1. Choosing a Cement Board Contractor:
- Choose a contractor you feel comfortable with.
- Know how and where to contact your Project Manager.
- Verify that your contractor is insured; ask for a "Certificate of Insurance" showing both liability (for your property) AND worker's compensation (for their workers). Many insurance experts also advise that they have an umbrella insurance property to make sure the homeowner is fully protected from anything that could happen during the work.
- Confirm as many references as you deem appropriate.
- Check for home improvement or appropriate contractors license, such as Mass HIC License No. United Home Experts, a division of United Painting Co. Inc.'s Massachusetts HIC License number is; 130101, RI Reg # 22948. Multiple Construction Supervisors Licenses available upon request.
Beware of:
- Someone who doesn't use contracts or is very vague in their scope of work. (time may pass from when your project is estimated and when it is actually performed. A written contract helps both the contractor and the customer get what they expect)
- Step 1A contractor that competes based on price alone. (If these guys even show up to do the work, you may have far more problems than the cheap price is worth)
2. Removal of old siding:
- Timely contracting for delivery of a dumpster
- Covering & protecting delicate areas around the house
- Safely removing nails and old siding down to sheathing, exposing any problems that you might have within the walls
- Disposal of old siding and other deteriorated siding components
- General area clean-up prior to re-applying siding
3. Preparation and inspection
- All sheathing and flashing under the siding is inspected
- United replaces any rotting wood and also checks for insulation problems; offering many options for increasing the insulation in the walls
- Repairs to wooden sheathing, corner boards, fascia boards and other trim not readily visible can be made with the owner’s permission at additional cost
- Full siding areas are covered with TYVEK or similar permeable vapor barrier
- Open cracks around doors and windows are caulked, and flashing is replaced if needed to prevent moisture infiltration
Beware of:
- Trying to save money by cutting out preparation. Most professionals will agree that proper prep is the single most important component in the longevity of a siding installation. Conversely, improper preparation can result in deterioration of siding and any subsequent paint or stain application.
- Poor or ineffective flashing must be replaced. Controlling water flow will add years to the life of any siding or trim installed.
- Old and new houses need a moisture barrier: Moisture movement through the siding must be controlled. A permeable vapor barrier product (like Tyvek) provides a lifetime of protection and is much better than asphalt tar paper and other low grade products.
4. Installation of Cement Board Siding, chosen trim products, and finishes.
- United will then begin the installation of the trim materials and the fiber cement siding product of choice.
- Based on the specifications of the project, we are typically using stainless steel fasteners.
- Exposure (width) of the siding will be the same as previous siding or custom as agreed upon in advance.
- Full runs, (long pieces of clapboards), are used as much as possible both for looks and for long life. Shingle seams are staggered again for long life and good water run-off control.
- Seams are treated as required with high-quality siliconized latex caulk, which remains flexible to minimize any shrinkage and cracking.
- If contracted to do so, the final step in the siding installation process is to apply a high-quality, professional acrylic latex paint for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. United has multiple options for finishing fiber cement siding with various manufacturer-backed warranties
Benefits of Fiber cement siding:
- Fiber cement siding has much of the beauty of wood siding, but requires much less maintenance.
- Fiber cement siding won't rot or crack, and it resists damage from rain, hail, and flying debris.
- Fiber cement siding is class A fire resistant and can qualify many homeowners for a discount with their insurance carriers.
- Hardiplank and Certainteed Weatherboards® have a transferable product warranty for up to 50 years. No wonder they are the most preferred brands of fiber cement!
- We offer a wide selection of options for any home style. Choose from lap siding, shingle siding, individual shingles and shapes, and siding accessories in a variety of appealing styles and colors.
- Our versatile product range makes it easy to match an existing style or siding type. Whether you are adding on or completely re-siding, we have an option that's perfect for your home.
5. Clean-Up:
- Performed daily and upon completion of the job
- All supplies and refuge are removed
- Plant beds cleaned and wood chips removed
- Outdoor fixtures and furniture are replaced
- Several pieces of clapboards or shingles are left for future use
6. Inspection:
- Before the crew leaves a job, a "walk-around" is done to ensure all contracted areas are repaired and completed properly.
- Final points are noted on a Quality List and are promptly addressed.
- A United Standard Inspection is performed by a Foreman or Project Manager to ensure complete customer satisfaction in every area
- The United "Customer Feedback Form" is completed by the customer.
Beware of:
You are missing out as a customer if you don’t get a chance to walk through the job at the time of completion. Our foreman and project managers try to estimate at what point in the day they will be finishing the work, so that our customers can ask questions and feel comfortable with the finished project. Many customers have told us time and time again, that "Its the little things that count." We hear you.
7. Warrantee:
- United offers unparalleled warrantees on all siding and carpentry services.
- We also offer a Follow-up Maintenance "Check-Up" Program unique to our industry
By choosing United Home Experts you are selecting the services of a professional contracting and painting company.