Loud Siding & House Cracking Noises

It can be alarming to hear popping and creaking noises coming from a home’s siding.  If this is happening on a home with vinyl siding, it’s possible that siding was installed either too loosely or too tightly.  Siding needs room to expand and contract through the seasons due to the freeze/thaw cycle.  In the winter months, it can become brittle, which can lead to cracked boards.

Watch Our Craftsmen Install New House Siding:

Bad Siding Job Or Improper Installation

While there are many home improvement projects homeowners can easily tackle on their own, DIY siding installation isn’t recommended.  A botched siding installation can lead to dry rot and water infiltration.  Each siding manufacturer has precise specifications that must be followed to keep a warranty intact.  This makes it crucial that you properly screen a siding contractor to ensure they are reputable, experienced, licensed, and able to perform a solid siding installation.  Loose siding can warp, crack, or buckle.

Animal Damage To Wooden Siding

Wood siding is vulnerable to damage by insects, squirrels, and woodpeckers.  Frustratingly enough, animal damage isn’t always immediately noticeable but can result in pricey damage.  Even more discouraging is that these types of incidents are not always covered by a homeowners insurance policy.  For these reasons, it’s wise to opt for maintenance-free option, like engineered wood siding, that is not able to be harmed by pests.

Faded Siding From Years Of Weather Exposure

Over time, siding can become faded from the sun’s UV rays, rain, and snow.  Faded siding takes away from a home’s curb appeal.  Vinyl siding is most likely to discolor over time.  The spots on a home that will lose their brightness first are those that come in the most contact with direct sunlight.  The lighter siding color is, the less noticeable fading will be.

Mildew & Mold On Siding

Mold and mildew growth is prevalent on shaded areas of a home’s siding.  If there is mildew or fungus growth on a home’s siding, it’s possible that precipitation has gotten stuck behind or within the siding.  This should be taken seriously as it can lead to mold and mildew growth within the house.  Mold can also occur when an abundance of dirt has built up on the siding.  Houses near trees that produce sap are also prone to mildew and fungus growth because the sap can provide nourishment for the fungus.

Must Know Details for Your Siding Installation Project

Siding Materials

There are an array of siding materials available in the marketplace including aluminum, stucco, vinyl, brick, steel, and LP® SmartSide®.  However, a reputable siding contractor can make appropriate suggestions for which type(s) of siding are the best fit for the climate you live in.  They’re also able to give thorough explanations on why a certain material will jive with your home’s architecture and size.  Furthermore, reliable siding contractors can share why they have opted to partner with the manufacturers they have and why they have opted to steer clear of others.

Siding Color and Texture

It goes without saying that the siding color and texture combinations within the marketplace are endless.  As a homeowner, how do you even know where to start?  Quality siding contractors can help you narrow down your selections by using 3D digital renderings that will show what various siding colors look like on your home.  This is critical because of the major impact the siding’s color and texture have on your home’s curb appeal.  With that being said, you should still be presented with physical samples of the siding material and color that you are having installed on your home, as siding can vary in appearance, in shade and sunlight.  Your siding installation contract should clearly state the exact color(s) of siding being used along with the manufacturer.

Material and Insulation Warranties

Because siding is such a major investment, it’s critical that the material you select has an iron-clad warranty that will stand the test of time.  Be sure to get in writing what the manufacturer’s warranty is.  Bear in mind that a manufacturer’s warranty is voided if the installing contractor does not correctly install the material. That makes it imperative that you also have a clear understanding of the contractor’s willingness to stand behind their work.  Expert siding contractors aren’t afraid to offer lifetime workmanship guarantees because they only hire the best craftsmen who specialize in the siding material they are installing.

Insurance

Shockingly enough, some siding contractors cut corners by failing to properly insure themselves.  This creates a scenario where the homeowner could become liable if an installer is injured during your project or significant damage is done to your home.  Reputable contractors have zero issues with being loud and proud about the level of insurance they carry.

Go Behind the Scenes on a Twin Cities Steel Siding Project: 

Price & Project Timelines

Most contractors require a minimum of 1/3 of the project price as a down payment.  This allows them to secure the necessary materials for your project.  Be sure to have clearly stated in writing what the payment schedule is, as in many cases, full payment is expected upon project completion.  Verify what financing options the contractor offers so that you aren’t scrambling at the end of your project to pay for it.  A siding contract should also share expected project installation timelines to keep all parties on the same page.

Contact us today to get started on your home’s siding project.

