PHOTOS: GENTEK
temperatures than ever before. Some of the products even come with insulated backers that improve R values, make the siding more rigid, and deaden unwanted noise. When it comes to commercial buildings, though, few options match the sheer strength of steel siding. Even that has evolved, with new families of products that have a wider range of profiles, and PVC coatings that offer a more durable finish. Fusion Stone, once seen as a do-it-yourself product, is making its own mark among professional installers, McCormick says, referring to the stone veneer that can be installed with traditional framing and clips, and without any excavating. It is the type of work that can be performed by any renovator or contractor, without the dedicated skills of a mason. The joints in small projects can even be filled with caulk. All these siding options are designed to create a perfect picture, and like any other picture it deserves a proper frame. Trim made of PVC can be a great option in harsh settings like a roof line, porch, deck or patio where water might tend to collect. It can even touch the ground without any worry about wicking moisture. “It is very dimensionally stable,” McCormick says. As unique as the individual siding materials can be, many projects combine several of the different options. “In a lot of cases, the stone and siding products will be used in conjunction with each other,” McCormick explains, offering one example of a 3’ stone skirt around the base of a home, with a wall of siding above that. “That is where the homeowners and the designers bring in the colour.” The preferred colour choices appear to vary from one region to the next. Ontario buyers, for example, have traditionally leaned toward products in earth tones, but even these customers are more likely than ever to order rich greens and bright reds that have been more popular in Canada’s coastal areas. Material choices will also influence the amount of waste that needs to be included in any order. Wood siding is shipped in random lengths, so installers will typically
need to account for 10-12% waste. Those working with fiber cement will waste half that amount since the manufactured panels come in consistent lengths, are finished on the front and back, and can be flipped upside down. Barely 1% of a supply of Fusion Stone will be wasted because the blocks come in a variety of sizes. The building’s design will play its own role in these calculations. Talboom, for example, suggests adding 1’ to the height of a wall to account for cutting and fitting around dormers and gables. Those who install vertical siding will want to order 20% more material to account for waste, he adds. Of course, choosing the material is only
the first step. Installers need to consider the different techniques and tools that apply to their specific siding choices. The installation procedures for vinyl, steel and aluminum siding are quite similar, Talboom says. Some options are just going to be more forgiving than others. Vinyl siding, for example, will bend in place, and is less likely than aluminum siding to be scratched or dented during installation. “Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for fasteners to avoid rust and corrosion that could happen with metal sidings,” he adds. The nails, staples or screws used to attach vinyl siding should be made of aluminum or galvanized steel. Fastener heads should be
CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE
JULY/AUGUST 2012
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