Assessing Your Existing Wall Structure
Before any new siding or cladding can be considered, a comprehensive assessment of the existing wall structure is essential. This involves more than just visual inspection; it requires understanding the original construction, identifying any underlying issues, and determining the suitability of the existing substrate for a new exterior finish.
Key aspects to investigate include the integrity of the sheathing, the presence and condition of any existing weather-resistive barrier (WRB), the structural soundness of the framing, and potential moisture intrusion points. Addressing these elements upfront can prevent costly problems down the line and ensure the new facade performs as intended.
Understanding Rainscreen Principles for Coastal Environments
For coastal areas like Atlantic City, incorporating rainscreen principles into your facade renovation is highly recommended. A rainscreen assembly creates a drained and ventilated air cavity behind the exterior cladding, which helps manage moisture, reduce thermal bridging, and improve the overall durability of the wall system. This is particularly beneficial where wind-driven rain and humidity are common.
The air gap allows any moisture that penetrates the cladding to drain away and promotes drying, preventing it from reaching the structural components of the wall. This system requires careful detailing around windows, doors, and penetrations to maintain continuous drainage and ventilation.
Material Choices for Atlantic City Facades
Lumber Plus offers a range of siding and cladding materials suitable for facade renovations, each with distinct characteristics. Your choice will depend on your aesthetic goals, performance requirements, and budget.
Thermally Modified Wood, such as Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood or thermally modified Ash, offers enhanced stability and durability against moisture and decay, making it a good option for varying weather conditions. Maximo Accoya is another acetylated wood product known for its stability and resistance to rot. Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood are valued for their natural density, strength, and distinctive grain patterns, offering robust protection and a rich aesthetic. For a low-maintenance option, Norx composite cladding provides consistent appearance and durability. Each material has specific installation guidelines and aesthetic properties to consider for a facade renovation.
Consider the appearance changes over time for each material. Some woods will naturally weather to a silver-gray patina if left untreated, while others maintain their color with proper finishing and maintenance. Composite materials typically offer more consistent color retention.
Profile and Layout Considerations
The profile of your chosen siding or cladding material, along with its layout, significantly impacts the final appearance of your facade. Options range from traditional lap siding to modern rainscreen profiles that create distinct shadow lines and visual textures.
Horizontal layouts can make a building appear wider, while vertical layouts can emphasize height. Mixed layouts or accent sections can add architectural interest. Always refer to the manufacturer's documentation for specific profiles and recommended installation methods to ensure proper water management and aesthetic alignment.
Worked Example: Renovating a 20-foot by 10-foot Wall Section
Let's consider renovating a specific section of a facade, a single wall measuring 20 feet wide by 10 feet high, totaling 200 square feet. For this example, we'll assume the existing wall is structurally sound with intact sheathing, and we plan to install a thermally modified Ayous cladding in a standard 5-inch (nominal) face width profile, designed for a rainscreen application.
To calculate the linear footage needed, we first convert the wall height to inches (10 feet * 12 inches/foot = 120 inches). Then, divide the height by the effective face width (120 inches / 4.5 inches/board = 26.67 boards). Since we can't use fractional boards for calculation, we round up to 27 boards to cover the height. For a 20-foot wide wall, this means 27 boards, each 20 feet long. This totals 540 linear feet of cladding (27 boards * 20 feet/board).
It is standard practice to add a waste factor, typically 10-15%, to account for cuts, imperfections, and potential future repairs. For 540 linear feet, a 10% waste factor would add 54 linear feet, bringing the total to 594 linear feet. Boards are typically sold in specific lengths, so the final purchase quantity would depend on available lengths and a detailed cut plan to minimize waste. This calculation only covers the cladding boards themselves and does not include furring strips for the rainscreen, fasteners, trim, or other accessories.
Before you order
- Have I thoroughly inspected the existing wall for structural integrity, moisture issues, and suitable substrate?
- Is a rainscreen assembly appropriate for my project and locale, and have I planned for its components (furring strips, WRB, insect screen, etc.)?
- Which siding/cladding material best suits the Atlantic City climate and my aesthetic goals (Thermally Modified Wood, Maximo Accoya, Brazilian Hardwood, Norx Composite)?
- What profile and layout will I use, and have I accounted for the effective face width of the material?
- Have I calculated the linear footage required, including a waste factor?
- Have I considered the long-term maintenance and appearance changes of the chosen material?
- Have I reviewed the manufacturer's installation guidelines for the specific product and assembly?
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.
This is a planning guide for projects in Atlantic City, NJ. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.
Questions to help you decide
What is the most important consideration for siding and cladding in a coastal environment like Atlantic City?
The most important consideration is selecting materials and an assembly system that can effectively manage moisture, resist salt air corrosion, and withstand high winds. A rainscreen assembly is highly recommended to promote drainage and ventilation, protecting the underlying wall structure from moisture intrusion.
Do I need to treat or finish thermally modified wood cladding?
Thermally modified wood is dimensionally stable and resistant to decay, but it will naturally weather to a silver-gray patina if left unfinished. If you wish to maintain its original color, a UV-protective finish is recommended and should be reapplied periodically according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I install new siding directly over existing siding?
While sometimes possible with certain materials, it is generally recommended to remove existing siding to properly inspect the wall's condition, address any underlying issues, and ensure a proper weather-resistive barrier and rainscreen assembly can be installed. Installing over existing siding can hide problems and compromise the performance of the new facade.
Ready to Transform Your Atlantic City Facade?
Request a material quote with your project dimensions, desired profile, and ZIP code. We can help you confirm current availability and service options for your facade renovation project.
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