1. Water Damage

Clog-free gutters in good working order go a long ways in keeping your siding in pristine condition.  They ensure that rainwater is redirected away from your home and not splashing against your siding.  If your siding is cracked, water can seep behind it which can cause serious damage.

2. Inexperienced Contractors

Siding is a substantial investment and should not be attempted by a homeowner or rookie contractor.  When interviewing potential contractors, be sure to find out whether or not siding is a job they routinely perform and that they are familiar with the siding material you are opting for.  A big reason for this is that not all errors that can negatively affect the lifespan of your siding are immediately noticeable.

3. Mature Trees

Giant shade trees are a point of pride on most properties.  With that being said, if they’re planted too close to a home and branches are not trimmed, damage to your siding is almost a certainty. This is because trees branches rubbing up against your siding can cause premature wear.  Additionally, if a strong windstorm comes through, it can cause a tree to fall on your home, inflicting costly damage.

4. The Minnesota Climate

A contractor who specializes in siding is a great resource for determining the best siding material and color, yes color, for your climate. Homes in year-round warm climates tend to have lighter siding colors.  The reason being that lighter colors absorb less heat than darker colors, which can help lower energy costs.  If you’re curious to see how the siding you’re considering installing will hold up down the road, ask the installing contractor to share addresses of previous jobs to see for yourself how the material will withstand the test of time.

 See the Techniques the Lindus Construction Team Uses to Maximize the Life Expectancy of Our Siding Installations:

5. Neglect

Over time, dirt and dust can cause your home’s exterior to look rundown.  Regularly washing your home’s siding can keep it looking its best.  Be mindful that cleaning strategies vary by type of siding.  Confer with the installing contractor or the manufacturer to ensure that your intended cleaning approach will not void your siding’s warranty.

If your home is showing any of these signs, don’t put off replacing your siding. Contact Lindus Construction to get started.

Indentations & Holes

The winter months can bring an array of extreme weather conditions, such as ice storms and high-speed winds that can hurl around heavy debris into the home’s siding, causing dents and holes.  In addition to creating an eyesore, the indentations create a scenario where cold air and moisture can infiltrate your home.  This makes it imperative that the siding you have installed on your home has the ability to withstand substantial impact.

Water Infiltration

The substantial temperature fluctuations of the Twin Cities make it critical that a home’s siding can hold up against extreme periods of cold and warmth.  This is because the freeze/thaw cycle puts tremendous strain on siding.  When temperatures fall below freezing, water can expand by nearly 10%.  If water is able to make its way into cracks in the home’s siding the extreme pressure created can cause long-term structural issues.  Beware of sizable amounts of ice and snow building up on your home’s gutters that has the possibility to melt and permeate a home’s siding.  Water damage to siding can also take place through repeated exposure.

Loose or Missing Siding

If siding is improperly secured, high winter winds can loosen it or completely pull it off the home.  One of the earliest signs of loosened siding is an exterior flapping noise during heavy winds.  This should be addressed immediately, as missing or loose siding is not creating the protective barrier your home needs to withstand nature’s elements.  Consequences of loose or missing siding include high energy bills, wet interior walls, and mold growth.

Rot

Persistent moisture introduced by substantial snow and ice can cause rot to occur.  Indicators that rot is starting to happen include brittle or heavily cracked siding sections.  If rot is found, it needs to be swiftly addressed by a reputable professional that can diagnose its origin and correct the issue so that full-blown fungal decay does not take place.

Warped Siding

Cedar siding has the ability to resist freezing rain and snow.  However, if moisture infiltrates the siding, the wood will begin to warp.  Left unaddressed mold growth can ensue as well.  It’s wise to have a quality professional address this issue as soon as it’s known, as a repair may be able to be done, rather than full replacement of the home’s siding.

If you want a more weather-resistant siding for your Minnesota home contact Lindus Construction.

1. How Long It Takes To Side A House

A DIY siding replacement project isn’t something that can be completed in a weekend.  In fact, it can even take professionals several weeks depending on material, weather, and size of the home.  If you’re working a full-time job, odds are the time it takes to install new house siding isn’t something you have.  Bear in mind, it’s extremely difficult for an amateur to install long runs of siding on their own.

2. Installing Siding Is Difficult & Requires Significant Skill

Siding that wards off air and water infiltration takes meticulous craftsmanship.  While straight runs are fairly elementary, working around gutters, soffits, fascia, and windows take substantial experience.  Botch this part of the project and wood rot becomes imminent.  In addition, once the home’s siding material has been removed, it’s common to find damage that wasn’t previously evident.  Top-tier siding contractors tend to have long lead times and are going to be reluctant to fix these issues at the drop of a hat.  If siding is not installed to the manufacturer’s exact specifications, they are not legally obligated to honor your warranty claim if the siding fails prematurely.

