SIDING SOLUTIONS, INC.'s
COMPOSITE SIDING UP-DATE NEWSLETTER
Volume No. 7     Issue No. 2  -2003

SIDING SOLUTIONS, Inc. TM
3535 SW MULTNOMAH BLVD. Suite # 104
PORTLAND, OREGON 97219
Phone (503) 244-6610 * (503)452-0653 Fax
email us at: info@sidingsolutions.com

UPDATES FOR THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND THREE

Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

Confusion and apprehension about composite siding is still prevalent among homeowners, homebuyers and sellers. The addition of Class Action Settlements with other siding manufacturers has added to the confusion. A lot of misinformation has become commonly accepted as fact. It is our goal to provide the public with information that will help to resolve these problems.

 

The prevalent perception among homeowners, sellers, and buyers is that all composite siding is inherently defective. We have found that this is not always true. Composite siding is adversely affected by increases in moisture content. The key to extended serviceability is to provide the siding with protection from moisture intrusion. The effectiveness of this protection, the extent of exposure to adverse weather conditions, and the quality of the original construction often determines the durability of composite siding. Composite siding, like all other materials that are exposed to the elements, requires timely repairs and maintenance. Any condition that allows water to penetrate into the siding should be immediately repaired. Rinsing off air born organic matter with a garden hose helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew and helps to increase the length of serviceability of the paint and siding. Minor mold and mildew problems can often be remedied by washing the affected with a solution of 1 cup of TSP (Trisodium-phosphate) and I quart of household bleach dissolved in 1 gallon of water. This solution should be applied with a stiff brush or push broom and allowed to stand for 10 to 15 minutes followed by a thorough rinsing with a garden hose. This should be followed by treatment with a fungicide. The use of a power washer is not advisable because the high-pressure forces water into and behind the siding.

 

The paint should be renewed before it starts to fail. The first few initial coatings don’t last as long as most people think. Three to five years is good paint performance for these initial coats. The interval between paint applications increases as each coat adds to the thickness of the paint on the surface. There are elastomeric sealants and paints available that are specifically formulated for composite siding repairs. They can be used to fill the cracks that occur at the bottom “drip” edges and the holes caused by swelling at the nail heads. Consult your local paint expert for more information.

The sealant joints must be maintained as well. This doesn’t mean merely applying more caulking. To be effective, all old sealant must be removed and the surfaces cleaned before re-applying caulking.

 

It is important to note that these suggestions apply to situations where minor damage is present.

 

 

 

Composite siding, like most manufactured products, are not always perfect. Manufacturing defects, shipping damage and improper storage can result in unrepairable defects. Neglected siding with severe damage and deterioration usually requires removal and replacement. This process can sometimes uncover additional problems in the sheathing and framing. Although this might appear to be a disaster when first discovered, it usually presents an opportunity to effect repairs before the damage progresses further.

 

The choice of replacement siding presents another set of problems. Cost and durability are the initial considerations. Attention must also be given to the unique conditions of weather exposure in any given residence. The most common choices for replacement siding are real wood siding (usually red cedar, hemlock, or redwood), vinyl siding, fiber-cement siding (such as Hardiplank or Weather Boards), and wood based composite siding.

 

Real wood siding usually yields the best return on investment, but contrary to commonly held perceptions, real wood is a high maintenance product. Wood siding that has a factory applied primer on all sides performs the best. 

 

Fiber-cement products seem to have the least siding related problems but if improperly installed over infected sheathing, they may just be covering up future problems. Under certain circumstances, efflorescence can be a problem. Water-soluble salts that are deposited on the surface as excess moisture evaporates cause efflorescence. This usually occurs on improperly stored materials that have adsorbed excess moisture.  

 

When the cost of continued maintenance is a major consideration, vinyl siding is an attractive alternative. Although it isn’t totally maintenance free, it doesn’t require painting. Trimwork manufactured for retrofit applications helps to make vinyl installations an effective alternative. All vinyl siding should have a weather barrier installed behind the siding. The darker colors should be avoided because they expand and contract more than the lighter shades.  Vinyl siding suffers from a negative perception in some potential homebuyers. All vinyl siding is not created equal. Low-end vinyl products should be avoided.

 

Composite panel siding is often misidentified as T-1-11. This designation refers to plywood panel siding. Plywood panel siding is not immune to damage. Delamination often appears as bubbles or blisters. Damage found on composite panel siding is similar to those found in other composite products. Improper nailing is an installation defect found on many residences with panel siding. This often results in buckling and bowing. Every stress rated panel product has the spacing and fastening requirements stamped on the back.

