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    • Fiber Cement siding in New England Best Practices: Hire a professional Fiber Cement siding installer September 9, 2009
      The old cliché, judging a book by its cover, often times is true when it comes to siding on a home. If it looks cheap and fake it probably is, and if it looks beautiful and expensive it probably is too. But the question is this. “Is there a siding that looks beautiful and expensive, [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Fiber Cement Siding Review- SHould I do it myself or hire a professional Fiber Cement Siding Installer? September 9, 2009
      There are many projects homeowners can do themselves, if they have a basic carpentry knowledge. Some are more ambitious than others and are capable of a lot more than the typical homeowner. Some homeowners install vinyl siding on their own and from the looks of it, may be a good job. But there are many [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Winchester MA: Fiber Cement Siding or Cedar Siding, That is the question. July 8, 2009
      This beautiful property in the heart of Winchester MA had old cedar siding that simply would not hold paint. This home owner, like many, was planning to sell their home and wanted to update the failing siding before listing the property. Maximizing the value was the most important thing for this Winchester homeowner. Replacing windows, [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • A Shrewsbury MA Fiber Cement Siding Makeover July 2, 2009
      This Shrewsbury MA homeowner had 60 year old wide board siding that was just not holding paint. They also had no soffits leading to roofing failures as well. We had to approach this project as a full exterior shell conversion, replacing windows, roofing as wells as the siding. We were able to fully insulate the [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Cedar or Cement?? The Great Fiber Cement Debate June 25, 2009
      There is a battle between purists and realists regarding the choice of using fiber cement siding or cedar siding. The purists want to preserve the natural beauty of wood and use the natural product on homes all over New England. The realists are looking for long term low maintenance. Done properly, you should be able [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Stow Homeowners choose between Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement Siding June 4, 2009
      The owners of this colonial in Stow MA, were not sure if they wanted high quality thermal core vinyl siding, or premium fiber cement siding to replace their current siding. Often times we find homeowners in this same predicament. Many houses in New England have vinyl siding for the sole reason of low-maintenance. It is [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Going Green with Fiber Cement Siding Products May 27, 2009
      Going Green with Siding- Going Green with your home means being energy efficient, , using long lasting durable products and environmentally responsible. When it comes to your siding, you can take a large step in the right direction.  Today, the most popular options for siding are vinyl siding, wood siding or cementitious siding also known as fiber [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • How to make an Old Cape in Medford MA look Brand New using Fiber Cement Siding May 27, 2009
      In Medford MA, this family bought their first home with the intention of replacingthe exterior wood siding with new Hardieplank fiber cement siding and trim. They did a ton of research on products and companies and narrowed it down United Home Experts and another company. The problem was the current wood siding contained lead paint andthey just [...]
      Roy Melnick
    • Hardieplank shingles match up perfectly on this Natick MA Cape house May 13, 2009
      In Natick MA, a local siding installer used hardiplank shingles or fiber cement shingle siding on two sides of the house and blended into existing cedar shingles resulting in a seamless fiber cement and cedar shingle sided house. This solution saved thousands of dollars for the customer and created a long lasting beautiful cape home in Natick MA.
      Roy Melnick
    • How Fiber Cement Siding in Andover MA Transformed this beautiful New England Colonial May 11, 2009
       Another Fiber Cement Siding project completed by United Home Experts Inc, This time in Andover MA, where the existing Masonite siding was doing more than failing. This “pressed hardwood,” should be renamed as cardboard sponge siding, was rotting, swelling and collecting an unattractive amount of mildew. The rot was so bad it went right through [...]
      Roy Melnick

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Fiber Cement siding in New England Best Practices: Hire a professional Fiber Cement siding installer

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Roy Melnick

The old cliché, judging a book by its cover, often times is true when it comes to siding on a home. If it looks cheap and fake it probably is, and if it looks beautiful and expensive it probably is too. But the question is this. “Is there a siding that looks beautiful and expensive, but is also affordable?”

