Is "Composite A Dirty Word" ? (Atlanta: homes, buyer)

[imirab]

I am in the market for a home in the East Cobb area of Atlanta. In the MLS listings, one will find descriptions of exteriors that say "Brick and Frame", or "Cement Siding and Frame", or "Cedar and Frame".

What does "Frame" mean? One would think it means a wood siding. However, many exterior homes' descriptions say "Cedar and Frame", so then "Frame" must mean some other material.

The one word my agent has used is "composite" when we have looked at homes that appear to be a wood or cement siding, but in fact, it is softer and has moisture problems, etc... Are the words "Frame and "composite" the same material?

Owners only advertise the higher quality aspects of their homes like the Cement Siding or Brick sides of the home. If the better material is not on all four sides of the home, one will see the exterior other sides listed as "Frame". What does that mean? Why do the owners NOT use the word Composite? I believe it is a word the owners avoid, because composite seems not to be a sturdy, durable siding and the word "frame" is substituted instead, which misleads and confuses the potential buyer.


My guess is that "composite" is just a mix of material that combines to create a board that is sturdy enough to build as a frame for a house. Without it being a "pure" substance of cement plank or hardiplank , it can't be that great of a material and possibly something to avoid on a home.

I am just trying to get to the bottom of this and wonder why some descriptions say "Frame" and why don't they just say "Composite"?

Does anyone have anything positive to say about a "Frame" or "Composite" exterior on a home?

Thanks for any replies!

[evannole]

Please see your other thread, where several people have provided the answers you're seeking.