COMPOSITION SIDING TRAINING

 

WHAT IS COMPOSITION SIDING?
Starting at the beginning, we have to look at the products in general. They are man-made material used predominately on residential structures.  Composition siding is considered all exterior siding materials except natural wood products, brick, stone, or concrete. Thus, vinyl is included and when you read the introduction to that section, you will better understand the concerns relative to vinyl siding.
 

The primary culprit involved in all of the instances investigated is, of course, moisture or water intrusion under the siding material. Even where there is public outcry and litigation against companies who produce the various siding materials, the culprit is always moisture and poor installation.

 

It becomes important to be able to identify not only the product (because different products have different problems); but also to recognize the SYMPTOMS that may lead to conditions conducive to damage or actual damage from wood destroying organisms. We know from our personal experiences that structural damage is not uncommon. Knowledge, therefore, becomes of paramount importance.
 

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Composition siding is a real problem because the damage is not readily visible. In this case

study, we have a 10-year old home with average homeowner maintenance. The buyer and the agent were looking at the exterior and very impressed with the condition of the siding (for being LP). The Pest Inspector noticed some nail heads pulling through the siding, leaned on the area and his hand fell through.

 

   

 

 

FAILURE TO REPORT ON CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO DAMAGE

What we used to consider "siding damage that falls under a class action suit" is turning into structural damage that impacts on the habitability and structural integrity of buildings 2, 3, 4, and-5 – 10 years later.

 

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR ANALYZING A NEW CLIENT’S HOME

1. Siding is in direct contact (or close proximity to) with roof covering material.

2. There is earth to siding contact.

3. There is concrete/asphalt to siding contact in a water splash area.

4. Water is leaking (over flowing) from downspouts/gutters onto siding.

5. Caulking around windows, doors, and trim is cracked, separated, or damaged.

6. Nail-heads have penetrated the material membrane and raw product is exposed to the weather.

7. Previous repairs using caulking materials have been performed. Damage may exist under repairs.

8. Vegetation is growing against composition material.

9. Deck boards (or other structural members) are in direct contact with composition materials in a weather exposed area.

10. Mold and mildew are staining siding (where). Such staining may be an indication of moisture entry under siding. Further investigation is recommended.

11. Holes have been cut in siding for (utility pipes, telephone/cable lines). Raw composition materials are exposed to the weather.

12. Paint covering has deteriorated (or is damaged) and raw composition material is exposed to the weather.

 

SUGGESTION - RECOMMENDED REPAIRS
This is a composition material product. All repairs should be conducted in accordance with the product manufacturer's recommended procedures.

 

THE NEW MATERIALS WILL NOT GO AWAY
We are running out of wood. The bottom line is - there will be more composition materials instead of less.

 

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEK… LP SIDING

 
 
 

(425)985-3289
Jim Estrada

www.propertyinspectorllc.com