Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Fargo, ND

Assessing Existing Wall Conditions

The integrity of your existing wall structure is paramount. Before any new siding or cladding is installed, a detailed inspection of the current facade is necessary. This involves looking for signs of water intrusion, rot, mold, insect damage, and structural deficiencies.

Begin by removing a section of the existing siding in an inconspicuous area to expose the sheathing, framing, and any existing weather resistive barrier (WRB). Check for discoloration, soft spots, or a musty odor, which can indicate moisture problems. Confirm the type and condition of the sheathing (e.g., plywood, OSB, fiberboard) and its ability to provide a sound substrate for new fasteners. For older homes, the WRB might be tar paper, which may need to be supplemented or replaced with a modern house wrap or fluid-applied membrane to ensure adequate moisture protection for the new facade system. Understanding the existing wall layers is critical for planning the new assembly.

The overall flatness and plumb of the existing wall should also be assessed. Irregularities can complicate the installation of new cladding, especially materials that require a very flat plane for proper appearance and performance. Shimming or furring might be necessary to create a level surface, adding to the project's scope and cost.

Understanding Rainscreen Principles for Durability

A rainscreen assembly is a key consideration for facade renovations, particularly in climates with significant weather variations like Fargo. This system creates a ventilated air gap behind the exterior cladding, allowing moisture to drain and walls to dry, reducing the risk of rot and mold. While not all siding is installed as part of a full rainscreen, understanding its principles can inform choices about furring strips and WRBs.

When planning a renovation, determine if the existing wall can accommodate a rainscreen gap. This typically involves installing vertical furring strips over the WRB, creating a space for air circulation. The depth of this gap can vary, but even a small gap can significantly improve wall performance. For materials like thermally modified wood or Brazilian hardwoods, a rainscreen assembly can enhance longevity by preventing prolonged moisture contact with the back of the boards. Norx composite cladding may also benefit from improved ventilation, though its inherent moisture resistance differs from natural wood. The decision to implement a rainscreen should be based on the existing wall's condition, the chosen cladding material, and local building practices.

Consulting with a professional familiar with local building codes and rainscreen design is recommended to ensure proper detailing, especially around windows, doors, and other penetrations.

Material Selection: Thermally Modified Wood, Hardwood, or Composite

Once the existing wall conditions are understood, you can make an informed decision on the new siding or cladding material. Lumber Plus offers several categories, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different project goals.

Thermally Modified Wood (e.g., Ayous, Ash, Clear Radiata): This wood undergoes a high-heat treatment process that enhances its dimensional stability and resistance to decay and insects. It offers a natural wood aesthetic without chemical treatments. Thermally modified wood can be a good choice for those seeking a sustainable, low-maintenance wood facade that performs well in varying climates. It can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray patina or finished with exterior stains for color retention. Explore options like Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood for Nordic character engineered for diverse conditions, or Thermally Modified Ash for clean grain. A related product, Maximo Accoya, is acetylated wood, which offers enhanced stability and durability through a different modification process. You can find more details on our Maximo Accoya page.

Brazilian Hardwoods (e.g., Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa): Known for their density, strength, and natural resistance to rot and insects, these hardwoods offer a luxurious, long-lasting facade. They typically feature rich, varied grain patterns and can be maintained with UV-inhibiting oils to preserve their color or allowed to weather. Ipe provides brutal strength, Cumaru offers a golden tone, and Garapa is a structural workhorse. These materials are heavy and require robust fastening systems and a structurally sound wall.

Norx Composite Cladding: This engineered material combines wood fibers with plastic polymers, offering a low-maintenance, consistent appearance. Norx composite cladding resists moisture, insects, and rot, and typically comes in pre-finished colors, eliminating the need for painting or staining. It can be an excellent option for homeowners prioritizing ease of care and a modern aesthetic. Norx offers various profiles and colors, such as those seen in installed Norx composite cladding walls.

Worked Example: Facade Renovation on a Fargo Home

Let's consider our hypothetical Fargo home: a 1,500 square foot, two-story structure with a simple rectangular footprint (30 ft x 25 ft). The owner wants to replace the old vinyl siding with Thermally Modified Ayous cladding, installed horizontally with a rainscreen gap. The existing wall is wood-framed with OSB sheathing and a dated tar paper WRB.

**Step 1: Existing Wall Assessment.** After removing a small section of vinyl, the OSB sheathing is found to be largely sound, but the tar paper is brittle. There are no signs of rot or insect damage in the framing. The wall appears reasonably flat. Decision: Replace the old WRB with a modern, breathable house wrap and install vertical furring strips to create a rainscreen gap.

**Step 2: Material Selection.** The owner selects Thermally Modified Ayous cladding, a featherweight board known for razor-straight facades. This material is chosen for its stability, natural appearance, and suitability for the Fargo climate when properly installed. The desired profile is a standard tongue-and-groove for a clean, interlocking look. The total facade area is approximately 1,500 sq ft, but we need to account for waste and specific board dimensions.

**Step 3: Quantity Estimation (Illustrative).** Assuming Ayous cladding comes in 5.5-inch (0.458 ft) face-width boards and various lengths, and we estimate a 10% waste factor for cuts and misalignments. The linear footage needed is 1500 sq ft / 0.458 ft = 3275 linear feet. Adding 10% waste: 3275 * 1.10 = 3602.5 linear feet. For furring strips, if installed at 16 inches on center vertically, for a 30 ft wall, this means roughly 23 strips (30ft / 1.33ft) per story, or 46 strips for two stories. For a 25 ft wall, roughly 19 strips per story, or 38 strips for two stories. Total roughly 84 vertical furring strips, each the height of the wall (e.g., 9 ft). This is a simplified calculation and actual takeoff would require detailed measurements of all wall sections, window/door openings, and specific board lengths to optimize cuts and minimize waste.

This example highlights the iterative nature of the renovation process: assessment informs material choice, which then dictates installation methods and quantity calculations.

Installation Considerations and Professional Guidance

Proper installation is as crucial as material selection. Each cladding material has specific installation guidelines that must be followed to ensure performance and longevity. For wood products, this includes proper fastening, allowance for expansion and contraction, and appropriate clearances from grade and other surfaces.

For example, thermally modified wood and Brazilian hardwoods typically require stainless steel fasteners to prevent staining and ensure corrosion resistance. Hidden fastening systems may be an option for a cleaner aesthetic, but their suitability depends on the specific profile and manufacturer recommendations. Norx composite cladding often utilizes proprietary clip systems or specific fastener types designed for the material.

Given the complexities of facade renovations and the importance of a durable, weather-resistant assembly in Fargo's climate, engaging experienced professionals is highly recommended. A qualified contractor can accurately assess existing conditions, advise on the best materials and installation methods, and ensure compliance with local building codes. They can also manage the intricacies of detailing around windows, doors, and corners, which are critical areas for moisture management.

Before you order

• Have I thoroughly inspected the existing wall for damage (rot, mold, insects, structural issues)?
• What is the condition of the existing sheathing and weather resistive barrier (WRB)?
• Will I need to replace or supplement the existing WRB?
• Is the existing wall flat and plumb enough for the new cladding, or will shimming/furring be required?
• Do I need to incorporate a rainscreen gap for improved ventilation and moisture management?
• What are the specific installation requirements for my chosen siding/cladding material (fasteners, clearances, movement joints)?
• Have I accounted for proper detailing around all openings (windows, doors) and corners?
• Will I be hiring a professional contractor experienced in facade renovations and the chosen material?
• Have I considered the long-term maintenance requirements of the new material?

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

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