I am rebuilding my home from the ground up What is the most economic exterior material but not vinyl siding?

This rebuilding is the result of Hurricane Katrina destroying my entire home. I am trying to find the best price for exterior material excluding brick and vinyl siding. Also where can I get it wholesale if possible. (ship to New Orleans). Thanks.

Cleaning vinyl siding on house that is over 12 feet above the ground?

The north side of my house is covered in mold on the vinyl. We live on a VERY steep mountain and a ladder would be very dangerous on our land. What would be the best way to clean it? I’ve read of power washers, but that you can’t spray them upwards otherwise [...]