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We're going to cover most exterior coverings of a home you might want to consider, important methods and their proper installation. Materials such as brick, hard coat stucco, exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), wood siding, vinyl siding and fiber cement siding. Of these materials have advantages and disadvantages. Price is always something to consider. Some materials cost plus but I have a greater degree of maintenance. These are just a few of the many materials you might want to consider.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Specific to home exteriors
Suitable for homeowners and those interested in home improvement
Covers a wide range of materials with varying advantages and costs
Requires some prior knowledge of home construction

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to exterior home coverings

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive overview of exterior home coverings, including materials like brick, stucco, and various sidings. Learners find the practical advice on their installation, advantages, and disadvantages highly valuable for making informed decisions. It's often highlighted as ideal for homeowners or those new to construction seeking a solid understanding of options. However, some experienced professionals might find the depth of coverage foundational rather than advanced, and a few noted minor inconsistencies in production quality.
Offers practical advice on installation and real-world application.
"I found the installation methods discussed to be very clear and helpful for understanding the process."
"I appreciated the tips on what to consider beyond just aesthetics, like long-term durability, which were invaluable."
"This course helped me grasp the important details of how these materials are actually applied on a home."
Detailed insights into various exterior cladding options.
"I found the course covered a wide range of exterior materials from brick to fiber cement, detailing their distinct properties."
"I appreciated the breakdown of advantages and disadvantages for each siding type; it really clarified my choices."
"I learned a lot about the costs and maintenance considerations for different exterior finishes, which was very practical."
Best suited for homeowners or those new to home construction.
"This course is absolutely perfect for homeowners who want to make informed decisions about their home's exterior."
"I think it provides a solid foundation for anyone new to understanding exterior building materials and their applications."
"It's great if you're a DIYer planning a significant renovation and need a general understanding before hiring."
Some reviews mention inconsistencies in audio-visual quality.
"The audio quality wasn't always consistent, which made it a little difficult to follow at times."
"I wished for more updated visual examples or higher quality video demonstrations of the actual processes."
"While the content was good, the presentation could sometimes feel a bit unpolished, affecting my engagement."
May lack advanced detail for seasoned industry professionals.
"As a professional, I found the information to be largely foundational; I was hoping for more advanced techniques."
"It's a good general overview, but doesn't delve deeply into the complexities of code or specific installation challenges I deal with."
"I felt some topics were only briefly touched upon, leaving me wanting more in-depth technical explanations."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in New Home Construction 5 of 8 with these activities:
Review Basic Construction Principles
Refresh your understanding of fundamental construction principles before diving into exterior coverings.
Browse courses on Building Construction
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on building materials, structural systems, and construction methods.
  • Attend a workshop or seminar on basic construction principles.
  • Consult with a professional contractor or architect for guidance.
Review Exterior Coverings Overview
Review basic definitions, concepts, and terminologies used in exterior coverings.
Show steps
  • Read and summarize the introduction and first chapter of the textbook.
  • Attend the first lecture and take detailed notes.
  • Create a mind map or diagram to connect the key concepts.
Form a Study Group with Classmates
Collaborate with peers to exchange knowledge, reinforce concepts, and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Identify classmates with similar interests or learning styles.
  • Organize regular study sessions to discuss course materials, complete assignments, and prepare for quizzes and exams.
  • Facilitate group discussions and encourage participation from all members.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Study Guide
Organize and review course materials to enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on Study Guide
Show steps
  • Gather notes, assignments, and resources from the course.
  • Organize materials into logical sections or categories.
  • Summarize key concepts and highlight important details.
Practice Vinyl Siding Installation Techniques
Enhance your understanding of vinyl siding installation through hands-on practice.
Show steps
  • Purchase or rent vinyl siding materials and tools.
  • Set up a practice area and follow the manufacturer's instructions to install vinyl siding.
  • Seek feedback from an experienced professional or instructor.
Design an Exterior Covering Plan for a Small Building
Apply knowledge by creating a practical plan for an exterior covering project.
Show steps
  • Select a small building as your project focus.
  • Research and analyze different exterior covering materials and their suitability for the building.
  • Create a detailed plan outlining the materials, installation methods, and budget.

