Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Chicago, IL

Evaluating Existing Wall Conditions

Before selecting new siding or cladding, a thorough evaluation of the existing wall structure is essential. This includes assessing the integrity of the sheathing, framing, insulation, and any existing moisture barriers. Look for signs of water damage, rot, insect infestation, or structural weaknesses that need to be addressed before new materials are installed. Repairing underlying issues prevents future problems and ensures the new facade performs as intended.

Consider the existing wall's substrate and its ability to support the weight of new cladding. Different materials have varying weights, and the substructure must be adequate. For example, a lightweight composite cladding will have different support requirements than a dense Brazilian hardwood. Documenting existing conditions, including dimensions, material composition, and any observed damage, forms the basis for a robust renovation plan.

Material Choices for Chicago Facades

Lumber Plus offers a range of siding and cladding materials suitable for facade renovations, each with distinct characteristics. Thermally modified wood, such as Scandinavian thermally modified wood or thermally modified Ash, provides enhanced stability and resistance to environmental factors, which can be beneficial in Chicago's climate. Maximo Accoya is another option, known for its dimensional stability and durability due to its acetylation process. These modified woods offer a natural aesthetic with improved performance.

For those seeking a different aesthetic or performance profile, Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood offer density and a range of natural colors and grain patterns. These hardwoods are robust and can provide a long-lasting facade. Additionally, Norx composite cladding provides an engineered alternative, often with consistent finishes and profiles that can simplify installation. The choice between these materials depends on desired appearance, budget, and specific performance requirements.

When considering any material, review its specific documentation for installation guidelines, fastener recommendations, and any required ventilation or rainscreen assembly details. This ensures the chosen material is installed correctly to perform optimally over time. You can explore options like Thermally Modified Wood, Maximo Accoya, and Norx composite cladding on our product pages.

Understanding Rainscreen Assemblies

Many siding and cladding systems benefit from a rainscreen assembly, particularly in climates like Chicago where moisture management is crucial. A rainscreen creates a vented air cavity behind the cladding, allowing moisture to drain and promoting drying. This helps protect the underlying wall assembly from water intrusion and reduces the risk of mold or rot.

Implementing a rainscreen system involves careful planning of furring strips, flashing, and a water-resistive barrier. The specific design will vary depending on the chosen cladding material and the existing wall structure. It is important to consult product-specific installation guides and local building practices to ensure the rainscreen is correctly designed and installed for optimal performance.

Profiles and Aesthetics

Siding and cladding materials are available in various profiles, each creating a distinct visual effect. Common profiles include tongue-and-groove, shiplap, and board-and-batten. The choice of profile influences the shadow lines, overall texture, and how the facade interacts with light. For example, a shiplap profile creates clean, horizontal lines, while board-and-batten offers a more traditional, vertical aesthetic.

Consider how the chosen profile will complement the architectural style of the building and the surrounding environment. Samples of different profiles and finishes can help visualize the final appearance. Lumber Plus offers a variety of profiles that can be milled in-house to specific dimensions, allowing for customization to suit project requirements. This flexibility helps achieve the desired aesthetic while ensuring a proper fit for the renovation.

Hypothetical Renovation Example: A Chicago Brownstone Facade

Consider a hypothetical facade renovation for a 20-foot wide by 30-foot tall brownstone in Chicago, where the existing brick facade shows signs of deterioration and the owner desires a more contemporary, low-maintenance look. The existing wall structure consists of solid masonry with an interior furring and plaster system. The goal is to install new horizontal siding over a rainscreen assembly.

After a structural review confirms the masonry can support additional weight, the existing brick is cleaned and repaired where necessary. A new water-resistive barrier is applied directly to the masonry. This spacing is critical for ventilation and drainage. For this example, we select Norx composite cladding in a shiplap profile for its durability and consistent finish. The total facade area is 600 square feet (20 ft x 30 ft).

Assuming Norx composite cladding planks are 6 inches wide (nominal) and come in 16-foot lengths, with a 5.5-inch exposed face per plank. To cover 30 feet vertically, approximately 66 planks (30 ft / 0.458 ft per exposed plank) would be needed per 16-foot length for the full height. For the 20-foot width, and considering 16-foot lengths, two 16-foot lengths would be needed per horizontal course, with some cutting and potential for offcut use. This would involve a substantial number of planks. A more precise calculation would involve laying out the planks to minimize waste, accounting for window and door openings. However, for a rough estimate, 600 square feet divided by the area of a single 16-foot by 5.5-inch exposed plank (7.33 square feet) suggests approximately 82 exposed planks. Since planks are sold in full lengths, the actual purchase quantity would be higher to account for cuts, waste, and a buffer. For instance, if each 16-foot plank covers approximately 7.33 square feet, and we need 600 square feet, we would need to purchase at least 82 planks. However, considering cuts for a 20-foot width from 16-foot lengths, significant waste would occur unless multiple pieces could be joined. For practical purposes, purchasing at least 15-20% extra for waste and cuts is a common practice.

This example highlights the need for detailed measurements and a cut plan to determine the exact quantity of material required, minimizing waste and ensuring sufficient material for the entire facade. The installation would proceed from the bottom up, ensuring proper overlap and fastening of the shiplap planks to the furring strips, maintaining the rainscreen cavity.

Before you order

• Assess existing wall conditions: Identify any damage, rot, or structural issues.
• Determine required wall performance: Consider insulation, moisture management, and wind resistance.
• Select cladding material: Choose based on aesthetics, durability, and maintenance preferences (e.g., thermally modified wood, hardwood, composite).
• Evaluate profile options: Consider how different profiles will impact the facade's appearance and shadow lines.
• Plan for rainscreen assembly: Decide if a rainscreen is necessary and how it will be integrated.
• Confirm fastening system: Ensure fasteners are compatible with the chosen cladding and substructure.
• Measure accurately: Obtain precise dimensions of the facade, including all openings.
• Develop a cut plan: Minimize waste and ensure efficient material use.
• Budget for materials and installation: Account for cladding, furring, fasteners, flashing, and labor.

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 Chicago, IL. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.

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