Fiber-cement siding is being used more and more in New England by professional companies such as United Home Experts Inc, located in Massachusetts. Fiber Cement siding is low maintenance and has a beautiful natural look. It can resemble stucco, wood clapboards or cedar shingles, board and batten and also a rustic thicker version, (although you will pay dearly for this option). Fiber cement siding is also fire-resistant and durable offering 30-50-year guarantees depending on the manufacturer.
Electing to go with fiber cement siding for your home is the most effective way to balance beauty, quality, durability, and cost-effective siding. You can think of a fiber cement siding installation like a cedar wood siding installation, with a few critical differences best done by a certified professional. Here are some general points about installation:
• You can fasten the siding over wood framing using hand- or air-driven stainless Steel nails, or use self-tapping screws for installation over metal studs.
• Fiber cement is compatible with most other types of material, so you can use any type of natural wood or composite wood product for corner boards and trim. Even solid PVC trim boards.
• Cutting fiber cement produces a fine dust with microscopic fibers in it, so you should wear goggles and a mask. It is typically cut with specialized circular saws made specifically for use with fiber cement siding installations. Your Professional fiber cement siding installer will already have these tools.
Because there are many different types of fiber cement manufacturers, you should consult professional fiber cement siding installer to see which manufacturer will best fits your personal needs and wants. All fiber cement siding is not the same.
Solid wood and vinyl are two of the most popular sidings used in New England today. Wood siding can be 40% to 80% more expensive than fiber cement siding and creates high maintenance over the life of the wood siding. It will have a relatively short life span if it’s not repainted and waterproofed. Wood siding also generates a fair amount of jobsite waste during construction, not to mention the negative environmental aspects of cedar siding.
With vinyl siding, you get what you pay for. It’s cheap, and it looks it. With the cost of raw materials needed to manufacture vinyl siding tied to petroleum, vinyl siding costs are increasing at a rate that will put it in the same price bracket as fiber cement siding within years. Fiber-cement siding is reasonably priced, fire-resistant and withstands harsh weather. Some manufacturers have specially engineered a type of fiber cement siding to be exclusively used in colder harsher weather with extreme sudden changes in temperature, moisture etc like New England.
For the money, fiber cement siding is the best option to capture the beauty of wood, with the maintenance of vinyl at an affordable price.
For more information or to schedule a free estimate of your home in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or New Hampshire, call Roy Melnick directly at 781-983-1713 or send an email to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com.

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Andover MA, Fiber Cement Siding Cambridge MA, Fiber Cement Siding Medford MA, Fiber Cement Siding Natick MA, Fiber Cement Siding Shrewsbury Ma, Fiber Cement Siding Stow MA, Fiber Cement Siding in Winchester MA | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Fiber Cement Siding Review- SHould I do it myself or hire a professional Fiber Cement Siding Installer?

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Roy Melnick

There are many projects homeowners can do themselves, if they have a basic carpentry knowledge. Some are more ambitious than others and are capable of a lot more than the typical homeowner. Some homeowners install vinyl siding on their own and from the looks of it, may be a good job. But there are many pitfalls to doing this, even though vinyl siding is a plastic panel that is nailed up. Homeowners tend to forget that covering a rotten piece of wood, will cause extreme long term damage to the house and have adverse health problems for their family, should that rot start to grow toxic mold. Still other homeowners install the wrong under layments, use the wrong nails, and over drive the nails causing serious warping. For a simple project, vinyl siding can be seriously screwed up.
We often hear from homeowners that they tried to tackle a fiber cement siding project on their own. This is a whole other beast if you have not worked with it before: Individual pieces of clapboards or shingles, nor large panels to work with, stripping and disposal of old rotten wood siding, proper inspection of sheathing and repair if necessary, not having the proper tools and blowing out equipment motors, not to mention proper handling if using a pre-painted product, and many more times often over looked and skipped by smaller installers let alone an inexperienced homeowner.
Homeowners find the details of a proper fiber cement siding installation in Massachusetts is hard to come by, because most of the installers are former vinyl siding installers. It is like asked a baker to give you really nice porterhouse steak. Sure they both work food, but they are two totally different areas. The same goes for Siding. Fiber Cement siding and vinyl siding are as related at loaf of french bread and a filet mignon.
It is one thing try to install a simple project and save a little money, but most often we see homeowners, who are very good “do-it-yourself” carpenters, start to install fiber cement siding and learn that it is not as easy as they thought. Most times after a few weeks of frustration and damaged product, they do extensive research and end up calling in a professional like United Home Experts, to fix and complete their project. Almost every time, it turns out that they would have saved tons of money had they called us in the first place.
It always good to save money and take care of the “Honey Do” list yourself, but you need to know your limits and bring in a professional for the important things. You can go to the grocery store and buy the porterhouse steak, but you are certainly not going to raise a cow, butcher it and cut your own T-bone. Although you may be able to bake your own bread from scratch. Let a professional do the hard work while you enjoy the benefits.
If you need more information or are looking for a free estimate for your fiber cement siding project in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or New Hampshire, you can call me directly at 781-983-1713 or send an email with your questions to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Andover MA, Fiber Cement Siding Cambridge MA, Fiber Cement Siding Medford MA, Fiber Cement Siding Natick MA, Fiber Cement Siding Shrewsbury Ma, Fiber Cement Siding Stow MA, Fiber Cement Siding in Winchester MA | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Winchester MA: Fiber Cement Siding or Cedar Siding, That is the question.

