SIDING STANDARDS
There are numerous types of siding. Wood and wood products, aluminum and vinyl are the most prevalent types being used. Each product is different and has its own inherent characteristics.
It should be noted that caulk does not adhere to vinyl siding and thus, as per manufacturer’s recommendation, vinyl is not caulked. Caulking is an owner’s maintenance responsibility after one repair.
Common Defects or Problems:
- Aluminum siding buckles or ripples
- Dents, chips, or scratched on the aluminum/vinyl siding
- Siding comes loose
- Caulking cracks.
- Fading of aluminum or vinyl siding.
- Wood shrinks, cracks, twists, bows and knots fall out
- Wood siding splits where nail penetrates siding.
- Lap on wood bevel siding.
- Delamination of veneer siding
- Paint peels or fades on wood siding.
- Cracks in exterior stucco wall surfaces
1. Common Defect or Problem – Aluminum siding buckles or ripples
Performance Standard – This problem may be inherent due to the shrinkage of the wood underneath. Siding should not be ¼” out of plane in an 8′ length. This can be measured by laying an 8′
straight edge at the highest point of the buckle.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to repair to meet Performance Standard.
Craig’s Comments: I have a hard time believing that wood shrinkage underneath can affect the siding that much. It is also interesting that the rough framing standards would allow for as much as 3/4″ out of plane in 8′. The buckling or rippling is most often associated with incorrect fastening so that as the siding tries to expands in the heat, it cannot. So it buckles.
2. Common Defect or Problem – Dents, chips, or scratched on the aluminum/vinyl siding.
Performance Standard – Dents are to be noted in writing at the time the owner closes or takes occupancy of the home.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to repair within one year of initial closing- if notified prior to occupancy. It should be noted that repaired area may not match in color and/or textures.
Craig’s Comments:None
3. Common Defect or Problem – Siding comes loose.
Performance Standard – Siding should not come loose.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to refasten.
Craig’s Comments: None
4. Common Defect or Problem – Caulking cracks.
Performance Standard – All types of caulk can dry out. Builder to remove old caulk and replace with new caulk at cracked areas one time during first year. After the one repair, caulking becomes an owner maintenance responsibility.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to repair to Performance Standard one time during the first year
Craig’s Comments:This is a serious owner maintenance issue. Pay attention to it. On the other hand, I am a firm believer that caulk should only be used to keep insects and wind out. Water should be kept out with correct flashing details. Caulking can help, but since caulking does crack and/or come loose, I seriously dislike relying on caulk to keep water out. It will fail.
5. Common Defect or Problem – Fading of aluminum or vinyl siding.
Performance Standard – Aluminum and vinyl siding will fade.
Builder Repair Responsibility – None.
Craig’s Comments:Some brands and colors will fade less. Expect to pay more for these.
6. Common Defect or Problem – Wood shrinks, cracks, twists, bows and knots fall out.
Performance Standard – Due to the inherent characteristics of wood, all of the above may happen.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will caulk knotholes one time and any gaps in excess of ¼” shall be caulked if noted prior to occupancy. After occupancy, this is a homeowner maintenance responsibility.
Craig’s Comments:None.
7. Common Defect or Problem – Wood siding splits where nail penetrates siding.
Performance Standard – If noted in writing to builder prior to occupancy, builder to replace piece and restrain, if staining was builder’s responsibility.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to repair in accordance with Performance Standard.
Craig’s Comments:None.
8. Common Defect or Problem – Lap on wood bevel siding.
Performance Standard – Lap shall be no less than ¾” prior to shrinkage.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Repair to meet Performance Standard.
Craig’s Comments:None
9. Common Defect or Problem – Delamination of veneer siding.
Performance Standard – All siding should be installed according to manufacturers and industry’s accepted
standards. Delaminations shall be repaired or replaced. If owner is responsible for staining or painting of exterior surfaces and does not do it, builder is not responsible for delamination.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will repair or replace siding as needed unless caused by homeowner’s neglect to maintain siding properly. Repaired area may not match in color and/or texture. For surfaces requiring paint, builder will paint only the new materials if builder was responsible for exterior painting or staining. The homeowner can expect that the newly painted surface may not match the original surface in color.
Craig’s Comments:None
10. Common Defect or Problem – Paint peels or fades on wood siding.
Performance Standard – Exterior paints or stains should not fail during the first year warranty. However,
fading is normal and the degree is dependent on climatic conditions.
Builder Repair Responsibility – If paint or stain peels and builder is responsible for painting, builder will properly prepare and refinish affected areas, matching color as close as possible. Where finish deterioration affects the majority of the area, the whole area will be refinished. The builder shall repaint in accordance with standards of good workmanship, but no warranty will be extended on the newly repainted surfaces.
Craig’s Comments:Peeling paint may be an indication of a moisture problem behind the siding. Wood siding should be back-primed. It is also a good idea to install wood siding over furring strips in our climate.
11. Common Defect or Problem – Cracks in exterior stucco wall surfaces.
Performance Standard – Cracks are not unusual in exterior stucco wall surfaces.
Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will repair exceeding 1/8″ in width or where causing water damage
Craig’s Comments:None
