Siding Frequently Asked Questions

This document was created to answer frequently asked questions about Sussel Builders Siding products. Below, you'll find answers to questions concerning types of siding, installation and Warranties.

General Siding ┃Before You Reside ┃Residing Process ┃Painting ┃ Costs and Payment ┃Vinyl Siding ┃Fiber Cement

General Siding

• How can I tell if my siding is bad?
• Can I side over my defective Panel (T1-11) Siding?
• How do I know if my home has dry rot?
• How expensive is it to fix dry rot?

Before You Reside

• Why should I reside my home?
• Should I replace my siding before I sell my home?
• What is the best type of siding for my home?
• Do I need to replace my moisture barrier?
• Can I replace my siding during the winter months?

What to Expect

• Once I decide to replace my siding, how long does it take?
• What hours will the siding crew be working on my project?
• How much siding does the siding crew put up during the course of a day?
• What will happen to my landscaping during my siding project?
• Does siding replacement affect the interior of my home?

Painting

• Do I ever have to paint my siding again?
• How soon does the painting part of my project begin after the siding is complete?
• How much paint do you apply?

Costs and Payment

• How much does it cost to side a home?
• Can I really justify paying more for a quality job?
• What methods of payment does Sussel Builders Construction accept?
• Why did I receive a Notice of a Right to Lien?
• How do your prices compare Vinyl, Steel, Fiber Cement, and Stone?

Vinyl Siding

• What exactly is vinyl siding?
• Can the color peel or flake off?
• Does vinyl siding offer any insulating value?
• If painting isn't required, then how do I keep my vinyl siding clean?
• Does vinyl siding contribute to rotting, moisture buildup or termite infestation?
• What effect will vinyl siding have on television or radio reception?
• How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?

Fiber Cement

• Do I have to paint Fiber Cement siding?
• Do you require a weather-resistant barrier behind Fiber Cement siding?
• What types of trim can be used with Fiber Cement siding?
• How close to the ground can I install Fiber Cement siding?
• What type of weather-resistant barrier is required?
• How much does it weigh?

 

 

 

General Siding

How can I tell if my siding is bad?

Appearance of fungus, obvious separation of seams, caulking failure, swelling, delaminating, boards that no longer lay flat against your house, paint failure, moisture on the inside of your house, all could be signs of siding failure.

Can I side over my defective Panel (T1-11) Siding?

Siding over defective composite Panel (T1-11) Siding is definitely not recommended and should be replaced with new sheathing.

How do I know if my home has dry rot?

It can be difficult to tell if your home has dry rot without removing the siding first; then we can tell how extensive the damage is and repair it. In extreme cases you may see signs of excessive moisture on the surface of your siding or moisture on the inside of your house.

How expensive is it to fix dry rot?

Dry-rot repairs can be as little as $50 and as much as several thousand dollars. The average repair is $200 to $500. Approximately one out of eight homes have dry rot.

 

Before You Reside

Why should I reside my Home?

New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look, and significantly reduce cost for home upkeep and maintenance. It will protect the home from elements and eliminate the need for costly, frequent repainting.

Should I replace my siding before I sell my home?

Most Realtors will tell you that it is necessary to replace your defective siding if you wish to sell your home in a timely manner and for a good price. You will find that trying to sell your home with defective siding can be major deterrent. If you do get an offer the buyer will almost always want a hefty discount because of your siding. Even if your siding is in good shape, you will usually need to replace it because of the negative stigmatism in the market place

What is the best type of siding for my home?

Your home style, neighborhood CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions), desired effect, and your budget determine the best solution for you.  Have Sussel Representative out to give you a free estimate.  Get the ultimate curb appeal you deserve.

Do I need to replace my moisture barrier?

Replacement of your moisture barrier is required. During the tear-off process your old barrier, if any, usually gets torn and oftentimes your old barrier was not installed correctly. We cannot warranty your job without replacing your moisture barrier. A new moisture barrier is critical to a good siding job.

Can I replace my siding during the winter months?

Winter is a good time to start your siding project. Oftentimes it is much easier to reserve a space in the winter than it is any other time of year. The only drawback to having your project started in the winter may be paint delays. In addition, during winter months we tear-off smaller sections and reside those sections before we move on. That ensures that your home will always have limited exposure to the elements.

 

What to Expect

Once I decide to replace my siding, how long does it take?

Typically, 7 to 14 days for siding and 2 to 4 days for painting. It depends on the size of your home, the time of year we do your job, and weather conditions.

What hours will the siding crew be working on my project?

Our crews generally start work between 7:00 - 8:00 AM and work until 5:00 - 6:00 PM (daylight permitting) Monday through Friday. On occasion we may work Saturdays upon your approval.

How much siding does the siding crew tear-off/put up during the course of a day?

During most days we will only remove as much siding as we can replace with a weather barrier during that same day.

What will happen to my landscaping during my siding project?

All of our siding and painting crews work as carefully as possible to avoid doing any damage to your landscaping when they are on the job. However, we do suggest that before your siding project begins, you should move and/or tie back all plants that are important to you. While our installers are careful, sometimes damage to plants is unavoidable.

Does siding replacement affect the interior of my home?

