Roofing and Siding Notes

Fiber Cement Boards have become the standard for residential siding projects. DIY ers apply it as an upgrade or replacement product while many residential builders are installing it on their ‘new construction’ projects. It is a relatively inexpensive, low maintenance, long lasting and attractive product. This is a rare combination in the competitive world of building materials. One of the initial knocks from a builders stand point in the past, has been the general lack of workability of the product. This opinion is changing as fiber cement has become more established and the tools have obviously evolved and become more specialized. I’ve included a link that provides some good simple descriptions of the tools and the situations in which there used. I’m hoping that this provides a little confidence for the prospective Do It Yourselfer.

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Hi All, There seems to be a bit of confusion out there between manufactured stone product and the PU (polyurethane) siding panels. Some of you are asking for manufactured stone in large sheets and panels.  In most cases, manufactured stone is produced in individual pieces, same as you’d receive a natural stone product. The exception to the rule is a “Dry Stack” profile where we mold multiple stone pieces into one product piece, quickening the install process. Adding to its popularity is the fact you don’t have to grout this product, eliminating probably the toughest step to the install process. Even with the multiple stone mold, our largest piece is still only 4”h x 20”L, just over a 1/2sq.ft. of coverage. If you’re asking yourself why we just don’t make them bigger, the simple answer is weight. Our lightest MFS product comes in a around 6.5lbs per sq.ft. and our heaviest at 10lbs. If you do the math, that would put a 3’ x 5’ stone panel at 98lbs to 150lbs per, a little tough to manage even for two installers. If you’ve seen a “Stone” panel product being installed on a site or on TV it more than likely PU product. It’s incredibly light at roughly 1 lb per sq.ft. and the panels come in array of sizes. There are a number of different brands out there with a fairly wide range of profiles like stone, brick and stucco. If wondering how durable foam can be? Trust me, its tough. When it comes to blunt trauma, it surprised me every time. I’ve stomped up and down on it with no visible signs of damage.  The only way I could deform the surface was by stabbing it with the pointed end of a golf umbrella. Even then, the color stayed on the surface and the foam didn’t show through. Its impressive stuff and has been used in the automotive industry for years. The material cost of the PU is more expensive than the manufactured stone but levels the playing field once you factor in the reduced installation time and cost. Comparisons have been done showing the panels can go on the wall up to five times faster than a real stone product and some PU’s can even add a small amount of R  value to your structure. In the past, I think the PU product line has struggled with the issue of believability. Most of the panels never really looked like a true stone product when installed but I think we’ve finally turned that corner now. It’s pretty hard to tell the PU foam from stone if you’re a few feet away. Some profiles with larger grout lines will always struggle I think as the manufacturers have a hard time keeping color of the stone from  mixing in with the grout lines. The Dry Stack profiles don’t have this issue and continue to be our biggest sellers. There you have it, hope this clears thing up a little for you. Build it well

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Hi all,

A big part of my day is spent talking to DIY customers. Many of you call asking how our products stack up to the competition. That’s great, it’s important to know that you’ve spent your hard earned dollars on a quality product. I’m always impressed to hear how many hrs. or even days you’ve spent researching the best product for your needs.

In contrast, I’m always a little shocked to hear how little time some of you have spent researching the proper installation process. Remember, your products perform only to the level in which they are installed. Most product claims are due to improper installation rather than product failure itself.

I’m hearing this lack of preparation mostly in our manufactured stone product line . Tim Carters “Ask the Builder” article  solidifies my belief, and from what I can tell, it’s the flashing details that seem to be where the average DIY’er gets wet.

I blame this on a couple of things. Some of us think we know how to do everything. Unfortunately most products have differing requirements somewhere along the process. As minute as the variation may seem on paper, it could have a big effect on the outcome of your install. Then, if you’re anything like me, you don’t like reading instructions as they don’t always translate well once your on the job site. I’m a very visual learner and find a well laid out diagram or video much better for retention.

I have to say that even thought they’re a competitor, Owens Corning “Cultured Stone” does a great job on providing PDF instruction rather than just the written. You’ll find these especially helpful if you’re not up on the Industry lingo, given this is not your day job. For all the old-timers out there that have been doing this for a life time, it never hurts have a peek and keep current with the any new techniques and materials that are always popping up. Were in the process of improving our Install info, admittedly we don’t do a very good job on this.

As the days seems to get busier and busier, and I’m finding it hard and harder to find time to surf the web for “Good” new related sites and blogs. If anyone has some  great links please feel free to pass them on.

Build it well.

Cheers,

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