We often tell people that masonry is one of the best building materials you can choose for the exterior of your property, and this Northbrook residence proves we’re not just biased; there’s definitely some truth to that assertion!

Earlier in the year, we were approached by this homeowner with a unique and troubling issue — his gorgeous vintage home, originally built with a combination of stone and cedar siding, was having a bit of a woodpecker problem! Seeking to remove and replace the hole-riddled woodwork with something more durable, he came to us in the hopes of finding a thin-cut natural stone that would mimic the stone cladding elsewhere on his house (and keep the pesky local birds from causing any more damage).

After sampling a few options, we ended up supplying this matching “Colonial Fond du Lac Web Wall” from Rademann Stone, along with some brand-new Indiana limestone sills. To help seamlessly incorporate the re-cladded sections with the adjacent original walls, we also helped the homeowner match their mortar color… Spec Mix 250 “Antique White” did the trick!

Shiplap lovers… take note. Unlike wood, masonry won’t age or deteriorate quickly, it doesn’t require any staining or painting to maintain, it has excellent insulating properties, and it is 100% pest resistant. What’s not to love?