 

There are other cladding products that are susceptible to damage and defects. These include several types of stucco, cedar shingle panels and brick veneer.

 

Damage associated with EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems and other types of artificial stucco usually occurs in the wall framing and sheathing. EIFS homes built since 1996 are less likely to suffer the kind of damage that homes built before 1996 may suffer. This is due to a shift from barrier systems to drainage systems. Walls that extend down to or beyond the finished grade also have an increased likelihood of termite and carpenter ant infestation. Real stucco installations are not as susceptible to these types of damage.

 

Shingle panels are often used as design enhancements on gables. The problems associated with shingle panels are detached shingles and buckling. This is often the result of poorly attached shingles and defective installations.

 

While brick gives the appearance of permanence, problems can arise when landscaping material such as bark dust cover the weep holes. Improperly flashed masonry is also prone to consequential damage to the sheathing and framing.

 Realtors

 Homes with various combinations of composite cladding are a substantial percentage of available properties. Many contingency sales hinge on the sale of these properties as well.  Realtors who formerly avoided these stigmatized properties have come to realize that they can't pass on these potential sales. Realtors who have become familiar with siding issues have substantially increased their client base. Many homes clad with composite materials offer the amenities in a price range that appeals to upwardly mobile professionals. This segment of potential clients has an added impact on the market because they are often transferred when promoted or changing jobs. The introduction of relocating companies and mortgage brokers into this market has resulted in an abundance of contingency sales where both properties have composite materials.

If you are the seller’s agent, urge your client to make repairs before placing the property on the market. The best way to deal with siding issues is to not allow them to become issues. Many times this is not realistic. The best course of action if the sale needs to proceed “as is” is of course complete disclosure. It is also in both your client and your best interests to determine the monetary amount of the necessary repairs. If applicable, it is also advisable to assign the rights to any further claims to the buyer because a settlement can sometimes partially offset the estimated cost of repairs.  

 

If you are the buyer’s agent, determine the costs involved for repairs and/or replacement. The status of class action and warranty claims also affects the amount of money involved. Many homeowners have received settlement checks from the manufacturer but have not used the money for repairs. They may have given up the right for additional claims as a condition of the settlement. It seem as though everyone has a brother-in-law who knows all about siding Strategies for not allowing siding issues to become deal breakers all revolve around in educating your clients on siding issues.. Many potential buyers pass on homes that have all of the other features that they are looking for because a plan to remedy any siding issues is not in place.

 

Presentations for Continuing Education Credits Are Available At No Cost To Realtors. Because we don’t sell or install siding, our non-biased approach will provide you with clear, up to date information. Our only agenda is to educate realtors on siding issues that affect sales.   Contact us about our presentations for your sales meetings.

The following information is an overview of the issues currently associated with various composite siding and exterior cladding manufacturers.

Louisiana-Pacific:

·       The Class Action Settlement ended on December 31, 2002. Claims should be directed to L-P’s product warranty department. Call 1-877-677-6722 for LP Siding installed before January 1996
Call 1-800-450-6106 for LP installed after January 1996, Includes Smart System Products

ALso: L-P Customer Support: 1-800-648-6893 Warranty and Technical Information
for WarrantyInfo press 1 / Tech Info press 2

 Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding: 

·        Claims information can be found at www.weyerclaims.com

Masonite Hardboard Siding

·        Claims information can be found at www.masoniteclaims.com

Masonite Omniwood Siding:

·        Claims information can be found at www.masoniteclaims.com

Boise-Cascade Hardboard Siding:

·        Need to submit a claim to Boise Cascade? Mail your claim to: Boise Cascade Corporation, Timber & Wood Products Division, P.O. Box 62, Boise, ID 83707, Attn: Tana Rasmussen; phone: 208/384-6162; Include six photographs, one of each side of your house from a distance and two close-ups that will clearly show the problems you are experiencing. c/o Tana Rasmussen.

Georgia-Pacific Company: Hardboard Siding:

·        This case settled a national class action, but the time period for participating has expired. The last date for filing claims under the settlement was August 18, 1998.

Stimson Brand Hardboard Siding (Forestex): 

·       This company no longer manufactures or markets lap siding. They continue to produce a hardboard panel surfaced with tempered hardboard marketed as Duratemp. Need to submit a claim to Stimson? Mail your claim to 520 S.W. Yamhill, Suite 325, Portland, Oregon, 97204-1319; Remember to send a few photos of your siding with your claim letter.

