What Every Kansas City Area Homeowner Must Know
Before They Re-Side Their Home

         INTRODUCTION TO RE-SIDING.  Every home in the Kansas City Metro area has exterior siding.   Siding plays two key roles for your home:  It protects the structure from the elements, and it highlights the architectural style.  Most Johnson Co. Kansas and surrounding area  homes use these siding materials:

Fiber Cement- Offers all the beauty and character of natural wood without the maintenance and is a highly durable alternative to vinyl siding. 
Masonry- The most common are brick, stone and stucco.
Wood- Cedar and pine and treated wood products are the most frequently used.
Wood Composite- Includes a variety of engineered and treated products that usually include a mixture of wood fibers, wax and other resins.
Vinyl- A low-cost option, manufactured primarily with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fashioned to look like traditional wood siding.

In Johnson Co. Kansas and surrounding areas  the siding typically on the sides and back of the home are wood or wood composite panels attached directly to stud framing and  the front typically is lap siding or a masonry product and is attached over structural sheathing.  Many of these applications before 2006 did not have  the proper moisture barrier installed.  Siding materials have substantially different life spans and maintenance requirements.  Wood siding, for example , must be cleaned regularly and painted or stained every few years or so.  Conversely, pre-finished James Hardie® fiber cement siding can be maintenance-free for 15 years or more.  When your siding wears out, investing the time into researching your re-siding options can provide big returns in the beauty, maintenance and resale value of your home.

          IS IT TIME TO RE-SIDE? Consider These:
Siding Condition: Evidence of deterioration, such as sagging, cracking, buckling, blistering or discoloration.  As vinyl siding ages, pieces may become loose or even fall off.  Individual vinyl siding pieces are difficult to replace and cannot be color-matched.  Moisture or water stains may hint at problems underneath your siding.  Water infiltration behind your siding can cause mold and rot on your home's structure and is a breeding ground for termites and other pests.
Maintenance Schedule:  As siding wears out, the maintenance cycle shortens.  The effort and cost of maintaining tired siding can exceed that of installing new siding.
Curb Appeal:  If your home looks faded or is lagging behind your neighbors, re-siding can be the quickest and most cost-effective solution to update and beautify. 

          THE BENEFITS OF RE-SIDING YOUR HOME.
Curb Appeal. Depending on the siding material, you will have an array of choices to update, improve, or even change the look of your home.  Upgrading from vinyl siding to James Hardie® fiber cement siding, for example, opens up your possibilities.  Diamond Contracting, Inc. Offers a wide variety of James Hardie fiber-cement sidings, from HardiePlank® and HardieSoffit® that resemble real wood to HardiePanel® that look like stucco and all are available with factory-applied paint in a broad range of designer colors that will accommodate any color taste.
Maintenance.  Re-siding decreases or even eliminates maintenance of your siding.  With vinyl, regular cleaning and washing is necessary to keep the vinyl siding looking crisp and free from mold and algae.  With wood siding, you will still need to re-paint every few years.  Wood based products in our area do not hold paint well. James Hardie®  fiber cement siding, on the other hand, can be virtually maintenance-free for decades with ColorPlus® Technology.
Resale Value.  Re-siding can be a good investment.  According to the 2009 "Cost vs. Value Report", conducted by Remodeling magazine, re-siding with James Hardie® fiber cement siding, for example, has the highest return-on-investment (ROI),  for remodeling projects costing more than $1,200.  In fact, James Hardie® fiber cement siding has had the highest ROI (87%) for each of the past five years.
Energy Savings. New siding materials, methods and technologies can substantially lower your utility bills.  For example, installing James HardieWrap® moisture barrier and insulation under new James Hardie® siding can dramatically decrease your heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable by eliminating drafty walls.
Environmental Impact.  Today's siding products are greener than ever.  Many include recycled materials.  The U.S. Green Building Council, for example, recognizes James Hardie® fiber cement for its durability and sustainability.  The four main ingredients in James Hardie® fiber cement siding are:  Water, Sand, Cement, and Wood fibers (elasticity).

      FACTORS IN CHOOSING YOUR NEW SIDING.
Architectural Style.  Some sidings don't lend themselves to certain designs. James Hardie® siding has over 1000 different style and color combinations.
Neighborhood.  Walk your surrounding streets to see what siding types are most prevalent.  Homes that fit into a neighborhood tend to sell better.  Check with your Home Owner Associations first.  A vast majority of Johnson Co. Kansas area (HOA) do not allow vinyl and some do not allow any wood or wood composite siding. 
Climate.  Some siding materials don't lend themselves to Mid-West climates, especially the Johnson Co. Kansas and surrounding areas.  Vinyl and wood siding, for example, don't fare as well in climates with high UV or dramatic temperature changes. James Hardie® siding is Engineered for Climate™.  Meaning it resist expansion and contraction and moisture absorbsion during freeze/thaw cycles and has a baked-on paint finish with UV inhibitors.
Insurance.  You may qualify for a discount on homeowners insurance when you re-side with James Hardie® fiber cement, because it is durable and non-combustible.  The average across the country is about a 30% premium reduction, saving hundreds per year just by having a noncombustible siding material like James Hardie® products.
Maintenance.  If you don't like to work on your house, avoid wood and wood composite sidings, as these options require frequent upkeep and re-painting. Not to mention multiple trim and siding piece replacement before each painting.  An average wood rot and complete home painting job in Johnson Co. and surrounding areas can range from $3,200 - $6,200 every 4-6 years.  Vinyl siding needs scrubbed and power washed yearly to prevent mold and algae build up and looses its color quickly in UV light.
Cost. The cost of re-siding varies, but typically vinyl and wood composite are on the low side, James Hardie® fiber cement is in the middle and cedar and masonry are at the upper end. Contact Diamond Contracting, Inc Today for a Free Custom Quote on your home.  (913) 829-TOOL