3. Siding Tools Needed

Very few homeowners already own the necessary arsenal of tools needed to install siding.  Commonly used tools include scaffolding, tin snips, power drill, level, measuring square, etc.  The list grows even longer if the siding material is James Hardie®.  This type of siding can only be cut with a special saw.  Because it contains silica and fly ash, hazmat suits must be worn during the cutting process to maintain the installer’s safety.        

4. Material Price

Reputable siding contractors have well-established relationships with the industry’s premier manufacturers.  They also purchase siding in large quantities, allowing for even further discounts that aren’t available to homeowners completing a once-in-a-lifetime project.

Go Behind the Scenes on Twin Cities Seamless Steel Siding Installation:

5. Understanding Expansion & Contraction

Here in the Twin Cities, we experience an extreme difference in temperatures throughout the seasons.  This means that siding shrinks in the winter months and expands during the summer months.  This makes it imperative that the correct amount of siding spacing is used during installation.  Bear in mind that the proper levels can vary by material used.

Red Siding Colors

While a red siding house can seem like a bold color choice, there are plenty of times when it works.  Historic and country homes showcase the color beautifully, especially when it has gray undertones.  (Think burnt red instead of fire engine.)

Check out some of the most popular siding color combinations we’re seeing.

White House Siding Colors

White is timeless and will always be a viable option.  However, don’t be afraid to add punches or color when it comes to accessories such as trim, garage doors and shutters.  You can always sass up white vinyl siding with different textures which create interest.

Green House Siding

In design, the color green is synonymous with Mother Nature.  Muted green siding colors for houses work well on properties with lots of tree coverage.  Green complements and array of tones, including yellow and brown.

Blue Siding Colors

It’s a fact that the most popular favorite color for the people of the world is blue.  (Believe it or not, yellow is the least.) In design, dark blue is believed to bring a calming energy to a home and all those that enter.  If you’re looking for a less bold statement, gravitate to blueish gray siding colors for houses which looks great on almost any type of home.  Whatever you do, shy away from powder blue which will appear dated.

Find Out Why More Homeowners Are Choosing LP® Siding Installation:

The two biggest determinants of a home’s curb appeal are its roofing and siding.  This makes it imperative that they complement each other to provide a cohesive look.  Here’s what you need to know about making selections that will stand the test of time and add to your home’s value.

Digital Renderings Are Game-Changers

Gone are the days of simply looking at siding and shingle samples and trying to imagine how the colors would look on your home.  The technology now exists for reputable contractors to provide digital renderings of all sides of your home with various roof and siding color combinations.

Warm vs. Cool Colors

Warm colors often tend to be shades of red, yellow, and orange and are named this because of their association with items like fire and the sun.  Cool shades are hues of blue, green, and magenta and are often tied to natural elements like water, grass, and the sky.  Homes that have the most cohesive look utilize a roof and siding that both come from either the warm or cool side of the color spectrum.

Color Brightness Matters

If your home’s square footage is on the smaller side, selecting a lighter color for the roofing and siding will create the illusion that your home is slightly larger than it appears.  Another advantage of using lighter colors is that they showcase contrasting architectural points of interest.  However, there is the argument for dark, dramatic siding and roofing colors when the goal is to highlight the spaciousness of a home that’s surrounded with rolling hills or stately trees.  Unsure which route to go?  Medium tones are a safe bet on almost any size or style of home.

Avoid a Direct Color Match

Some siding manufacturers offer custom colors which would allow for exact matching of the roofing and siding colors, this option is not recommended.  Instead, complimentary colors should be used because they establish an optical difference.  For instance, a home with pale brown siding benefits from the installation of a roof with a burnt brown hue because of the contrast between the two shades.   

Opt for a Darker Roof

In most scenarios, it’s best practice to select a roof that’s in the same color palette as the siding, but a few shades darker.  This is the most aesthetically pleasing approach, as the eye most often takes in the beauty of a home from the top to the bottom.

Contact us today to get started on your next roofing or siding installation project.

Dry rot is a phenomenon that can impact all varieties of wood.  When this fungus spreads throughout the interior of wood, it becomes weak and will start breaking apart.  When dry rot occurs in a building, the structural integrity often becomes compromised.

What are Signs of Dry Rot?

