Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Green Bay, WI

Assessing Your Existing Wall Assembly

Before selecting any new siding or cladding, a detailed assessment of your existing wall assembly is crucial. This involves understanding the layers beneath the current facade: the sheathing, weather-resistive barrier (WRB), insulation, and structural framing. In Green Bay, WI, where seasonal temperature fluctuations can be significant, ensuring proper moisture management and thermal performance is particularly important.

Look for signs of water infiltration, rot, or insect damage. Evaluate the condition of the existing WRB; if it's compromised, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Consider the age and type of insulation, as a renovation offers an opportunity to upgrade for improved energy efficiency. Documenting these conditions will inform material choices and installation methods for the new cladding system.

Understanding Siding and Cladding Options for Renovation

Lumber Plus offers a range of siding and cladding materials suitable for facade renovations, each with distinct characteristics.

Thermally Modified Wood: Options like Scandinavian thermally modified wood and thermally modified Ash provide enhanced stability and resistance to decay, making them a durable choice for exterior applications. They offer a natural wood aesthetic that can be maintained or allowed to weather naturally. Thermally modified Ayous cladding is a featherweight option that can contribute to razor-straight facades. (S1)

Maximo Accoya: This acetylated wood product is known for its exceptional dimensional stability and durability, performing well in demanding exterior environments. It is a premium option for those seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance wood facade. (S1)

Norx Composite Cladding: For a modern, low-maintenance solution, Norx composite cladding provides consistent appearance and durability. It's available in various profiles and colors, offering design flexibility without the need for periodic staining or sealing. (S1)

Brazilian Hardwoods: Species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, and Jatoba offer bold grains and natural strength. These hardwoods are dense and naturally resistant, providing a robust and visually striking facade. (S1)

Considering Rainscreen Assemblies for Enhanced Performance

For many facade renovations, especially in climates like Green Bay, WI, integrating a rainscreen assembly is a strategic decision. A rainscreen system creates a ventilated air gap between the exterior cladding and the weather-resistive barrier, allowing moisture to drain and walls to dry. This significantly improves the wall's durability and thermal performance by preventing moisture accumulation.

When planning a renovation, consider if your existing wall can accommodate the necessary furring strips or sub-framing to create this air gap. The added depth of a rainscreen system needs to be accounted for in detailing around windows, doors, and corners. Maximo Accoya is specifically highlighted as a benchmark for rainscreen facades, indicating its suitability for such systems. (S1)

Worked Example: Renovating a 20-Foot by 10-Foot Wall Section

Let's consider renovating a specific section of a facade – a hypothetical 20-foot wide by 10-foot high wall, totaling 200 square feet. The existing siding is damaged, and the client wants to upgrade to a durable, aesthetically pleasing material like thermally modified Ayous cladding.

First, after removing the old siding, a thorough inspection reveals the existing WRB is in good condition, but the client also wants to improve insulation. We decide to add continuous insulation and a new WRB over the existing sheathing. Then, 1x3 furring strips (nominally 0.75 inches thick) will be installed vertically at 16 inches on center to create the rainscreen cavity.

For the cladding, we select thermally modified Ayous boards with a typical profile, perhaps 5.5 inches wide (nominal) with a 5-inch exposed face. To cover the 200 square feet, we'll need approximately 480 linear feet of cladding (200 sq ft / 5 inches exposed width * 12 inches/foot = 480 LF). Accounting for cuts, waste, and potential board lengths, ordering 10-15% extra is prudent. If boards are typically supplied in 10-foot lengths, this would mean approximately 48 boards, plus waste factor. For the furring strips, 20 feet wide / (16 inches/12 inches/foot) = 15 strips, each 10 feet long, totaling 150 linear feet. Again, add waste factor for cuts. These calculations are illustrative and require precise measurements and a detailed cut plan for actual material ordering.

Detailing Around Openings and Corners

Successful facade renovations pay close attention to detailing around windows, doors, and corners. These areas are common points for water intrusion if not properly addressed. With a new cladding system, especially one with a rainscreen, careful planning is needed to ensure proper flashing, trim, and transitions.

For windows and doors, ensure new head, jamb, and sill flashing integrates with the new WRB and air gap. Trim details should accommodate the increased wall thickness. For corners, consider how the chosen cladding profile will terminate. Options include mitered corners, corner boards, or specialized trim pieces. The goal is to maintain a continuous weather barrier and a clean aesthetic.

Before you order

• Have you thoroughly inspected the existing wall assembly (sheathing, WRB, insulation, framing)?
• Are there any signs of water damage, rot, or insect infestation that need addressing?
• Will you be upgrading insulation or the weather-resistive barrier as part of the renovation?
• Is a rainscreen assembly appropriate for your project and the Green Bay climate?
• Have you measured all wall sections accurately, accounting for windows, doors, and corners?
• Which siding or cladding material best suits your aesthetic goals and performance requirements (thermally modified wood, Maximo Accoya, Norx composite, Brazilian hardwood)?
• Have you considered the required profiles and dimensions for your chosen material?
• How will detailing around windows, doors, and corners be handled with the new cladding?
• What fasteners and attachment methods are recommended for your chosen cladding and substrate?
• Have you calculated material quantities, including a waste factor, for both cladding and any necessary sub-framing or furring strips?

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 Green Bay, WI. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.

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