Welded Steel
The Barndominium Standard
Welded steel is the go-to for the modern Texas barndominium, allowing for the massive "Great Rooms" seen in the Johnson floor plan.
Structure
Uses heavy structural steel for the shell and cold-formed steel studs for interior partitions.
Durability
Resistant to rot, mold, and termites, ensuring a straight and stable frame for decades.
Design Note
Large spans often require 3x12 steel beams, which may stick out from standard wall or ceiling depths.
💡 YDB PRO TIP: Don't fight the steel feature it! If your 3x12 beams are sticking out, we can leave them exposed and paint them for a "Modern Industrial" look, or wrap them in cedar for a "Rustic Farmhouse" beam aesthetic.
Over-Framed (The Traditional Path)
This is the most common residential building method in Austin, utilizing familiar materials and labor.
Ease of Build
Standard "stick-framing" is highly adaptable; on-site changes are easier to make than with steel or concrete.
Aesthetics
Because wood framing is sized to fit within standard wall cavities, your interior finishes will be completely flush.
Cost
Generally offers the lowest upfront price point for homeowners.
💡 YDB PRO TIP: While wood is more susceptible to the elements, we can "over-build" your traditional frame with advanced moisture barriers and zinc-treated plates to significantly bridge the longevity gap between wood and steel.
Elemental ICF
(The "Forever Home" Choice)
Elemental ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) creates a home that is essentially a reinforced concrete fortress.
Fire-Proof
ICF walls are truly fire-proof, offering a 4+ hour fire rating that provides ultimate peace of mind.
Efficiency
The thermal mass of the concrete combined with double-sided foam insulation can cut energy bills by 50–60%.
Foundation
Requires a specific Type A (Concrete Wall) foundation to support the heavy concrete core.
💡 YDB PRO TIP: ICF walls are typically 12 inches thick or more. You can use this to your advantage by designing deep-set "European style" window sills, which provide a high-end architectural look and a perfect spot for interior plants or reading nooks.
Roofing Selections
24g Standing Seam Metal Roofing
This is often considered the "gold standard" for durability. Because the fasteners are concealed, they are protected from the elements, preventing the leaks common in "exposed fastener" metal roofs.
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Longevity: Can easily last 50 to 70 years with minimal maintenance.
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Fire Rating: Naturally Class A. It provides the highest protection against wildfires or flying embers.
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Wind Rating: Excellent. Because the panels are mechanically seamed or snapped together and locked to the deck, they often withstand winds up to 180 MPH, making them ideal for hurricane-prone regions.
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Warranty: Usually split into two parts: a Finish Warranty (30–35 years) against fading/chalking of the Kynar 500 paint, and a Weathertight Warranty if installed by a certified contractor.
Architectural (Laminate) Shingles
The most common residential choice, these consist of a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.
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Longevity: While rated for 30+ years, real-world performance in hot climates (like Austin) usually sees them replaced at the 20–25 year mark due to UV degradation.
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Fire Rating: Class A, provided the underlayment is installed correctly.
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Wind Rating: Most high-quality architectural shingles are rated for 110–130 MPH, though they rely heavily on the integrity of the adhesive "seal strip."
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Warranty: Often marketed as "Limited Lifetime," but this usually covers manufacturing defects and is heavily prorated after the first 10 years.
Tile Roofing (Clay or Concrete)
Tile is incredibly heavy and requires a reinforced roof structure, but it is nearly impervious to rot and insects.
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Longevity: It is common for the tiles themselves to last 75–100 years. However, the underlayment beneath the tiles usually fails after 30 years and must be replaced (a process called "lift and reset").
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Fire Rating: Class A. It is one of the most fire-resistant materials available.
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Wind Rating: Very high due to the weight of the tiles, typically rated for 125 MPH+. However, in extreme gusts, individual tiles can lift if not properly clipped.
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Warranty: Most manufacturers offer a 50-year to Lifetime limited warranty on the product itself.
Siding Selections
James Hardie (Board and Batten)
Fiber cement is the "all-rounder." The Board and Batten (B&B) style is achieved using HardiePanel vertical siding with HardieTrim batten strips.
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Longevity: 30–50 years. It is pest-resistant and won't rot, though it requires repainting every 10–15 years unless using ColorPlus.