      THE RE-SIDING PROCESS.
Step One  With the way our homes are built in this area, it is recommended that if your house has panel siding that it remains.  The existing wood panels are the strength of your wall system.  The panels keep the studs  and the drywall on the interior intact.  By removing the panels you no longer have a shear braced wall.  Bracing can be applied to achieve a braced wall but only after the panels have already been removed and the house could have already shifted or started to rack in one direction or another  Additionally by leaving the existing panels on you only are gaining another layer, another barrier between you and the elements.  It is never recommended to put any James Hardie siding products direct to your studs without having structural sheeting (your existing siding or o.s.b. plywood).  The way to do a job right is to cut out all rotten areas of your existing siding (carefully doing a little section at a time) while maintaining the braced wall system.  Joints are carefully sealed before the James HardieWrap® moisture barrier is applied to prevent air infiltration.  Also several existing panels will need to have more nails applied and wavy or buckled areas removed.
Step Two   Before the new exterior is applied, the bottom twelve inches of your walls,  around the  entire house, receives a butyl self adhering moisture protecting ice and water tape.  This will ensure that any home built close to or in contact with the surrounding landscape (especially walk-out basements) are  protected, even behind the siding.
Step Three   A weather resistant barrier, such as HardieWrap® weather barrier, should be applied to create an extra layer of moisture and wind protection.  In fact ,most building codes including Johnson Co. Kansas and surrounding areas, require it.  The moisture barrier is vital in reducing the air infiltration through the wall cavity and eventually to the interior.  This wind barrier can actually make the current insulation in your walls closer to the R-value that it is trying to achieve without spending money on additional insulation in your walls.  If you still are wanting to achieve an even higher R-value, a low cost great alternative is, exterior foam insulation board.
Step Four   Your new siding should be installed according to the manufacturers' guidelines and all local building codes.  It becomes even more important in this climate region.  Diamond Contracting, Inc. can ensure you that your siding will be installed according to these guidelines.  If installing James Hardie® siding, ask your contractor for a best practices installation guide or down load it online at http://jameshardie.com/. 
Step Five   Enjoy your home's new look.  If you've selected Diamond Contracting, Inc and James Hardie siding, you'll feel proud knowing your decision has given you a beautiful, low maintenance exterior for decades to come.

   FINDING A TRUSTED CONTRACTOR.
Ask your neighbors, friends and co-workers if they know a trusted siding contractor.
Look for contractors that have a track record. You don't want your home to be their learning experience.
Check out each contractor with your local Consumer Affairs Office or Better Business Bureau.  Diamond Contracting, Inc. in Olathe, KS currently  has an "A" rating with the local Kansas City BBB.
Many siding manufacturers have "certified contractor" programs to assist homeowners in locating qualified contractors in their area.  For example at, http://www.jameshardie.com you can find Diamond Contracting, Inc. as a James Hardie Preferred Remodeling Contractor in the Olathe, KS area 66062.  Contact at least three contractors to get written estimates.  Prior to requesting proposals, make sure that each contractor is fully insured with full worker's compensation and licensed (if your city requires licensing).  If your contractor hires a sub contractor ("sub") for the siding installation, you also need to ask to see the sub contractors proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation.  Ask for recent homeowner references.
Prepare a complete description of the project and your expectations prior to meeting with the contractors.  Give each contractor the same information so you will be able to properly compare their proposals. Make sure that each proposal includes everything you requested and the price is based on the complete project.  Request A FREE Custom Design Consultation Today!

 "Select a Contractor Who Specializes in James Hardie® Siding and Installation.  Go with the contractor who has a long history of exceptional installation and customer service and is structured to professionally manage your projects as well as provide service after the sale." It is recommended by James Hardie® to use one of their qualified contractors in your area. . Diamond Contracting, Inc is a James Hardie Preferred Remodeler, installing James Hardie® siding products for over 12 years.  Choosing Diamond Contracting can make your exterior renovation successful, maybe even enjoyable. Call Today For a FREE Custom Quote.  (913) 829-TOOL.

(913) 829-8665     913) 829-8665    (913) 829-8665     (913) 829-8665      913) 829-8665     913) 829-8665     (913) 829-8665       913) 829-8665