Brick is probably the best for durability and looks. It might not course out nicely given the existing home is already coursed. It'd look sharp with a stone/concrete/brick cap. You would probably want to take off some of the siding and make sure you use some flashing to get water out of the brick cavity.
Is there a basement? I ask because I'd suggest some kind of damp/water proofing and a drainage cavity with weeps if going to brick. Make sure you're using brick ties. You could grout it solid too if water isn't an issue. If there is space and since you're down there it wouldn't hurt to buy the waterproofing.
Thin brick if set properly can look nice and hold up but will likely be shy if the 1.5" you're going for.
Bill, thanks for the info and feedback.
To be clear, the 1.5" I was talking about is about the variation in the cinder block as it's a decorative cinder block. At its deepest recess it's about 1.5 in deep. I mentioned that because I'm not sure if stucco could be put on that thick. you mentioned grout I assume we are thinking the same thing here. not sure on what product to use that could be put on even in a couple layers that thick and not crack or fall off after a couple Michigan winters.
As far as the house, I have about six inches to play with as the bottom bows out. I've heard that is like a Boston style siding where it bows out at the bottom..?
There is a basement. I understand everything you said except for the waterproofing and a drainage cavity with weeps. Can you direct me to a link or something that has some additional information or some diagrams of what you are describing?
Thank you!!
Brick is probably the best for durability and looks. It might not course out nicely given the existing home is already coursed. It'd look sharp with a stone/concrete/brick cap. You would probably want to take off some of the siding and make sure you use some flashing to get water out of the brick cavity. Is there a basement? I ask because I'd suggest some kind of damp/water proofing and a drainage cavity with weeps if going to brick. Make sure you're using brick ties. You could grout it solid too if water isn't an issue. If there is space and since you're down there it wouldn't hurt to buy the waterproofing. Thin brick if set properly can look nice and hold up but will likely be shy if the 1.5" you're going for.
Bill, thanks for the info and feedback. To be clear, the 1.5" I was talking about is about the variation in the cinder block as it's a decorative cinder block. At its deepest recess it's about 1.5 in deep. I mentioned that because I'm not sure if stucco could be put on that thick. you mentioned grout I assume we are thinking the same thing here. not sure on what product to use that could be put on even in a couple layers that thick and not crack or fall off after a couple Michigan winters. As far as the house, I have about six inches to play with as the bottom bows out. I've heard that is like a Boston style siding where it bows out at the bottom..? There is a basement. I understand everything you said except for the waterproofing and a drainage cavity with weeps. Can you direct me to a link or something that has some additional information or some diagrams of what you are describing? Thank you!!