FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you ship siding out of the state of California?

Yes we do! We have shipped siding to a number of states including to the east coast. Give us a call and we will be happy to provide you with a quote.

What issues should I be aware of if I order siding (or using shingles) from another source?

Competition among suppliers is a good thing. It often results in the best products possible which benefits the consumer, and helps keep suppliers honest!

Here are some issues you should be aware of should you choose to purchase siding from someone else.

Make sure the siding has a ship lapped edge. This is a standard type of edge needed on plywood siding so the joints are weather proof. NEVER use siding that is simply squared edged. This will result in leaks at the very first rain!

Some suppliers apply a ship lapped edge, but the ship lap is cut from a 48″ wide sheet rather than the required 48 3/4″ size. When this is done, the siding is actually undersized and will not match your pre-existing siding and will often require adding studs to compensate. You may save a bit on the initial cost per sheet with this undersized material, but in the end, you may pay much more for the installation and run into additional problems which you will regret.

Though the spacing of the grooves on Eichler Siding is not rocket science, it can be difficult for some suppliers to get it right. We have worked hard to keep our spacing within reasonable tolerances. Slight variation is allowable, in fact, we have noticed that even some original Eichler Siding has insignificant variations. Be sure that your supplier uses accurate spacing. Cheap siding that looks poorly once installed is not worth losing the resale value on your home.

How can I match the surface texture of my new siding with the surface of my original siding?

The original Eichler siding was a sanded surface that created a real wood grain appearance but was not rough sawn like siding is today.  However, we have found an exterior real wood siding that works out quite well. It is faced with the wood species,  Okoume.  We provide it with a sanded face that is an excellent match to the original texture of Eichler siding at the time your home was built.

Why is this siding so difficult to find?

Mr. Eichler created a wonderfully unique home when he built his Eichler subdivisions. He used creative building methods and designs. One aspect of his creativity was that he used plywood siding that was milled solely for his homes. Over the years as the homes have grown older they often need special attention to the exterior. Since Eichler siding is unique to Eichler homes, it is not stocked in local lumber yards. For over eighteen years we have been milling siding to match your special home. Don’t settle for “close.” Do your repairs with siding that matches. When it comes time to sell your home you will be glad you did because your resale value will be higher.

What is the best way to paint my siding?

Although we use the best products possible for our siding, the life of your new siding depends greatly on the paint job it gets. You must use a good quality primer/sealer and a high quality top coat that is compatible with the primer to get the best results. Make sure the edges are primed/sealed BEFORE installation. Once your siding is installed it is impossible to seal the edges properly.

Use top quality coatings and follow manufacturer’s instructions. All edges should be sealed.

The prime coat is the most important coat. Oil/alkyd primers are recommended; latex primers also work well. The surface should be clean and dry before painting. Do not apply too thin a prime coat. The primer should be applied to yield about 1 mil dry film thickness. Apply within the spreading range recommended by the manufacturer to obtain proper thickness.

Top Coats
To insure compatibility between the topcoat finish and the primer, both should be from the same manufacturer. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. Some finishes should not be applied to Overlaid plywood. These include automotive primers and enamels, lacquer undercoats and topcoats.

Edge Sealing
The most vulnerable portions of overlaid plywood are the edges. Because they absorb water which can lead to finish and surface deterioration, the edges require the most effective protection. Two coats of edge sealer must be applied for adequate protection against moisture penetration. Any conventional method of application may be used as long as adequate coverage is obtained.

Make sure the siding is clean and dry before painting. Some homeowners choose to back prime the back of the siding before installation as well. For the very best results consult a professional grade paint store for the very best product and application. Using a poor quality paint will result in a much shorter life expectancy on your siding. Remember you are fighting a battle against sun (UV) and water. Help your siding have a long and happy life.

What kind of edges are milled on the siding?

All of our siding comes with what is called a shiplap edge. This allows the siding to overlap at each joint. When nailed properly, this provides a good water tight joint. However, be careful to follow the mill’s nailing instructions printed on the back side of each panel. Too tight of a fit will result in buckling when the siding expands due to weather changes. Too lose a fit and you will lose your water resistant joint. Always consult with current building codes for proper nailing procedures.

What about patching just the bottom of my siding instead of replacing the entire sheet?

Some contractors suggest cutting off the lower portion of rotten or damaged siding and splicing new siding by butting it up against the original siding. This is often done as a cost cutting measure. In the short term it does save money since not as much new siding is required to do the job. In some places where the siding is not exposed visually this may be worth it. However our understanding is that Real Estate agents do not recommend it primarily due to later resale value. If you choose to use this method consider the long term affects on your home. Also make sure that the joint is done correctly with a “z” bar type flashing. This metal flashing must be used to insure a water tight joint. Using cost cutting measures on the joint will only give you a headache later. If the visual appearance of the joint does not bother you, and it is done correctly, this may be a way to save some money. We believe in the long run you will be better off not doing a joint and replacing the entire sheet. We also suggest finding a neighbor where a splice was used and see how you like it. Whatever you decide, take time to make this decision carefully. This will prevent you from doing the repair twice.