Refreshing a Facade with NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces

Assess Your Existing Facade: The First Step

Before any new material is selected or installed, a thorough assessment of your existing facade is crucial. This involves inspecting the current siding, cladding, or other wall finishes for signs of damage, rot, water intrusion, or structural instability. Any pre-existing issues must be addressed and repaired to ensure the new NewTechWood surface has a sound substrate.

Consider the underlying wall assembly. Is it a rainscreen system, or does it rely on direct fastening? Understanding the current construction will inform how NewTechWood materials can be integrated and what modifications might be necessary to support the new system. Documenting the existing conditions with photos and measurements is a valuable first step.

NewTechWood Composite Cladding: Appearance and Applications

NewTechWood composite products are designed to provide a wood-look finish with the benefit of low maintenance. The material is a wood-plastic composite, available in various profiles suitable for exterior facades, accent walls, and coordinated architectural surfaces. This makes it a versatile choice for refreshing a facade, whether you're aiming for a full overhaul or a targeted accent.

The composite nature of NewTechWood means it can be a practical alternative to traditional wood, potentially reducing the need for frequent painting, staining, or sealing. Its consistent appearance across different profiles allows for design flexibility, enabling a cohesive look for walls and other outdoor surfaces.

For specific design ideas, you can explore other siding and cladding options, including thermally modified wood or Norx products, to compare material characteristics against your project goals.

Choosing Profiles and Layouts for Visual Impact

NewTechWood offers various profiles, which contribute significantly to the final aesthetic of your facade. Consider whether a horizontal, vertical, or mixed layout would best suit your architectural style and the desired visual impact. Horizontal profiles can make a building appear wider, while vertical profiles can emphasize height.

The shadow lines created by different profiles also play a role. A deeper profile will cast a more pronounced shadow, adding texture and depth to the facade. When planning, visualize how sunlight will interact with the chosen profiles throughout the day. It's recommended to request current physical samples to see how colors and profiles appear in different lighting conditions at your project site.

Complementary products like Maximo Accoya can be considered for specific architectural details or contrasting elements if your design calls for a different material alongside the composite.

Planning the Complete Surface System: Substructure and Fastening

A successful facade refresh with NewTechWood involves planning the entire surface system, not just the visible cladding. This includes the substructure, trim, and fastening methods. The existing wall assembly will dictate much of this planning.

For most cladding applications, a robust substructure is essential to support the NewTechWood profiles securely and ensure proper drainage and ventilation, especially in a rainscreen assembly. Confirm the required fastening method and any specific trim pieces needed for corners, windows, and doors with your material supplier. These details are critical for a durable and aesthetically pleasing installation. Remember that availability of profiles and coordinating accessories can vary, so confirm with your local team.

Careful planning of cut ends and field cuts is also important to minimize waste and ensure a professional finish. Consider how movement joints will be incorporated, if required by the manufacturer, to accommodate any material expansion or contraction.

Worked Example: Refreshing a 100 Square Foot Accent Wall

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario: refreshing a 10-foot wide by 10-foot high accent wall on a home's exterior. The existing wall is stucco and in good condition, requiring minimal repairs. The homeowner wants to add a modern, wood-look composite facade using NewTechWood cladding.

First, the existing stucco surface is cleaned and inspected for cracks or damage. Any minor repairs are completed. For a 10x10 foot wall, assuming vertical furring strips every 16 inches on center, you'd need approximately 8 furring strips, each 10 feet long, totaling 80 linear feet.

If the chosen NewTechWood profile is a 6-inch wide plank (actual coverage), and the homeowner desires a horizontal installation, the 10-foot height would require 20 planks (10 feet / 0.5 feet per plank = 20 planks). Each plank needs to be 10 feet long. Therefore, 20 planks of 10-foot length would be needed. This calculation assumes no waste for cuts, which is rarely the case. It is prudent to factor in 10-15% extra material for cuts, waste, and future repairs. So, for this example, you might consider ordering 22-23 planks.

Remember this is an area-equivalent calculation. Always consult installation instructions for specific fastening patterns, clearances, and any required starter or trim pieces. This example does not account for window or door cutouts, which would reduce the material needed but increase the complexity of cuts.

Before you order

• Have I thoroughly inspected the existing facade for damage and repaired all issues?
• Is my underlying wall assembly suitable for NewTechWood cladding, or does it require modifications?
• Have I reviewed available NewTechWood profiles and selected one that aligns with my design vision?
• Have I considered the visual impact of horizontal vs. vertical installation?
• Do I have a plan for the substructure, including furring strips or other necessary supports?
• Have I identified all required trim pieces for corners, windows, and doors?
• Do I understand the recommended fastening method for the chosen NewTechWood profile?
• Have I accounted for material waste and potential future repairs in my quantity estimate?
• Have I requested physical samples to confirm color and appearance on site?
• Have I confirmed the current availability of the desired profiles and colors with my supplier?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project