Career center

Learners who complete New Home Construction 5 of 8 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Stucco Contractor
Stucco Contractors install and repair stucco on buildings.  This course would be very helpful for a Stucco Contractor as it offers in-depth coverage of hard coat stucco.
Mason
Masons build and repair structures out of brick, stone, and other materials.  This course would be very helpful for a Mason as it offers in-depth coverage of brick as a construction material.
Sider
Siders install and repair siding on buildings.  This course would be very helpful for a Sider as it offers in-depth coverage of wood siding, vinyl siding, and fiber cement siding.
Exterior Finisher
Exterior Finishers apply exterior finishes to buildings, such as paint, siding, and roofing.  This course would be very helpful for an Exterior Finisher as it offers an introduction to materials used to cover the exterior of a home, such as brick, stucco, and siding.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings, roads, and other structures.  This course would be useful for a Construction Manager as it offers an introduction to exterior coverings of a home.
Home Builder
Home Builders construct single-family homes and other residential buildings.  This course would be useful for a Home Builder as it offers an introduction to materials used to build homes, such as brick, stucco, siding, roofing, and windows.
Superintendent
Superintendents oversee the construction of buildings and other structures.  This course would be useful for a Superintendent as it offers an introduction to materials used to construct buildings, such as brick, stucco, and siding.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain public works projects such as roads, bridges, and water supply systems.  This course would be helpful for a Civil Engineer as it offers an introduction to materials used in the construction of buildings, such as brick, stucco, and siding.
Home Inspector
Home Inspectors examine homes for defects and safety hazards.  This course would be helpful for a Home Inspector as it offers an introduction to exterior coverings of a home, such as brick, stucco, and siding.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute construction projects.  This course would be useful for a Project Manager as it offers an introduction to materials used to construct buildings, such as brick, stucco, and siding.
Remodeler
Remodelers renovate and remodel homes and other buildings.  This course would be useful for a Remodeler as it offers an introduction to materials used to build homes, such as brick, stucco, siding, roofing, and windows.
Building Inspector
Building Inspectors examine buildings to ensure they are structurally sound and comply with building codes.  This course would be helpful for a Building Inspector as it offers an introduction to brick, hard coat stucco, exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), wood siding, and vinyl siding.
Plasterer
Plasterers apply plaster to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.  This course might be useful for a Plasterer as it offers an introduction to hard coat stucco.
Carpenter
Carpenters build and repair structures such as houses, buildings, and bridges.  This course could be helpful for a Carpenter as it offers an introduction to wood siding, vinyl siding, and fiber cement siding.
Roofer
Roofers install and repair roofs on buildings.  This course might be useful for a Roofer as it offers an introduction to exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in New Home Construction 5 of 8.
Groundbreaking work on the theory of architecture. It provides a set of patterns that can be used to create human-centered and sustainable buildings and communities.
Clear and concise guide to the International Building Code. It provides detailed explanations of the code's requirements and how to apply them to real-world construction projects.
Comprehensive guide to the installation of fiber cement siding. It provides detailed instructions on how to properly install fiber cement siding and avoid common problems.
Comprehensive guide to roofing design and application. It provides detailed coverage of materials, methods, and codes. Though it textbook, it is also very popular with industry professionals and home builders.
Comprehensive guide to green building principles and practices. It provides detailed coverage of the latest green building techniques and how to apply them to real-world construction projects.
Classic introduction to architecture. It provides a clear and concise overview of the basic principles of architecture and how they are applied to real-world design projects.
Classic work on the psychology of urban design. It provides a unique perspective on how people experience and interact with the built environment.
Comprehensive textbook on masonry construction. It provides detailed coverage of materials, methods, and codes. Though it textbook, it is also very popular with industry professionals and home builders.

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