Full Circle Inspections, Inc. Siding

So many choices. Sidings come from a variety of manufacturers and in a number of different materials. Here in the northern part of California, the primary type of siding for many years was redwood. A wonderful material, it machines well, can be stained or painted and is resistant to many of the wood destroying organisms (WDO) that will cheerfully eat through many other types of wood. Regrettably, the high quality, clear-heart redwood came from old-growth timber forests, which are largely gone. As a result, second, third and even fourth growth timber is being harvested. While still essentially resistant to WDOs, the younger trees have many more knots and do not make a good, clear, solid siding.

Consequently, many of the siding manufacturers have turned to composite or fiber-type sidings. There have been problems with these sidings, primarily delamination and decay resulting from defective adhesives, inadequately tested manufacturing methods and improper installation. One significant issue is that the lumber often comes from fast-growing trees that have little to no resistance to wood destroying organisms. As a result, decay can quickly set in and cause significant damage if the material is defective, improperly installed or poorly maintained.

Plywood siding has been a mainstay since the 1960s. Relatively inexpensive, easy installation and durability have contributed to its popularity in the building community. Maintenance is also straightforward. Keeping seams, voids, and penetrations sealed with a good quality caulking and regular painting will help to preserve the life of the siding.

Fiber-cement siding came to us originally from Australia; however, there are American made products now. In my experience, this is an excellent product with a reliable track record. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to ensure the product performs as intended. In my opinion, an excellent choice for new construction or replacement.

Stucco is a cement-based siding that has been around for many years. Durable and reliable, it requires careful attention to flashings at windows and doors prior to application of the stucco to ensure the exterior remains water-tight. The largest concerns are penetrations through the wall. Occasionally, I will find evidence of leaking where the exterior building paper or flashing was improperly installed. The problem, from a home inspection point of view, is that the stucco covers the flashing and leaks at the interior can be difficult to find and are often not noticed until decay/damage has set in. Some cracking is common in stucco; however, numerous and/or large cracks might indicate problems with installation as well as structural movement.

If your home has a fiber or composite type siding that is in good condition, the best thing that you can do is keep it well painted. Most of these sidings have a resin-coated paper on the exposed weather face. Unfortunately, the decorative cuts as well as the edges and end cuts in the lap and panel sidings penetrate through this protective barrier. These areas are the most susceptible to moisture-related damage, and, of particular concern are the bottom edge and end cuts of the siding. Water will tend to hang along the bottom edge and can soak up into the fiber material, resulting in delamination of the material. Any cuts or holes should be primed/painted prior to installation. If repainting with a sprayer, the gun should be held at a slight angle upward to ensure that the bottom edge is adequately coated. Vertical seams also require careful attention. Rolling or brushing after spraying will help to better distribute the paint to the surface. When painting with a roller, an adequately thick roller should be used. Keeping all seams well caulked and the siding painted will help to preserve the siding. I recommend use of a high quality caulk that will remain flexible. Polyurethane caulks retain their flexibility for years and are paintable, but they are difficult and messy to work with. When installing new siding, the manufacturer's installation instructions should be thoroughly read and followed.