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Color Options: Available in ColorPlus® Technology (factory-baked colors) or "Primed for Paint" for total customization. Hardie’s "Statement Collection" offers the most popular regional trends (grays, navy, off-whites).
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Design: The "Modern Farmhouse" staple. Using wide or narrow batten spacing can drastically change the scale and feel of the home.
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Warranty: 30-year limited substrate warranty (non-prorated) and a 15-year warranty on the ColorPlus finish against peeling or cracking.
Steel Siding
Often seen in high-end modern homes in East Austin or industrial-chic builds. It is significantly more durable than aluminum or vinyl.
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Longevity: 40–70 years. Steel is nearly indestructible regarding fire and impact (hail).
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Color Options: Typically uses Kynar 500 or silicone-modified polyester coatings. Colors are very stable and highly resistant to the Texas sun. Textures can range from smooth to wood-grain embossed.
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Design: Ideal for Modern, Scandinavian, or Contemporary designs. Profiles include "Box Rib," "Flush Panel," or "Corrugated."
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Warranty: Most manufacturers (like EDCO or Bridger Steel) offer a Lifetime Limited Warranty with a 30- to 50-year fade/chalk warranty.
Stucco Siding (Traditional 3-Coat)
A classic in Austin’s luxury market. It provides a seamless, monolithic look that other sidings can't replicate.
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Longevity: 50–80 years if properly maintained.
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Color Options: Infinite. The pigment is often mixed directly into the finish coat (integral color), meaning scratches don't show as easily. However, it can be painted later if a color change is desired.
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Design: Essential for Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, or Ultra-Modern styles. It allows for curved walls and unique architectural details that boards cannot achieve.
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Warranty: Typically carries a 10- to 25-year manufacturer warranty on the material, but the "real" warranty is often the 1-2 year workmanship warranty from the installer, as stucco's success is 90% dependent on the applicator.
Stone Siding (Manufactured or Natural Veneer)
In Central Texas, "Austin Limestone" or "Ledge Stone" is a signature look.
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Longevity: Natural stone lasts a lifetime (100+ years). Manufactured stone (concrete-based) typically lasts 30–50 years.
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Color Options: Natural stone is limited to what is quarried (whites, creams, tans). Manufactured stone offers a massive array of engineered colors and "blends."
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Design: Used for Texas Hill Country, Transitional, or Craftsman styles. Often used as a "wainscot" (bottom 3-4 feet of the wall) or on focal points like entryways and chimneys.
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Warranty: Manufactured stone usually comes with a 20- to 50-year warranty. Natural stone rarely has a formal "warranty" but is considered an "infinite" material.
Window Selection
Fiberglass Windows (e.g., Pella Impervia or Marvin Elevate)
Quickly becoming the preferred choice for custom builders because fiberglass expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as the glass panes, reducing seal failures.
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Cost: 20–30% more expensive than high-end vinyl.
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Longevity: 35–50 years. It is virtually impervious to the Austin sun and won't rot or warp.
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Style/Material: Very strong, allowing for thinner frames and more glass "daylight" area. Often finished in factory powders that mimic the look of painted wood.
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Warranty: Typically a 20-year warranty on glass and 20-year on the frame/hardware.
Aluminum Windows (Thermal Break)
A staple in Texas modern architecture. You must ensure they have a "Thermal Break" (an insulator between the inside and outside frame) to prevent heat transfer into the house.
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Cost: Mid-range. More than vinyl, but often less than premium fiberglass or wood-clad.
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Longevity: 30–45 years. Highly resistant to impact and very easy to maintain.
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Style/Material: Extremely thin profiles. Perfect for Modern, Industrial, or Contemporary designs where a "minimalist" look is required.
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Warranty: Generally 10–20 years. Aluminum finishes (anodized or painted) are very durable but can be susceptible to salt air if building near the coast.
Wood-Clad Windows
The gold standard for luxury interiors. These features a real wood interior for aesthetics and an aluminum or fiberglass "clad" exterior for weather protection.
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Cost: The most expensive. High material and labor costs.
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Longevity: 30–50 years if the exterior cladding is maintained. If the cladding fails and moisture reaches the wood, they can rot.
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Style/Material: Luxury, Spanish Mediterranean, or Traditional. Nothing matches the warmth of real stained wood on the interior of a custom home.
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Warranty: Usually 20 years on the glass seal and 10 years on the wood components.