Siding and Cladding for Facade Renovations in Springfield, IL

Understanding Your Existing Wall Assembly

Before selecting any new siding or cladding, it is crucial to understand the existing wall assembly. This includes identifying the structural framing (wood or steel), sheathing material, existing insulation, and any vapor or air barriers. The performance of your new facade depends significantly on the integrity and function of these underlying layers. For older homes, moisture management and ventilation might be less robust than modern standards, requiring upgrades during the renovation.

A critical step is to identify any signs of water intrusion, rot, or pest damage. These issues must be addressed and repaired before installing new cladding. Ignoring them can lead to premature failure of the new facade and continued deterioration of the building envelope. Professional inspection may be necessary to uncover hidden problems.

Choosing the Right Siding or Cladding Material

Lumber Plus offers a range of siding and cladding options suitable for facade renovations, each with distinct characteristics. Thermally modified wood, such as Scandinavian thermally modified wood or thermally modified Ash, provides enhanced stability and resistance to decay, making it a good choice for facades exposed to varying weather. Maximo Accoya is another option, known for its dimensional stability and durability. For those seeking classic aesthetics, Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood offer robust performance and unique grain patterns.

Norx composite cladding provides an alternative that often requires less maintenance. Each material has specific installation requirements and aesthetic properties. Consider how the material will perform in Springfield’s climate, which experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters. Material selection should also account for the desired aesthetic, budget, and long-term maintenance expectations.

Explore our full range of options at: [https://lumberplus.com/siding-and-cladding](https://lumberplus.com/siding-and-cladding)

Considering Rainscreen Assemblies for Enhanced Performance

For many facade renovations, especially when upgrading an older wall, incorporating a rainscreen assembly is a recommended approach. A rainscreen creates a vented air cavity behind the cladding, allowing moisture to drain and walls to dry. This significantly improves the durability and performance of the wall system by reducing the risk of moisture-related issues.

While not always strictly required, a rainscreen assembly can extend the lifespan of your siding, improve thermal performance, and provide a more resilient building envelope. It's particularly beneficial when using wood cladding, as it helps manage moisture exposure and minimizes wood movement. Maximo thermally modified wood is often highlighted as a benchmark for rainscreen facades.

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

Consider a hypothetical facade renovation of a single, flat exterior wall section measuring 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall, totaling 200 square feet. The existing wall has traditional lap siding over plywood sheathing, with no discernible rainscreen gap. The goal is to replace the old siding with vertical thermally modified Ayous cladding, creating a modern aesthetic while improving moisture management.

First, the existing lap siding would be carefully removed. An inspection would then confirm the condition of the plywood sheathing and framing. Assuming the sheathing is sound, a new weather-resistive barrier (WRB) would be installed. Next, vertical furring strips (e.g., 3/4-inch thick) would be attached to the studs through the WRB, creating a continuous drainage and ventilation cavity. These furring strips would be spaced according to the Ayous cladding manufacturer's recommendations, typically at 16 or 24 inches on center.

For a 200 square foot area, if using Ayous cladding boards that are, for example, 5.5 inches wide (nominal) and 10 feet long, each board covers approximately 4.58 square feet (5.5 inches / 12 inches/foot * 10 feet). To cover 200 square feet, you would need approximately 44 boards (200 sq ft / 4.58 sq ft/board). Accounting for cuts, waste, and a typical 10% overage, about 49-50 boards would be a reasonable initial purchase estimate. The boards would be installed vertically, fastened to the furring strips, ensuring proper spacing for expansion and contraction. This approach upgrades the wall to a modern rainscreen assembly, enhancing its performance.

Planning for Details: Corners, Windows, and Doors

Facade renovations require careful planning for architectural details such as corners, window and door openings, and the base of the wall. Proper flashing around openings is essential to prevent water intrusion. Corner details can be achieved with mitered joints, trim boards, or specialized corner profiles, depending on the chosen material and desired aesthetic.

The base of the wall needs to maintain adequate clearance from grade to prevent moisture wicking and splash-back, protecting the new siding. Ensure that the new cladding system integrates seamlessly with existing soffits, trim, and other facade elements. Consulting manufacturer-specific installation guidelines for these details is critical to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Before you order

• Assess existing wall conditions: Identify structural issues, moisture damage, and existing insulation/barriers.
• Define renovation goals: Determine desired aesthetic, performance improvements (e.g., rainscreen), and budget.
• Select cladding material: Choose from thermally modified wood, hardwood, or composite based on durability, maintenance, and appearance.
• Review installation requirements: Understand manufacturer guidelines for chosen material, including fastening, spacing, and flashing.
• Plan for a rainscreen assembly: Consider incorporating a vented air cavity for improved moisture management and durability.
• Detail openings and corners: Plan flashing and trim for windows, doors, and wall corners to ensure weather-tightness.
• Confirm local building codes: Verify any specific requirements for facade renovations in Springfield, IL.
• Obtain necessary permits: Secure all required permits before starting construction.

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

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