Are you faced with problem siding such as Louisiana Pacific (LP siding), Weyerhauser, Masonite Siding,T-111 siding or Drivet material? These products have been associated with rot and leaking in the Seattle area. There are a couple of reasons why you will experience problems with these products in the Pacific Northwest.
1. They are not capable of handling all the wet weather we have in our area.
2. A lot of home owners and building owners do not do the proper maintenance.
3. The original design of the building and installation method used on the siding during construction.
MASONITE EXTERIOR DOORS
This can include things like improper flashing and caulking of the siding, Improper grade and installation on home wrap.We have also seen problems with improper gutter installation and lack of gutters cleaning that leads to water pouring down the siding over windows.
Once the siding and caulking joints start to deteriorate the water will get behind the wall and saturate the paper or homes wrap. Once this occurs your home can experience rot underneath the siding. The sheathing ( Plywood on your homes framing stem ) and the actual framing starts to rot. This is the expensive part of any siding repair job.
Once water gets behind the wall it is only a matter of time before your repair cost go up exponentially. Siding is relatively easy to remove and replace. Once we have to tear off the siding the plywood remove doors, windows, flashing,plywood and pull framing apart the labor required really snowballs. Framing need to be supported and only very small sections can be fixed at a time.
The best way to do these types of repairs is to work on one section at a time. To avoid having to do major repair work complete the following annual check list
1. Inspect the edges of your siding ensure that there is no cupping or de-lamination on the edges of the siding.
2. Make sure your caulking joints are not cracked as even small cracks in the caulking will result in leaks.
3. Make sure your gutters are clean and that they do not force water down walls over windows.
4. Paint and redo caulking on your home often. Use polyurethane caulking you can buy it at Handy home center for about a tube.
If you more than minor repairs or you have leaks please take care of the repairs quickly to save major cost later. Get 3 quotes from licensed and insured siding contractors. Consider doing on problem areas if you do not have the money in your budget.
Contractors will have moisture meters to help spot the water leak areas and the should explain how windows and doors are flashed.
Siding Problems Need Attention or They Will Cost You a Lot More to Fix
Gerrard Floyd is a siding expert who has been writing on the benefits, challenges, and methodology of siding replacement for over five years.He is a siding and window contractor serving Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland,Shoreline,Issaquah,Burien, Renton,Lynnwood His areas of expertise include hardiplank, small condominium repairs rot repair, and exterior painting as well as animal buying and selling Real Estate. If you are interested in more information on (topic) please visit siding seattle, Hardiplank, and fibercement.
MASONITE EXTERIOR DOORS