Extreme Midwestern weather tests historic buildings’ siding on a regular basis. Due to their location in Aurora’s historic districts, these homes must follow specific guidelines for installing and maintaining their exterior siding. This webpage is dedicated to reviewing those guidelines.

A building’s architectural character is greatly shaped by its original siding materials. Before 1945, most dwellings were clad with wood siding in a variety of shapes such as horizontal weatherboard, clapboard siding, drop siding, wood shingles or a combination of shapes. It is inappropriate to conceal original wood siding with synthetic siding. 

Synthetic siding can be less cost-effective than wood siding. Synthetic materials may have a limited life span of 15 to 20 years and will become faded, chipped, or cracked. Wood siding, on the other hand, can be preserved with continued maintenance and painting. Wood siding also promotes sustainability and creates a beautiful curb appeal. 

Reminders:

• New vinyl siding is almost always a violation on historic homes. It cannot be installed.
• When replacing siding, remove the aluminum or vinyl and restore the wood siding underneath. 
• With an HCOA Permit, vinyl siding may be permitted on new garages in the rear yard if they are not readily visible from the public right-of-way.

Reminder that all exterior work needs an approved HCOA Permit.