pollutants and it does not recycle well, which means when it is replaced, the old siding usually ends up in a landfill.

Stucco

Depending on where you live, stucco may be an excellent low maintenance façade solution. It survives well in harsh marine environments, is fire-proof, and is extremely durable (it should last the lifetime of your home). The only maintenance required is repairing cracks in the finish which happen infrequently, an occasional power-wash to remove grime build-up, and if your stucco is painted, you may have to refresh the paint every decade or so to keep it looking new and bright. There is also an alternative stucco called synthetic stucco that has all the same qualities of stucco but cracks less often, which cuts down on your maintenance.

Fiber Cement Siding

A new and innovative low maintenance façade that is gaining popularity is fiber cement siding. It is made of cement, sand, wood fiber, additives, and water. It can look like wood siding, but unlike wood it is insect-, fire-, and water-resistant. It won't crack or rot and stands up well to severe weather conditions like hail. It can also look like stucco or masonry if you choose. It should last fifty years or more with minimal maintenance like a power-wash, although if it is painted, like stucco the paint will need a refresh every fifteen years or so.