The coastal environment of Cape Cod presents unique challenges for home construction, from salt-laden air and high winds to freezing winter temperatures. The This Old House 2020 Cottage on the Cape Idea House, located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, was designed and built with these conditions in mind. Builder Matt Cole selected a range of innovative exterior building products that balance durability, low maintenance, and classic New England aesthetics. Whether you are planning a new build or renovating an existing coastal property, understanding the material choices behind this project can inform your own decisions about covering the inside of exterior walls and selecting the right exterior finishes for long-term performance. This article explores the key exterior systems that make the Cottage on the Cape both beautiful and resilient.
Siding and Exterior Cladding for Coastal Homes
The siding on a coastal home must withstand constant exposure to moisture, salt spray, and intense sun. The Cottage on the Cape uses a combination of materials that offer both traditional charm and modern performance. The primary siding material is cedar shingles, a classic choice for Cape Cod architecture that has been used for generations in this region.
Pre-Dipped Cedar Shingles for Color Durability
Rather than allowing the cedar shakes to weather naturally to a silvery gray, the builders had them pre-dipped in a striking Atlantic Blue finish from SBC Cedar. This factory-applied coloration ensures a uniform, long-lasting appearance that resists fading and peeling far better than field-applied paint. The pre-dipping process forces pigment deep into the wood fibers, creating a protective barrier that slows moisture absorption and reduces the risk of rot.
A compass rose design above the garage door, crafted by Mosaic Shingle Company, adds a distinctive nautical touch. This decorative element demonstrates how shingle siding can be used creatively to add personality to an otherwise traditional facade. For homeowners who prefer a painted finish over stained wood, selecting the right coating system is equally critical. A good starting point is reviewing options like those covered in the review of best exterior paint in India 2022 10 best paint for exterior walls, which outlines key factors such as weather resistance and UV protection that apply to any coastal climate.
Exterior Wood Trim That Fights Rot and Insects
The exterior trim, fascia, and soffits on the Cottage are made from LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT, a Radiata pine product treated with an EPA-approved non-metallic preservative. This treatment protects against rot, fungal attack, and insect damage, including termites. Contractor Jeff Sweenor, who has worked on multiple This Old House projects, emphasizes that Radiata pine offers the workability of natural wood without the negative effects of moisture. It takes paint exceptionally well and holds its shape over time.
- Radiata pine trim benefits: Dimensional stability, excellent paint adhesion, and resistance to warping
- Preservative technology: Non-metallic formula that is safer for the environment than traditional pressure-treated options
- Application areas: Fascia boards, soffit panels, window casings, and corner boards
Roofing and Structural Systems Built for Coastal Weather
A coastal roof must handle wind-driven rain, snow loads, and the constant threat of moisture intrusion. The Cottage on the Cape employs a multi-layered approach that begins with the structural deck and extends to the finished shingles.
ZIP System Sheathing for a Sealed Roof Deck
Before a single shingle was installed, the roof deck was sealed using the ZIP System from Huber Engineered Woods. This sheathing and tape system provides a continuous air- and water-resistant barrier directly on the roof deck. Builder Matt Cole explained the reasoning: “The ZIP System has a coating on the surface with its water-resistant barrier already on the product. It is a time saver, and we do a lot of coastal work in windy environments. You remember the old days of the paper blowing off the building.”
The ZIP System eliminates the need for traditional felt paper or synthetic underlayment, reducing labor time and the risk of installation errors. The integrated tape seals all seams, creating a monolithic barrier that keeps moisture out during construction and for the life of the roof. This approach is especially valuable for homeowners who want to ensure their keep that porch floor looking new a complete maintenance guide for exterior wood finishing applies to a structure that is fully protected from top to bottom.
GAF Architectural Shingles with Algae Resistance
The finished roof uses GAF architectural asphalt shingles with subtle color blends that add dimensionality to the roofline. These shingles include built-in protection against blue-green algae stains, a common problem in humid coastal regions where algae growth can create unsightly black streaks on lighter colored roofs. The algae-resistant granule technology releases copper ions that prevent spore germination, keeping the roof looking clean for decades.
