Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Jacksonville, FL

Understanding Your Existing Wall Assembly

Before selecting any new siding or cladding, a thorough investigation of the existing wall assembly is paramount. This includes understanding the current exterior finish, sheathing, insulation, and moisture barrier. In Jacksonville, where humidity and occasional heavy rainfall are common, proper moisture management is critical. Issues like trapped moisture, rot, or pest damage must be addressed before new materials are installed.

Consider the structural integrity of the existing wall. Will the current framing adequately support the new cladding system? Some heavier materials may require additional structural reinforcement. Documenting these existing conditions will inform your material choices and installation methods, helping to avoid future problems.

Material Options for Facade Renovations

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

Thermally Modified Wood: Options like thermally modified Ayous or Ash offer enhanced stability and resistance to decay, making them suitable for exterior applications. The thermal modification process alters the wood's cellular structure, reducing its tendency to swell and shrink with changes in humidity. This can be a benefit in a humid climate like Jacksonville. These materials can be milled into various profiles to achieve different aesthetic effects. You can explore these options at our Thermally Modified Wood collection: https://lumberplus.com/thermally-modified-wood.

Maximo Accoya: Accoya is acetylated wood, distinct from thermally modified wood, known for its dimensional stability and durability. It offers a premium option for facades that require long-term performance and minimal movement. Maximo Accoya is available in various profiles and can be a strong contender for a durable, low-maintenance facade. Learn more about Maximo Accoya here: https://lumberplus.com/products/maximo-accoya.

Norx Composite Cladding: For a consistent appearance with minimal maintenance, Norx composite cladding provides a durable alternative. These engineered products are designed to resist fading, rot, and insect damage, offering a contemporary aesthetic with various color and texture options. Explore Norx products at: https://lumberplus.com/brands/norx.

Brazilian Hardwoods: Species like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood offer natural beauty and inherent durability. These hardwoods are dense and naturally resistant to insects and decay, making them a robust choice for exterior cladding. Their natural color variations and grain patterns can create a distinctive facade. However, their weight and specific installation requirements should be factored into renovation plans.

Considering Jacksonville's Climate and Environmental Factors

Jacksonville's climate presents specific challenges and opportunities for facade materials. High humidity, intense sun exposure, and the potential for tropical storms necessitate materials and installation methods that can withstand these conditions. Consider materials that offer good dimensional stability to resist warping and cracking due to moisture fluctuations.

UV resistance is also important to prevent premature fading or degradation of finishes. While some materials naturally weather and change appearance over time, others are engineered to maintain their original look. Discuss with your contractor how different materials will perform and age in the local environment.

For coastal proximity, salt spray and higher wind loads might influence fastener choices and installation details. Always consult with a local professional to ensure your chosen system meets regional building practices and requirements.

Planning for Rainscreen Assemblies in Renovations

Many modern cladding systems are designed as part of a rainscreen assembly, which includes a ventilation gap behind the cladding and a continuous drainage plane. This system helps manage moisture by allowing water to drain away and promoting airflow to dry the wall cavity. For renovations, converting an existing wall to a rainscreen assembly can significantly improve its long-term performance, especially in a humid climate.

Implementing a rainscreen system means accounting for the added depth of the furring strips and air gap. This can impact window and door trim details and overall wall thickness. Carefully plan how the new rainscreen system will integrate with existing openings and wall transitions to ensure a continuous and effective moisture barrier.

Worked Example: Facade Renovation with Thermally Modified Ayous

Let's consider a hypothetical facade renovation for a single-story commercial building in Jacksonville, FL. The existing facade is stucco over CMU block, and the owner wants to update the look with a modern wood aesthetic.

Project Scope: Replace a 20-foot wide by 10-foot high section of stucco with horizontal thermally modified Ayous cladding. The existing stucco will be removed down to the CMU block, and a new weather-resistive barrier and furring strips will be installed to create a rainscreen system.

Material Selection: Thermally modified Ayous, 1x6 (nominal) profile, pre-finished. This material was chosen for its stability, lighter weight compared to some hardwoods, and a contemporary appearance. The horizontal orientation will emphasize the width of the building.

Takeoff Calculation: The area to be covered is 20 ft x 10 ft = 200 square feet. For 1x6 nominal Ayous (which typically has a 5.5-inch face width after milling), each linear foot covers approximately 0.458 square feet (5.5 inches / 12 inches per foot). Therefore, 200 sq ft / 0.458 sq ft/LF = approximately 437 linear feet of cladding. To account for cuts, waste, and potential board defects, a common practice is to add 10-15% overage. So, 437 LF * 1.15 = approximately 503 linear feet. Standard board lengths should be ordered to minimize waste, planning for cuts at windows or doors. For a 20-foot width, 10-foot or 12-foot lengths would be efficient, allowing for staggered joints.

Substructure Planning: Since the existing wall is CMU, furring strips will be directly fastened to the block through the weather-resistive barrier. These strips will establish the necessary ventilation gap for the rainscreen. Fastener selection will be crucial to ensure adequate pull-out strength in the CMU.

Integration: Careful detailing around existing windows and doors will be required to ensure proper flashing and a clean transition from the new cladding. The pre-finished Ayous will reduce on-site labor and ensure consistent appearance.

Before you order

• Thoroughly inspect and document existing wall conditions (moisture, structure, sheathing).
• Determine if the existing wall can support the weight of the new cladding.
• Evaluate if a rainscreen assembly is feasible and beneficial for the renovation.
• Select materials appropriate for Jacksonville's climate (humidity, sun, storms).
• Consider the aesthetic goals and how different profiles/species achieve them.
• Plan for integration with existing windows, doors, and other wall penetrations.
• Account for necessary overage in material calculations (typically 10-15%).
• Consult with local building professionals for installation requirements and code compliance.

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

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project