Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Spokane, WA

Understanding Your Existing Wall Assembly

The first step in any facade renovation is to understand the current wall assembly. This involves more than just looking at the existing exterior finish. You need to investigate what lies beneath: the sheathing, insulation, vapor barrier, and structural framing. Water intrusion, rot, or insect damage in the existing wall can compromise new siding if not addressed first.

For older homes, especially those built before modern building codes, the wall assembly might lack contemporary moisture management features. Newer construction may have specific rainscreen requirements or integrated weather-resistive barriers. Documenting these elements will inform your material selection and installation strategy for the new siding or cladding.

Material Selection: Matching Form and Function

Lumber Plus offers a range of siding and cladding materials, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different renovation goals. Your choice will depend on desired aesthetics, durability, maintenance expectations, and compatibility with the existing structure.

Thermally modified wood, such as Scandinavian thermally modified wood, provides enhanced stability and durability, making it a good option for a natural wood look that resists environmental changes. Maximo Accoya is another high-performance acetylated wood product known for its dimensional stability. For those seeking alternative materials, Norx composite cladding offers a low-maintenance option in various finishes. Brazilian hardwood species like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood provide distinct grain patterns and natural resistance characteristics. Each material interacts differently with fasteners, moisture, and UV exposure, which are important considerations for a long-lasting facade in Spokane's climate.

Explore our full range of options at our main <a href="/siding-and-cladding">Siding & Cladding</a> page, and consider <a href="/thermally-modified-wood">Thermally Modified Wood</a>, <a href="/brands/norx">Norx Composite Cladding</a>, or <a href="/products/maximo-accoya">Maximo Accoya</a> for specific performance attributes.

When selecting, consider the weight of the new material relative to your existing framing, the required ventilation for rainscreen systems, and how the material will integrate with windows, doors, and rooflines. For example, a heavy hardwood cladding might require additional structural support compared to a lighter composite or thermally modified wood option.

Moisture Management and Rainscreen Principles

Effective moisture management is paramount for any facade renovation. Spokane experiences varied weather, including wet winters and warm, dry summers, which can challenge exterior materials. A rainscreen assembly is often recommended or required, creating a cavity behind the siding that allows for drainage and ventilation, preventing moisture from becoming trapped against the sheathing.

This air gap is crucial for allowing the wall to dry out. When renovating, assess if your existing wall can accommodate a rainscreen system. This might involve adding furring strips to the sheathing or integrating a new weather-resistive barrier. Proper detailing around openings, corners, and penetrations is essential to prevent water entry into the wall cavity.

Installation Details and Compatibility

The success of your facade renovation hinges on precise installation. This includes selecting appropriate fasteners, ensuring proper clearances, and managing transitions between different materials or architectural elements. Different siding and cladding profiles, such as tongue-and-groove, shiplap, or open-joint, will have specific installation requirements.

For instance, open-joint cladding systems require a UV-stable weather-resistive barrier behind them, as the barrier will be visible through the gaps. Closed-joint systems, while providing a more continuous look, still need careful attention to sealing and flashing details to prevent moisture intrusion. Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific product installation and consult with your contractor on best practices for your chosen material and wall type.

Hypothetical Renovation Example: Craftsman Home

Consider a hypothetical renovation of a 1920s Craftsman home in Spokane, approximately 1,800 square feet with existing cedar shake siding. The goal is to update the exterior while maintaining a classic aesthetic, improving durability, and addressing some areas of moisture concern identified during an initial inspection.

**Existing Conditions:** The inspection reveals localized rot around a few window sills and at the base of the wall, indicating past moisture intrusion. The original cedar shakes are directly nailed to skip sheathing over balloon framing, with no modern weather barrier. Insulation is minimal.

**Proposed Renovation:**

1. **Demolition and Repair:** Remove existing cedar shakes. Repair or replace rotted sheathing and framing members around affected areas. Address any insulation deficiencies.

2. **Weather Barrier and Rainscreen:** Install a continuous, self-adhering weather-resistive barrier over the existing sheathing. Attach vertical furring strips (e.g., 3/4-inch pressure-treated lumber) to the studs, creating a ventilation cavity for a rainscreen system.

3. **Material Choice:** The homeowner desires a natural wood look with enhanced stability. <a href="/thermally-modified-wood/scandinavian">Scandinavian Thermally Modified Pine</a>, in a shiplap profile, is selected for its dimensional stability and resistance to decay, offering a clean, contemporary take on a traditional wood facade.

4. **Installation:** The thermally modified pine shiplap will be installed horizontally, with careful attention to flashing details around windows and doors. The furring strips ensure a continuous air gap behind the cladding for drainage and ventilation. Corner boards and trim will be custom-milled from the same material for a cohesive look.

**Takeoff Calculation (Illustrative):** For a main wall section measuring 25 feet wide by 10 feet high (250 sq ft), assuming a 6-inch face exposure for the shiplap, you would need approximately 500 linear feet of 6-inch wide material (250 sq ft / 0.5 ft exposure = 500 linear feet). Accounting for waste (e.g., 10-15%) for cuts and defects, the purchase quantity would be higher. This simplified example highlights the importance of detailed measurements and waste factors in planning.

Before you order

• Thoroughly inspect existing wall assembly for damage, moisture, and structural integrity.
• Identify current wall components: sheathing, insulation, vapor barrier, framing.
• Determine if a rainscreen assembly is feasible or required for new siding.
• Select siding/cladding material based on aesthetics, durability, and local climate suitability.
• Verify compatibility of new materials with existing structure and proposed installation method.
• Plan for proper flashing around all openings and penetrations.
• Account for ventilation and drainage in the wall design.
• Confirm fastener types and installation details align with manufacturer specifications.
• Calculate material quantities, including waste factor, for your specific project dimensions.

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

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