Engineered Ridge Beam for Open Floor Plans
A 36-foot Microllam LVL (laminated veneer lumber) ridge beam from Weyerhaeuser runs the length of the cottage. Engineered from large sheets of LVL and impregnated with resin to resist moisture and mold during construction, this beam supports the rafters and eliminates the need for ceiling joists. This allows for vaulted ceilings in the main living areas, a design feature that makes the cottage feel more spacious.
| Roof Component | Product | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sheathing and barrier | ZIP System | Integrated water-resistant coating with taped seams |
| Roof shingles | GAF architectural asphalt | Algae-resistant granules, dimensional color blends |
| Ridge beam | Microllam LVL by Weyerhaeuser | Moisture-resistant, supports vaulted ceilings |
| Gutter protection | All Weather Armour micro-mesh | Surgical-grade stainless steel, blocks all debris |
Porch, Entryway, and Outdoor Living Details
The Cottage on the Cape features multiple outdoor living spaces, including a cozy front porch, a full-size dining deck off the main house, and an entry porch with a private deck off the accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Each space demanded materials that could handle both covered and uncovered conditions while remaining low maintenance.
Solid PVC Porch Flooring That Never Warps
All porch surfaces use Aeratis solid extruded PVC tongue-and-groove planks. Unlike composite decking or traditional wood, this solid PVC material is guaranteed not to expand or contract, so it will never buckle, warp, or cup. The product is available in both smooth and wood-grain textures and can be used on ceilings, floors, and built-in bench seating for a coordinated look. The front porch bench seating is also built from Aeratis material, creating a seamless appearance. Builder Matt Cole noted that the flexibility of Aeratis products allowed him to use the same material for both covered front porches and uncovered rear decks. For those looking to maintain wood porch surfaces on older homes, the guide to the complete guide to maintaining and protecting exterior wood porch floors offers practical advice on cleaning, sealing, and refinishing.
ADA-Compliant Entry Steps
The ADU entry steps feature an ADA slip-compliant surface made from the same Aeratis porch planks. This ensures safe footing in wet conditions, which is especially important for aging homeowners or guests with mobility concerns. The slip resistance is built into the material itself rather than relying on surface coatings that can wear away over time.
Low-Maintenance Vinyl Fencing and Window Boxes
Walpole Outdoors supplied both the charming white vinyl picket fence and the solid vinyl window boxes that flank the cottage windows. Vinyl fencing never requires painting or staining and resists the rot, splitting, and insect damage that plagues wood fencing in coastal environments. The window boxes are crafted from solid vinyl that will not split, crack, or fade, providing a permanent home for seasonal flowers. You can see these details featured in the original exterior tour of the Cottage on the Cape, which also highlights the custom copper gutters and chimney cap.
Windows, Doors, and Final Exterior Touches
The final layer of the exterior envelope includes windows, doors, and accessory elements that complete the home’s performance and appearance.
Triple-Pane Aluminum Clad Windows
Sierra Pacific windows and patio doors were selected for their triple-pane glass and heavy-duty extruded aluminum cladding. The aluminum exterior resists corrosion from salt air far better than standard vinyl or wood frames. The windows are treated with an organic preservative that provides additional protection against moisture and insects. The triple-pane configuration delivers superior thermal performance, reducing heat loss during Cape Cod’s cold winters and keeping the interior cooler in summer.
- Aluminum cladding: Heavy-duty extruded aluminum resists corrosion and impacts
- Triple-pane glass: Three layers of glass with low-E coatings for maximum insulation
- Organic preservative: Added protection against moisture and insect damage in the frame
- Patio doors: Same construction as windows for consistent performance across all openings
Energy-Efficient Garage Door and Basement Access
The sleek black garage door from Clopay looks like real wood but is actually a highly realistic faux-wood finish. Beneath the surface, an energy-efficient insulated core delivers a 20.4 R-value, keeping the workshop inside comfortable throughout the seasons. The BILCO steel basement doors provide code-compliant access to living space and storage areas. They open wide enough to move large items such as bicycles, games, and furnishings, and are available with a factory powder-coat finish that matches the home’s exterior color scheme.
Gutter Protection and Flexible Paving
All Weather Armour micro-mesh gutter screens use surgical-grade stainless steel to keep out leaves, pine needles, and pests while allowing water to flow freely. The screens are practically invisible from the ground, preserving the home’s clean roofline. For the walkways and patio, Belgard modular pavers combine the flexibility of modular design with the textured finish of natural slate. This paver system can be arranged in multiple patterns and is easy to replace if individual units become damaged. For homeowners also interested in window treatments, rolling exterior shutters design installation and energy benefits for modern homes provides guidance on adding durable, energy-efficient shading solutions that complement the overall exterior design.
The 2020 Cottage on the Cape demonstrates that building in a coastal environment does not require sacrificing style for durability. By selecting products specifically engineered for moisture resistance, thermal performance, and low maintenance, the project team created a home that honors the region’s architectural traditions while embracing modern building science. From the pre-dipped cedar shingles to the ZIP System roof deck and the solid PVC porch flooring, every material was chosen to deliver lasting performance in one of the most demanding climates in the United States. These same principles can guide any homeowner looking to build or renovate with confidence.