Siding is a critical protective layer that safeguards your home from extreme weather conditions. It also adds a distinct look and value.
Engineered wood strand technology helps it resist moisture, fungal damage and termite attacks. It can also be treated with zinc borate to help prevent rust. Contact Charleston Siding Pros now!
Brick siding requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials, saving homeowners money in the long run. But it comes with an expensive upfront cost.
Flashing
Flashing is a vital component of any roof system, and it plays an important role in siding. It protects against water intrusion from the ground, which could otherwise damage the structure of a home or business. Flashing is also used to create a barrier that keeps water from penetrating through a wall or other building material. Flashing is available in a wide variety of materials, including metal and PVC. It is often color-matched to siding and trim for a cohesive look that enhances the appearance of a building.
A common problem is the lack of proper flashing at roof/wall intersections. This can occur when a gutter terminates at the wall, or where a vent pipe passes through the wall and intersects with the roof covering. Insufficient flashing in these areas can lead to moisture intrusion, which can cause rot in wood framing.
Another area where flashing is critical is around the foundation of a home. This is referred to as “base flashing.” Insufficient flashing in this area can allow water to pool next to the foundation, which can lead to structural problems over time. Insufficient kick out flashing is also a common issue on older homes. The kick out flashing should redirect water away from the house and into the gutters, avoiding a potentially damaging path behind the siding.
Corner flashing is another type of flashing that helps prevent leaks in the corners of a building. It is often made from a metal such as aluminum or copper, and it can be pre-bent to fit tightly in the corner of a building. This type of flashing is usually bent over the edge of a shingle and then covered with a sheathing wrap to help seal the joint.
Furring Strip
Furring strip creates a barrier that prevents moisture from entering the walls and damaging the siding. It also provides a place for the air to flow vertically and horizontally, helping to keep your home comfortable. It is available for a wide range of siding styles and materials, including fiber cement, lap, shakes, board and batten, and open-joint systems.
Furring strips are usually made from softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and fir. These woods are readily available and cost-effective. They are also lightweight and easy to work with, making them an ideal choice for this type of project. Some people add traditional batt insulation to the furring strip, which helps to protect it from moisture. However, this can cause issues with ventilation. To avoid this, it is important to make sure there are openings in the siding at both the top and bottom of the wall.
If you do choose to add insulation, be sure to leave a significant gap between the housewrap and the siding. This gap will help to establish a drainage plane, which will enable the rainscreen system to work as intended.
It is also important to check the moisture levels in the basement and attic from time to time. Regular inspections will allow you to spot and repair problems before they lead to significant damage and expense. You should also consider installing a dehumidifier in your basement to keep it dry and comfortable. And if you’re converting an attic into living space, you can use a vapor barrier to prevent moisture buildup.
Fascia
Fascia is the long board that runs along the lower edge of your roof. It creates a barrier, keeping out water and debris that could damage your roof shingles. It also helps keep rainwater away from your home’s foundation and structural members. If your fascia is damaged or rotting, it can allow moisture to get behind your siding and cause serious problems for your home’s overall health.
Scientists once thought that fascia simply provided support for our muscles and organs, but they’re now discovering that it plays a much more important role in every movement we make. The new definition of fascia is much broader and includes all the collagenous-based soft tissue around the body, including everything we call tendons, ligaments and bursae.
If fascia becomes stiff, it can hinder load transmission, limit range of motion and irritate nerves that run through the tissues. In some cases, this can result in a painful neck or backache. If these symptoms aren’t resolved, the condition may progress to myofascial pain syndrome, which is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness in muscles and connective tissue.
The best way to prevent fascia from becoming too stiff is to move regularly. Getting enough exercise and stretching throughout the day will help keep fascia supple, and it will also reduce inflammation in other parts of the body. If you have a desk job, try to take at least two-minute breaks every hour to stand up and stretch, or use your lunch break for walking meetings. For more severe fascia issues, treatment focuses on relieving pain and getting tight fascia and muscle fibers to relax. These treatments include pain relievers, physical therapy and injections of medication directly into fascia trigger points.
Profile
The siding profile of a home can have a significant impact on its visual appeal, and it’s important for homeowners to understand the different options available to them. In addition to aesthetics, homeowners should consider the installation process, cost, and maintenance needs of each profile.
The type of siding you choose will also affect how well it protects your home from moisture and other environmental factors. For instance, some profiles require special tools or techniques for proper installation, while others may require regular painting or sealing. It’s important to know these differences before you make a purchase, as this will help you determine the best option for your home’s unique needs and climate.
There are several types of siding profiles available for your Mount Laurel home. Some are more traditional, while others are more modern. For example, clapboard siding is a classic choice that looks similar to traditional wood siding and offers crisp lines that pair well with colonial and Georgian-style homes. Other profile options include shingle, which is popular for its rustic and timeless appearance, and board and batten, which alternates wide boards with narrow strips (known as battens) to create a textured and dimensional look.
Choosing the right siding profile can have a major impact on your home’s curb appeal and the way it looks from the street. In addition, the siding you select will influence how your home looks from inside. To help you make the right choice, Mitten has put together a list of some of the most popular and eye-catching siding profiles on the market today.
Soffit
Soffit lines the underside of your roof on an overhang, or eave, and protects your home’s rafters from moisture damage. It also allows for air flow and helps to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Because soffit can be both functional and attractive, it’s important to make sure it looks as good as possible. Choosing the right color and texture is key to creating a cohesive look. You can even add a decorative element, like a faux beam, to draw the eye in and create a focal point for your home’s exterior.
Typically, soffits are either vented or closed, depending on your needs. Vented soffit promotes air flow, while closed soffit keeps pests out of your attic and rafters. The best type of soffit is one that is made from durable house siding materials, such as LP SmartSide. This material is available in both smooth and cedar texture, so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Fascia works hand-in-hand with soffit to protect your rafters. The fascia is the board that you see on your overhang, and it plays a more visible role in curb appeal than soffit. When homeowners replace their soffit, it’s often a good idea to replace their fascia at the same time.
Replacing your soffit and fascia with the same product makes installation faster and ensures that all of the pieces work together for maximum protection. In many cases, soffit and fascia that are damaged or worn out will eventually need to be replaced, and this will cost you more in the long run. It’s important to repair and replace your soffit and fascia before the weather becomes too hot and humid, or you will experience damage and rot.