As the proud owner of a historic home in Indianapolis, you’re fully committed to preserving your property’s authentic character and charm. So, when it comes time to replace your siding, we understand that finding a material to enhance your home’s durability while maintaining its architectural integrity can feel a little daunting!
Our local siding installation team has worked with countless historic homeowners in Indianapolis on siding replacements, so we know a thing or two about which siding materials and styles are most compatible with these types of homes. Here are our top picks!
Top Siding Replacement Materials and Styles for Historic Homes
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, and particularly James Hardie® fiber cement siding, is generally our top pick for historic homes in Indianapolis. Hardie siding is an excellent choice for numerous reasons—its weatherproof performance, pest resistance, and low-maintenance upkeep, to name a few—but its versatility is what makes this siding an unbeatable match for historic homes.
James Hardie offers siding embossed with an authentic woodgrain texture that mimics the appearance of natural wood without sacrificing durability—an excellent choice for many types of historic homes in Indianapolis. Additionally, Hardie’s Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology offers a range of baked-on colors that won’t peel, chip, or fade, providing lasting curb appeal and performance.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an excellent choice for historic properties, particularly for homeowners seeking to stretch their dollars and maximize their investment.
While vinyl siding is affordable, low-maintenance, and durable, like fiber cement, it’s also highly versatile. This siding comes in several styles that can mimic the unique look of horizontal lap siding, board-and-batten siding, and wood shingles. This flexibility lends itself well to historic homes. With numerous brands, colors, and styles to choose from, it’s easy to find a vinyl siding look that enhances the appearance of your home without detracting from its classic appeal.
Engineered Wood Siding
Wood siding has been a popular choice for historic homes for centuries. However, today’s homeowners are moving away from this high-maintenance natural material, which is susceptible to damage from moisture, fire, and pests, in favor of low-maintenance alternatives.
While fiber cement and vinyl boards both offer a wood-like appearance, nothing compares to the real thing quite like engineered wood siding. Engineered wood is made from natural wood pieces, but is treated with a mixture of waxes and resins to enhance its durability. This siding enables homeowners to preserve the authentic look and feel of their historic home’s façade without compromising its ability to withstand the elements.
Stone Veneer Siding
Does your historic home have any stone detailing? If so, stone veneer siding can be a great option to achieve the look of natural stone—at a fraction of the price.
Stone veneer siding closely resembles natural stone. However, it’s crafted from alternative materials (primarily cement) that offer comparable performance and durability at a lighter weight, making it easier to install. Stone veneer is an excellent addition for adding texture and color to the bottom half of your home, or to help other structures “pop,” such as pillars, columns, and entryways.
What Do I Need to Think Through Before Replacing the Siding on My Historic Home?
Feeling inspired by all the beautiful, durable siding options to choose from for your upcoming siding replacement? There really are so many choices available that allow you to stay true to your home’s authentic appearance while enhancing its durability and minimizing upkeep.
However, before getting started, there are a few aspects of renovating historic homes you’ll need to keep in mind, including the following:
Local Regulations
First things first. Before getting your heart set on a siding material, brand, and style, it’s imperative to read through the rules and regulations set by your local historical society.
The rules can vary (even from street to street and neighborhood to neighborhood!) and can impact anything from the siding material and style to the texture and color of the boards. While these regulations are in place to preserve your home’s authenticity and historic charm (which is a good thing!), understanding what’s permitted and obtaining approval for your plans before making any permanent decisions or purchases is imperative.
Architectural Style
After getting the scoop on which exterior upgrades are allowed in your neighborhood, you’ll want to start thinking through which siding materials, colors, and styles will be most compatible with your home’s unique architectural style.
For example, Craftsman and Colonial properties often feature simple lap siding, stone accents, and neutral colors. In contrast, Queen Anne or Italianate homes incorporate ornamental features, such as decorative trim and patterned shingles, that allow for more imaginative design. If you need help choosing siding that is compatible with your historic home, don’t worry—an experienced siding contractor can help!
Siding Contractor
Speaking of an experienced siding contractor, finding a siding professional who is familiar with installing siding on historic homes is just as important as the siding style and material you choose.
Ideally, a local contractor familiar with your area’s local rules and regulations, such as JD Hostetter & Associates, is the perfect choice for your historic home exterior transformation!
Add Longevity to Your Historic Home While Enhancing Its Appeal with New Siding from JD Hostetter & Associates
If you want to honor your home’s authentic character while enhancing it with lasting durability, low-maintenance upkeep, and eye-popping curb appeal, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re proud to help Indianapolis homeowners preserve the charm of their historic homes with expert siding installation. As the recent recipient of the James Hardie Service Excellence Award – Hardie® Home Category in 2024, you can be confident we’re committed to top-quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
Start dreaming about all the siding possibilities for your historic home, and when you’re ready to get started creating a look that blends modern performance with classic appeal, call our team at JD Hostetter & Associates!
