Many of you are aware of
our current pond project committment. Here is the current dilemna.
The project will require about 20 square of siding. We are probably 6 weeks away from being ready to install siding. In the midwest, it's getting pretty darned cold.
The structure is house-wrapped in Gorilla Wrap. Although G Wrap gets excellent marks for performance, it is specifically limited to 6 months exposure. I called their tech dept. They said it is related directly to UV exposure. They would not bend or admit that it might be purposely under-rated.
I installed the first parts of the wrap in July. Ironically, it was the south and western exposure, so it has been getting (and will continue to get) UV exposure on a daily basis. By Mfgrs instruction, I should have it covered by January.
I don't mind working in the cold. The problems arise with proper installation and protective covering (paint or stain) in the cold.
Vinyl siding would be a non-issue. I really, really don't want vinyl siding.
I originally wanted to use a fiber-cement product like Hardie board or the Certainteed product. I have done a good amount of research, and I am now VERY interested in using the Louisiana Pacific (LP) Smartside composite siding. It is LP's answer to fiber-cement, with improved impact resistance and easier installation (cuts and works with normal tools, as opposed to the cement product that can be brittle and cuts with special blades). It also carries a 50 year product warranty, similar to the fiber cement products.
OK, let's just assume that I really want the LP Smartside product.
A) I can do the job with vinyl for about $2000, but I really don't want vinyl
B) I can do the job with LP Smartside that is factory primed and I apply Sherwin Williams best exterior paint (Duration) for about $3000. It will require 2 coats of paint, it will be a solid color. The paint is good down to 35 degrees.
C) I can do the job with the LP Smartside, prefinished in a solid paint color. The finish warranty is 30 years. The cost is about $4000.
D) I can do the job with the LP Smartside, prefinished in a stain to simulate Cedar, Maple, or similar. The finish warranty is 30 years. The cost is about $5000.
Summary:
"A" sucks
"B" is a reasonable idea, but it's gonna be too cold to really count on a proper cure of the paint. Also, the color would be a solid paint color
"C" is compatible with my weather issues (except the required caulk, which I have not yet researched....but let's assume that it won't change overcoming my weather issues). The color would be a solid paint color. This kinda bothers me. I go through all this trouble to get something that looks like real wood, including the expense, and I wind up with a painted finish.
"D" is the most compatible, but also the most expensive. It also delivers the "real wood" look.
This is the Mfgr that applies the finish to the LP product. Whadda ya'll think?
(I just tried the link...it worked last night but not now. It's a page within wausausupply.com)
OK...works now