ABTCO Hardboard Siding

·        Claims information can be found at www.abtcoclaims.com.

Smurfit Paper Company a subsidiary of The Jefferson Smurfit Corporation: Cladwood hardboard siding

Shakertown panel

·        Panels manufactured before 1992 have been reported have problems with the way that they were processed.. There have been some complaints of the cedar shingles separating from their plywood backing. Poor installation techniques appear to be a major contributor to this problem. This product has been improved and seems to be exhibiting fewer problems. 

Fiber-cement Products:

Wolverine Dura-Press

·        This product has been renamed Weatherboard and is being marketed under the Certainteed family of products.

Additional Fiber-Cement Products

·        Maxi-Plank, and Maxi-Panel, Cemplank, and FortaFiber are some of the other participants in this market. Maxi Plank and Panels have been failing in an ever-growing number of homes and is likely to be the subject of a class action law suit.

EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) 

·       
A class Action Settlement is in effect for Senergy and Thoro brands of EIFS in the Superior Court of the State of North Carolina, Hanover County, and 96 cvs 0059. An inspection protocol has been established to define the testing methodology and procedures for filing claims have been instated. These materials were first used in the mid to late 80's, depending upon the area that you live in. Claims against these companies are being accepted by the Claims Administrator and must be in the proper form and must be accompanied be several documents.

Products and Services from Siding Solutions:

The Siding Book.


THIS BOOK IS TRULY AN INDISPENSABLE AID FOR AGENTS, APPRAISERS AND SELLERS OF REAL ESTATE.  IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO DO COMPETENT DISCOVERY AND GIVE COMPLETE, ACCURATE DISCLOSURES REGARDING THE EXTERIOR FINISH SYSTEM ON A GIVEN RESIDENCE. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY UNDER CURRENT OREGON LAW WITH MANY OTHER STATES EXPECTED TO ENACT SIMILAR MEASURES. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY!   Damages equal to 3 times the earnest money amount have been awarded for non-disclosure!
 

THE SIDING BOOK "A FIELD GUIDE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF COMPOSITE SIDING AND DAMAGE "WRITTEN BY THE STAFF OF SIDING SOLUTIONS
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THE SIDING BOOK Covers most common types of siding and contains text and photographs depicting various types of damage. Published in 'FIELD GUIDE' FORMAT with a QUICK FIND IDENTIFICATION SECTION , you may find it to be indispensable.

OUR SITE IS OPEN TO ANY ONE THAT MAY HAVE SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES THAT ALL EXTERIOR COVERINGS PRESENT.  ANY REALTORS SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO WORK A REASONABLE TRADE OFF BETWEEN SELLER AND BUYER WILL BE.  PASSED ON TO OUR CLIENTS AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS WILL BE IN OUR NEXT UPDATE.
 

Residing Continues:

Siding Companies have discovered our Installation Certification Services

·        ·       We offer this service not only to benefit the siding company, but to help the homeowner get a good installation job.  The participating companies are conscientious and want to be sure that their customers are getting the excellent siding job they deserve. They are contracting with us to inspect their installations.  Both parties benefit from this service, with the siding company guaranteeing their good reputation and the homeowner gaining peace of mind.

  Homeowners can also request our Installation Certification Service

·        ·       Our Installation Certification Service assures the Homeowner of getting a warranty compliant installation. Our inspectors will talk to the siding company and monitor their work. You can withhold final payment until SIDING SOLUTIONS has completed a final inspection and affirms that the installation complies with the manufacturer’s printed specifications.

We offer this service to the Homeowner at a low price of $350.00.

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REMEMBER! BY ALL MEANS, FILE A CLAIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEN CALL BACK AND ASK HOW SOON THEY CAN HELP YOU. PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE. CALL EVERY ONE YOU CAN.  MAYBE THE SQUEAKY HINGE THEORY WILL WORK FOR YOU.  " THE HINGE THAT SQUEAKS THE LOUDEST GETS OILED FIRST!"

 

 

Our job here at SIDING SOLUTIONS is becoming more fulfilling every day as grateful homeowners and business associates thank us for the services we provide. The Internet has proved a very useful tool in spreading the word to the public that we are here to help with their EIFS and composite siding problems.

·        ·       When you need to document the condition of an EIFS or Composite Siding Clad Home you can call on us to help you assess the damage.

 

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