Meet your customers' cypress siding needs

By Paul lliu Executive Director Southem Cyprcss Manufacturcrs Assn

power. Contractors can reduce the chance of splining their new cypress siding by using blunt-point siding nails.

If your customers choose to paint their new southern cypress siding, they should use a high-qnelity primer compatible with the paint they're using - most paints require an oilbased alkyd primer. High quality acrylic latex or oil-based paints are recommended.

fN TODAY'S market where more Iand more siding products are being infioduced, architects, contractors and homeowners need to know how to properly design with, store, apply, finish and maintain each one. What's acceptable for some products might not be for others.

Building products suppliers who can provide complete product information will have a better chance of building a strong, consistent customer base.

In the case of southern cypress, homeowners will get longer life and better service from their siding if their homes are designed correctly - and that means moisture control. Wall designs must restrict moisture vapor from entering and condensing within the exterior wall cavity.

Acceptable vapor barriers come in several forms: 6 mil polyethylene, asphalt-impregnated kraft or foilbacked insulation, vinyl-faced or foilbacked gypsum, sandwich-type kraft with an asphalt or polyethylene core, or an equivalent. Vapor retarding paints are also available for interior walls.

Home designs should also incorpo- rate an overhang or drainage system to prevent water from running down sidewalls. Flashing should be used at siding returns at the roof, and attics and crawl spaces must have adequate ventilation.

Homeowners who are remodeling may not have the luxury of redesigning their home. But, they should still follow the same rules of thumb that new home builders use to help extend the service life of their new southern cypress siding.

Southern cypress siding should be applied over standard sheathing material. Both rigid foam and foil-faced sheathing act as vapor barriers, although rigid foam offers little or no resistance to sag caused by the weight of the siding on the nails. For application of southern cypress over rigid foam sheathing, installers should use angular-threaded ring shank nails long enough to penetrate at least I inch into framing members to get extra holding power.

Hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails that are long enough to penetrate l-l/2 inches into studs are recommended; ring shank or thread shank nails provide increased holding

Homeowners should be aware that light-colored finishes reflect heat more than dark colors and reduce the possibility of shrinking, checking, warping and loosening of nails. If your customers prefer a more natural look, southern cypress siding also takes stains very well, but they should be aware that semi-transparent stains do not last as long as paint systems.

Southern cypress siding is a quality wood product that has stood the test of time. With proper storage, application, finishing and maintenance, your customers will get excellent results

Story at a Glance

Customers need answers to tough cypress siding questions storage, application, f inishing, maintenance tips.

and they'll thank you for the simple, easy-to-follow guidelines.

Your customers are working harder than ever for their money. Show them you care, and give them the best value and service you can. They'll repay you with repeat and referred business.

- Additional information is availablc in "lnstallation Guidclincs for Soutlurn Cypress Siding." Copics are $l each plus shipping and handling from Southcrn Cypress Manufacturers Association" 4(X) Penn Center Blvd., Ste. 530, Piltsburgh Pa. 1 5235, or call (412) 829-0770.