Residing may cause your walls to rattle when the siding is being torn-off and when your new siding is nailed on. We suggest that you remove any fragile items from your interior walls that may fall during the residing process. On occasion, caulking around your windows may crack and you may experience small drywall cracks or drywall 'nail-pops'. These side effects are unavoidable and the cost of fixing them is minimal. 

 

Painting

Do I ever have to paint my siding again?

Depending on the Product that is installed. See Vinyl or Fiber Cement FAQ 

How soon does the painting part of my project begin after the siding is complete?

Under normal conditions, we require a minimum of four days for your caulking to cure. As a general rule, we usually start painting your home one to two weeks after your siding is complete. However, during winter months it may be longer than two weeks . We cannot paint during extreme wet weather. However, almost all of the products we install are pre-primed and caulked. Because of this, your home does not need to be painted for 90 to 180 days depending on what type of siding is installed.

How much paint do you apply?

The equivalent of two coats of a quality 100% acrylic latex paint is applied to the body of the house. All siding is painted to the manufacturer's specifications.

 

Costs and Payment

How much does it cost to side a home?

Because we offer siding at a number of price points to fit any need and any budget, and because every home and siding job is unique, there is no way to answer this question. The best thing to do is invite a sales representative into your home so he can measure it accurately and discuss other needs you may have.

Can I really justify paying more for a quality job?

Most siding is replaced because of product failure or improper application. In order to maintain or increase the value of your home, it is important that you select a siding company that can aide you in the selection of a product with proven integrity. This company must also have a proven record for professional application and finishing.

What methods of payment does Sussel Builders accept?

We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and financing on approved credit.

How do your prices compare Vinyl, Steel, Fiber Cement, and Stone?

Fiber Cement:

• More expensive than Vinyl
• Less expensive than Stone and Brick
• Less expensive than Stucco
• More expensive then Steel Siding

Vinyl Siding:

• Less expensive than Stone and Brick
• Less than Fiber Cement
• Less expensive than Stucco
• Less then Steel Siding

Steel Siding:

• More expensive then Vinyl
• Less expensive than Stone and Brick
• Less than Fiber Cement
• Less expensive than Stucco

Stone and Brick:

• More expensive then Vinyl
• More than Fiber Cement
• Equal or more expensive than Stucco
• Less then Steel Siding

 

Why did I receive a Notice of a Right to Lien?

A Notice of a Right to Lien is for your protection and our protection. By law we have to provide a Notice of a Right to Lien on all jobs over $1,000. In addition, you may receive a Notice of a Right to Lien from our material supplier. This is customary and in no way does it reflect our payment history with our material suppliers. We have perfect credit and we invite you to call any of our suppliers to verify it. They provide the Notice to protect their rights.

 

Vinyl Siding

What exactly is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a revolutionary building material that has replaced metal as the prime material for many industrial, commercial and consumer products. PVC has many years of successful performance as a construction material, providing impact-resistance, rigidity and strength.

Can the color peel or flake off?

No. There is no paint to peel, flake off or blister.

Does vinyl siding offer any insulating value?

No, unless the siding is coupled with a contoured or fan fold insulating product behind the vinyl siding.

If painting isn't required, then how do I keep my vinyl siding clean?

Usually all you will need is a to rinse your siding down annually with a garden hose. Every few years’ professional pressure washing with the appropriate cleaner will help restore the appearance your siding.

Does vinyl siding contribute to rotting, moisture buildup or termite infestation?

Vinyl siding will not cause any of these problems, but neither will it cure problems that existed before the siding was installed. Vinyl siding can be applied with assurance that it will not promote rotting, moisture or termite infestation. Indeed, the siding itself is impervious to rotting, and does not attract insects. It is designed to allow for proper ventilation. Pre-punched weep-holes along the bottom butt edge of the siding allow condensation to drain out.

What effect will vinyl siding have on television or radio reception?

None at all.

How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?

Vinyl siding is competitively priced with other siding materials. When you consider that you no longer need to have your house repainted every few years, the cost is very economical and eventually will be recovered by eliminating repainting costs. Vinyl siding is designed to last 50 years or more. Consult Sussel Builders for specific warranties.

 

Fiber Cement

Do I have to paint Fiber Cement siding?

Yes, Fiber Cement lap siding must be painted, stained or coated. You may order many James Hardie products coated with the ColorPlus™ Collection by James Hardie factory finishing and coloring system; or you can have the siding painted. Paint warranties vary from 10 - 20 years.

You are required to have James Hardie siding painted within 180 days of installation.

Do you require a weather-resistant barrier behind Fiber Cement siding?

James Hardie as well as the current MN building code the 2006 IRC requires the use of a weather-resistant barrier. It is good building practice.

What types of trim can be used with Fiber Cement siding?

The following are suitable trim products for use with Fiber Cement siding:
Fiber Cement
Real Wood
Engineered Wood

How close to the ground can I install Fiber Cement siding?

The MN building code requires that exterior sidings be installed with a minimum 6" clearance of soil. This will allow for clearance when soil is back-filled against the foundation.

What type of weather-resistant barrier is required?

Any weather-resistant barrier complying with the MN building code is acceptable. 

How much does it weigh?

James Hardie fiber cement is 2.3 pounds per square foot.