Dry rot is such a nuisance because the early stages are difficult to identify to the untrained eye.  Adding to the confusion is the fact that it can vary in appearance. Identifiers include darkened or shrunken wood.  Coloring is typically off-white or gray.  Wood affected by dry rot will shrink and crack.  It becomes soft to the touch and warp.

How Does Dry Rot Spread?

Dry rot is fed by moisture inside the wood and in order for it to spread; it needs a source of moisture.  Because dry rot causes the affected wood to crumble and separate from the unaffected wood, the unaffected wood becomes exposed and soon becomes infected.

Why Does Dry Rot Happen?

There are lots of occurrences that result in dry rot, though most have to do with proper water management in the home.  Clogged or broken gutters and downspouts can increase the likelihood of dry rot, as can improper flashing on your roof and around your chimney.

Inadequate ventilation can also contribute to dry rot.  It’s a common misconception that dry rot only occurs in older buildings.  This couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, if siding isn’t installed correctly and water is able to permeate through the siding, it’s only a matter of time before thousands of dollars of damage is caused.  For this reason, it’s crucial to work with a reputable licensed and insured company who know what they’re doing and is willing to stand behind the work they perform.

How Can Dry Rot Be Stopped?

Full eradication of dry rot is crucial because failure to do so can result in it reappearing.  The only way to kill dry rot is to kill its source of moisture.  Once this has been accomplished, the affected areas must be dried completely.

From there, the fungus that caused the dry rot must be treated.  The final step is repairing the damage.  This process should be completed by a licensed professional who can effectively determine the full extent of the dry rot.  Failure to fully complete any of the steps listed above can result in the dry rot manifesting itself once again.

Proper Window Installation Would Have Prevented Dry Rot Around These Five-Year-Old Windows:

Contact us today if you need help dealing with dry rot in your home.

When Is It Too Cold For Outdoor Home Improvement Projects?

Many Twin Cities & Western WI homeowners ask what temperatures prevent exterior projects.  There are many factors that play into the answer.  Here’s what you need to know!

Winter Roof Replacement

The installation of ordinary shingles should take place at temperatures above 40 degrees. Roofers using GAF Glenwood® and Timberline® AS II Shingles have more flexibility. This type of roof replacement can happen in temperatures as low as 15 degrees.  That’s because the roof installation uses shingles that are thicker than builder grade.

Placing tents over the pallets the roof shingles sit on can also keep them at the ideal temperature. Hand sealing ensures the GAF roofing system lays flat in cold temperatures.  Many roofing companies revisit winter jobsites in the spring to clean-up the jobsite.  This often involves picking up nails and shingles that became hidden in snowbanks.

Winter House Siding Projects

Vinyl siding installation at too cold of temperature leads to buckling and cracking.

The installation of LP® SmartSide® can happen at subzero temperatures.  This siding doesn’t have issues with boards pulling apart during cold temperatures. At times, siding contractors must come back in warmer temperatures to finish caulking.

Bonus Read: The Freeze/Thaw Cycle & Its Impact on Siding

Winter Gutter Installations

Even in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, gutter replacement can happen year-round.  In some instances, ice dam removal must occur before the gutter installation.  It’s important to know that house gutters will not make ice dams better or worse.

Bonus Read: The Root Cause Of How Ice Dams Form

Request Your Winter Home Improvement Estimate

For over 40 years, we’ve helped 100,000 happy customers with winter exterior projects.  We are proud to serve the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and Western Wisconsin.

As your winter home improvement experts, you can rely on us for top-tier customer service. We provide a lifetime workmanship guarantee on our roofing, siding, and gutter installations. Contact us today to receive your complimentary quote.

Bonus Read: Why Hiring A Contractor In The Winter Can Save You Money

Listen To The Entire Winter Home Renovation Show Here:

How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

1. Upgrades to soffit & fascia
2. Utilizing the best insulation & ventilation practices
3. Installing insulated house wrap, such as Insultex

While many house wraps offer minimal insulation, Insultex has a R-6 rating.  Installing Insultex House Wrap with a siding installation can lower energy bills.  This makes Insultex® House Wrap the future of home weatherization.  It can be used with , steel siding, or engineered wood siding.  This makes it the ideal choice for those who want to create more energy efficient homes.  Insultex also helps avoid future siding problems with air and water infiltration.  It also to creates a more comfortable and energy efficient home.

Learn how Insultex® revolutionizes home siding projects.

Take The Next Step With Insulated House Wrap

If you’re planning a siding replacement project, use house wrap to protect and insulate your home.  Get a complimentary estimate or contact us today to learn how Lindus can help.