You want Wood Siding for your home in Superior, WI. Absolute Siding Co understands the classic charm of Wood Siding, especially on older homes near Barker's Island or up in Billings Park. Absolute Siding Co has seen many homeowners in Superior, WI, make common mistakes when they are planning or hiring for a Wood Siding project. These mistakes can cost a lot of money later on. We are talking about more than just a bad paint job; we mean real structural issues with the Wood Siding.
Ignoring the Superior, WI Climate's Punch
One big mistake is not truly understanding what the Superior, WI climate does to Wood Siding. Superior, WI gets brutal winters with heavy snow and ice. Then there are quick thaws, and humid summers. This is a recipe for trouble if your Wood Siding is not prepped and installed correctly. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. If you do not account for that movement, you will see warping, cracking, and buckling in your Wood Siding. Absolute Siding Co has seen Wood Siding panels installed too tightly. When these panels try to expand, they buckle right off the house in Superior, WI.
Another thing with the Superior, WI climate is moisture. Rain, melting snow, and humidity all want to get behind your Wood Siding. If moisture gets behind the Wood Siding, and it gets trapped, you are looking at rot, mold, and mildew. This is not just an ugly problem for your Wood Siding; it can lead to serious structural damage to the home in Superior, WI. You need a Wood Siding system that allows for proper drainage and ventilation for your Wood Siding. This brings us to the next point about Wood Siding in Superior, WI.
Skipping the Rainscreen System (or Getting it Wrong)
This is a very important point for Wood Siding, and it is often overlooked. A Rainscreen System is not just some fancy add-on for your Wood Siding; it is important for Wood Siding, especially in a wet climate like Superior, WI. The Rainscreen System creates an air gap between your Wood Siding and the wall sheathing. That gap lets water drain away from the Wood Siding and allows air to circulate, drying out the back of your Wood Siding. Without a Rainscreen System, moisture gets trapped, and your beautiful Wood Siding starts to rot from the inside out in Superior, WI.
Absolute Siding Co has seen contractors try to cut corners with the Rainscreen System, or homeowners do not even know to ask for it. They will just nail the Wood Siding directly to the sheathing. That is a mistake for Wood Siding. You need vertical furring strips to create that space for the Rainscreen System. Do not forget the venting at the top and bottom of the Rainscreen System to keep out pests while still allowing airflow. It is a small detail that makes a huge difference in the longevity of your Wood Siding in Superior, WI. Absolute Siding Co installs Rainscreen Systems for Wood Siding in Superior, WI.
Choosing the Wrong Wood Species for the Wood Siding Job
Not all wood is created equal for Wood Siding, especially when it comes to standing up to Northern Wisconsin weather. Some homeowners get caught up in the look of a certain wood without considering its durability for Wood Siding. You need Wood Siding that can handle cold, humidity, and those freeze-thaw cycles in Superior, WI.
For the Superior, WI area, Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for Wood Siding for good reason. Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects. It also holds up well against weather fluctuations. Eastern White Pine is another good option for Wood Siding, especially for paint retention. Some homeowners consider engineered Wood Siding, which can offer the look of natural wood with enhanced moisture resistance. The key is to discuss this with your Wood Siding contractor. Make sure they are recommending a Wood Siding type that is proven to perform in the specific conditions of Superior, WI, not just what is cheapest or easiest to get. Absolute Siding Co helps homeowners choose the right Wood Siding for homes in Superior, WI.
Forgetting Proper Acclimation and Pre-Finishing for Wood Siding
When Wood Siding arrives on site in Superior, WI, it is not ready to go straight onto your house. The Wood Siding needs to acclimate to the local environment. This means letting the Wood Siding sit, unbundled, for one to two weeks so it can adjust to the humidity and temperature of the Superior, WI area. If you skip this step, the Wood Siding will move and shift after installation. This will lead to gaps, cracks, and an uneven finish for your Wood Siding. It is a fundamental step that too many people rush for Wood Siding installation.
Pre-finishing for Wood Siding means coating all six sides of each board. This includes the front, back, and edges. This is done before the Wood Siding is installed. This is important for protecting the Wood Siding from moisture absorption and making sure there is a consistent finish. If you only paint the exposed side of the Wood Siding after installation, moisture can still get in from the back or edges. This causes paint to peel and the Wood Siding to deteriorate. Pre-finishing is extra work upfront, but it saves many headaches and maintenance down the road for your Wood Siding. Absolute Siding Co makes sure Wood Siding is properly acclimated and pre-finished in Superior, WI.
Hiring on Price Alone for Wood Siding
Absolute Siding Co knows everyone wants a good deal on Wood Siding. But when it comes to something as important as your home's exterior in Superior, WI, going with the lowest bid without doing your homework is a big gamble. Absolute Siding Co has seen too many homeowners regret this with their Wood Siding. A cheap bid often means corners are being cut for the Wood Siding project. Maybe the contractor is not using quality materials for the Wood Siding. Maybe they are skipping important installation steps like the Rainscreen System or proper flashing for the Wood Siding. Or maybe they are just not experienced with Wood Siding in a tough climate like Superior, WI.
You need a Wood Siding contractor who understands the nuances of Wood Siding, especially in a place where the weather can be so unforgiving like Superior, WI. Ask about their experience with Wood Siding specifically. Ask for references and check them. Make sure they are licensed and insured for Wood Siding work. Absolute Siding Co has been doing Wood Siding for many years in Superior, WI. Absolute Siding Co has seen what happens when you do not choose wisely for Wood Siding. A little extra investment in a reputable, knowledgeable Wood Siding contractor now can save you from far more expensive repairs later for your Wood Siding in Superior, WI. Absolute Siding Co provides Wood Siding services to homes in Superior, WI.
Neglecting Ongoing Maintenance for Wood Siding
Finally, Wood Siding is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of material. Wood Siding requires maintenance. Absolute Siding Co is talking about regular cleaning, checking for rot or insect damage, and re-staining or re-painting every few years for your Wood Siding. The harsh winters and humid summers in Superior, WI mean that protective finishes on Wood Siding break down faster. If you let it go, you will end up with faded, weathered Wood Siding, and eventually, rot and pest infestations.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking once your Wood Siding is up, you are done. A little proactive care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your Wood Siding. Stay on top of it, and your home in Superior, WI will look great for decades. Absolute Siding Co can advise on Wood Siding maintenance in Superior, WI.