Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Oklahoma City, OK

Understanding Your Existing Wall Assembly

Before any new material is ordered or installed, it is crucial to understand the existing wall assembly. This includes identifying the structural framing (wood or steel), the type and condition of the sheathing, and any existing weather resistive barrier (WRB) or vapor barrier. Facade renovations are an opportunity to identify and rectify issues such as water intrusion, air leakage, or inadequate insulation that may be present behind the old cladding.

For properties in Oklahoma City, where weather can range from hot summers to cold winters, and occasional severe storms, the integrity of the wall assembly is paramount. Documenting existing conditions with photos and notes, and consulting with a qualified professional, can help uncover hidden problems that might impact the performance and longevity of your new facade system.

Material Selection: Thermally Modified Wood

Thermally modified wood offers a natural aesthetic combined with enhanced stability. The modification process involves heating wood in a controlled environment, which alters its cellular structure. This process aims to reduce the wood's tendency to swell, shrink, and warp when exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations. It can be a suitable choice for facade renovations where a real wood appearance is desired but with improved performance characteristics.

Lumber Plus offers Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood, known for its Nordic character, and thermally modified Ash, which features a clean grain for contemporary facades. Maximo Thermally Modified Clear Radiata is another option for cladding applications. These materials are processed to offer a more stable alternative to untreated wood for exterior applications. They are often specified for rainscreen facades, which are beneficial for managing moisture in exterior wall systems. Accoya, an acetylated wood, also provides enhanced stability and is distinct from thermally modified wood, offering its own collection for siding and cladding applications.

Consider the specific species and its natural color, as well as how it will weather over time. While thermally modified wood is more stable, it still requires proper installation, ventilation, and a suitable finish to maintain its appearance and performance.

Material Selection: Brazilian Hardwood

Brazilian hardwoods such as Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood provide a distinct appearance and natural density for facade renovations. These woods are known for their varied grain patterns and rich color tones, offering a bold and impactful aesthetic.

Ipe is recognized for its bold grain and strength. Cumaru presents a golden tone. Garapa is often considered a structural workhorse for larger walls. Angelim offers a deep red similar to Brazilian Cherry, while Jatoba provides a dramatic figure. Tigerwood is noted for its distinctive stripes. These hardwoods can be a strong choice for those seeking a durable, natural material with a unique visual presence for their Oklahoma City facade.

When selecting Brazilian hardwoods, consider their natural color variation and how they will age. These materials typically require specific fastening methods and should be properly acclimated before installation to minimize movement.

Material Selection: Composite Cladding

For a low-maintenance option that can mimic the look of wood, composite cladding like Norx composite offers an alternative for facade renovations. Composite materials are engineered to resist rot, insects, and splitting, which can be advantageous in various climates, including Oklahoma City's.

Norx composite cladding comes in various profiles and colors, such as London Black, allowing for a modern aesthetic. These products are designed for consistency in appearance and often require less ongoing maintenance than natural wood products. They can be a practical choice for projects where durability and reduced upkeep are primary concerns.

When evaluating composite cladding, consider the specific brand and product line, as performance and appearance can vary. Ensure the chosen composite material is rated for exterior vertical applications and compatible with your desired installation system.

Planning for a Rainscreen Assembly

A rainscreen facade is a sophisticated wall system designed to protect the building structure from moisture. It consists of an exterior cladding material, a ventilated air cavity, and a weather resistive barrier over the sheathing. This system allows any water that penetrates the outer cladding to drain away and promotes drying of the wall assembly.

For facade renovations in Oklahoma City, adopting a rainscreen assembly can significantly enhance the long-term performance and durability of the wall, particularly given the potential for heavy rainfall and temperature swings. Many siding and cladding materials, including thermally modified wood and some composite options, are well-suited for rainscreen applications. When planning, ensure that the chosen cladding profiles and installation details support adequate ventilation and drainage within the cavity.

Specifying the entire wall assembly, including the WRB, furring strips, and flashing details around openings, is crucial for a successful rainscreen. This integrated approach helps manage moisture effectively and contributes to a healthier building envelope.

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

Let's consider a hypothetical renovation of a single exterior wall section, measuring 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall, on a home in Oklahoma City. The existing cladding is an older, deteriorating stucco finish, and the homeowner wants to upgrade to a thermally modified Ayous cladding with a rainscreen assembly.

First, the existing stucco would need to be removed, and the underlying sheathing inspected for damage or moisture. Assuming the sheathing is sound, a new weather resistive barrier would be installed over it. Next, vertical furring strips, typically 3/4-inch thick, would be attached to the studs to create the necessary air cavity for the rainscreen. These strips would be spaced according to the cladding manufacturer's recommendations, often at 16 or 24 inches on center.

For thermally modified Ayous cladding, which often comes in nominal 1x6 (actual 3/4 inch by 5-1/2 inch) boards, the 20-foot wide wall would require approximately 44 linear feet of cladding per 10-foot long board (20 feet / 5.5 inches * 12 inches/foot = ~43.6 linear feet of coverage per horizontal course). For a 10-foot tall wall, you would need 22 courses (10 feet / 5.5 inches per board = ~21.8 courses). This means roughly 22 boards, each 20 feet long, would be needed for the primary coverage. Accounting for cuts, waste, and potential board lengths, ordering 24 boards of 20-foot length or an equivalent quantity in shorter lengths that can be efficiently cut, would be a reasonable starting point. This calculation is a simplified area-equivalent; actual purchase quantity would depend on available board lengths and a detailed cut plan to minimize waste.

This example highlights the need to consider not just the cladding material, but also the full system components like WRB, furring, and fasteners, and to perform precise measurements and waste factor calculations for ordering.

Before you order

• Assess existing wall conditions: sheathing, WRB, framing, and insulation.
• Identify any water intrusion or air leakage issues to address during renovation.
• Determine desired aesthetic: natural wood, contemporary, or low-maintenance.
• Consider material properties: stability, durability, and weathering characteristics for Oklahoma City's climate.
• Evaluate installation requirements: rainscreen compatibility, fastening systems, and ventilation.
• Plan for maintenance: natural weathering vs. maintained finish.
• Obtain samples and review product documentation for chosen materials.
• Consult with a qualified contractor or architect for a comprehensive renovation plan.
• Calculate material quantities, accounting for waste, cuts, and specific board lengths.

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 Oklahoma City, OK. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.

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