Thread: Material (Real vs. Man-Made)

Looking at building a house soon. Just trying to get some other view points.

Roof:

Concrete Tile (20% more)
vs
Clay Tile

Exterior Walls:

Real stone $6-$18 sq
vs
Man-Made $5-$10 sq


Can one really tell the difference. Is it worth the extra cash to get. Will one last long and easier up-keep. etc etc

I'm not familiar with the roof tiles as they are rarely used in my area. However, I do try to use man made stuff when possible, (as a "green" building company, lots of this stuff is made out of recycled materials, produced locally, and extremely durable) however I'm a sucker for real stone. But even with real stone there are "green" options. You can use a locally sourced stone, as one of the biggest wastes is shipping stone from around the world. Real stone just has a look to it that man made does not. Usually it's a lot more expensive, not necessarily material costs, but labor cost is almost always more with natural stone, due to the added work for irregularities in each stone.

Thanks for the note. Although I don't have real interest in "green" products. It's all about money vs look. Ha.

I don't know if its the look you're going for but my parents built a house and they used metal roofing (it was out in the country). Looks great but the big difference is that the upkeep is nada and estimated lifespan of a metal roof is 50+ years with no maintenance.

Don't know where you're located but it's nice not having to worry about a hail storm blowing through and causing 10k worth of damage to your shingles twice a year.

Another more upscale option would be a copper roof. Same life expectancy (a little longer IIRC), more expensive, but the look is amazing after it weathers for about a year or two.

Originally Posted by Rex

Thanks for the note. Although I don't have real interest in "green" products. It's all about money vs look. Ha.

To each his own We try to promote sustainability and not be wasteful, money vs. look is very subjective. If you want the look you need real stone, whether it be domestically sourced or comes from the other side of the world. However the dollar sucks now, so locally sourced is good for financial reasons as well

Originally Posted by ADV.1 Matt

I don't know if its the look you're going for but my parents built a house and they used metal roofing (it was out in the country). Looks great but the big difference is that the upkeep is nada and estimated lifespan of a metal roof is 50+ years with no maintenance.

Don't know where you're located but it's nice not having to worry about a hail storm blowing through and causing 10k worth of damage to your shingles twice a year.

Another more upscale option would be a copper roof. Same life expectancy (a little longer IIRC), more expensive, but the look is amazing after it weathers for about a year or two.

I love standing seam metal roofs. All depends on budget for which option you choose. Zinc is amazing if you have the money. I believe there are federal tax credits for metal roofs now as well.

Originally Posted by ADV.1 Matt

I don't know if its the look you're going for but my parents built a house and they used metal roofing (it was out in the country). Looks great but the big difference is that the upkeep is nada and estimated lifespan of a metal roof is 50+ years with no maintenance.

Don't know where you're located but it's nice not having to worry about a hail storm blowing through and causing 10k worth of damage to your shingles twice a year.

Another more upscale option would be a copper roof. Same life expectancy (a little longer IIRC), more expensive, but the look is amazing after it weathers for about a year or two.

Metal is not an option for this style (Spanish/Mediterranean) home. Although I do have metal on my current home and love it.

I know MTK did bronze gutters on his spanish/med style house... maybe that's something to consider if you still want a spanish style but want metal? Just throwing it out there.

Hmm. I can't seem to find that thread anymore. MTK you around?

Yeah, looks like most of the pictures of MTK's Casa California pictures have been deleted. Too bad, it was an amazing thread.