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Not wrapping a house before installing siding can lead to moisture intrusion, rot, mold, and even higher energy bills. Older houses may have siding installed without wrap underneath, so it’s a good idea to add a wrap layer when it comes time to replace old siding to prevent potential damage from water intrusion—local codes may even require it, so check with your municipal building authority. 

Stucco is considered a type of cladding because it includes a built-in ventilation layer, a weatherproof membrane beneath that, and, often, a layer of insulation to improve building efficiency. The multiple layers of stucco—the scratch coat, the brown coat, and the finish coat—also create a more complex building membrane, so it’s more accurate to call it cladding. However, homeowners and contractors alike refer to stucco as siding.

Concrete log siding offers some cost savings when compared to wood logs. Real wood logs require ongoing maintenance that can total up to $750 annually, while concrete log siding doesn’t require annual maintenance. Since concrete log siding exceeds the requirements of most building codes, it can also lower insurance premiums and boost resale value.

You should consider acclimating the wood for your shou sugi ban siding for around two weeks before installation to balance its moisture content and prevent warping. That additional step will ensure your materials are prepped for installation, avoiding complex repairs down the line. Consult your siding contractor for additional installation instructions for this specialized material.