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Roy Melnick

This beautiful property in the heart of Winchester MA had old cedar siding that simply would not hold paint. This home owner, like many, was planning to sell their home and wanted to update the failing siding before listing the property. Maximizing the value was the most important thing for this Winchester homeowner. Replacing windows, replacing the siding and a premium paint job would bring this property to full market value.

The question was to choose fiber cement siding or to choose high grade cedar siding. On one hand fiber cement siding would give a natural looking new siding, especially with a full premium exterior paint job. Fiber cement siding would also create a low maintenance long term approach for the new buyers, whomever they may be. On the other hand you have cedar siding, which not only give you the natural look of cedar siding, it is natural cedar siding. Long term low maintenance is not necessarily a strong attribute of cedar siding, but the first professional paint job should last at least 10 years maybe more depending on how harsh the winters will be.

The homeowner looked at the Winchester neighborhood and noticed that every single house had premium cedar siding on their house. In his belief the proper siding for this house was premium grade cedar siding. Even though Fiber cement siding for this project would have saved over ten thousand dollars, the homeowner felt the extra expense would move his house to the highest valued, most desirable house in the Winchester neighborhood.

Take a look at the finished product below. I think you’ll agree this house is now the nicest house in the neighborhood. For more information about this and other projects completed by United Home Experts, call Roy Melnick directly at 781-983-1713 or send an email to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com

What a beautiful Result!

What a beautiful Result!

Cedar Siding in Winchester MA

Cedar Siding in Winchester MA

We install fiber cement siding and cedar siding in the following areas: Greater Boston, North Shore, South Shore, Metrowest, Nashoba Valey, Blackstone Valley, Worcester County, Plymouth County, Rhode Island, South County Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire.

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding in Winchester MA | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Shrewsbury MA Fiber Cement Siding Makeover

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Roy Melnick

This Shrewsbury MA homeowner had 60 year old wide board siding that was just not holding paint. They also had no soffits leading to roofing failures as well. We had to approach this project as a full exterior shell conversion, replacing windows, roofing as wells as the siding. We were able to fully insulate the walls with cellulose blown in insulation which was a must for this aging house.

The transformation started with the old wood siding. We removed everything including the trim and replace the siding with James Hardie fiber cement siding. This hardie plank was installed pre-primed because the homeowner wanted to maximize the natural beauty of the wood grain look with a flat premium grade exterior paint. We used a Sherwin Williams paint called Resilience. Not bad for a 20 year warranty against paint failure. In addition to the fiber cement siding we were able to install new trim using Veranda composite trim, which when painted looks like a high quality pine trim board.

The tricky part was the soffits. They terminated right at the edge of the house and the windows were lying just below where the soffits should have been. Were we able to creatively tie the fiber cement siding in to windows and build out a new soffit offering full ventilation into the roof attic to satisfy lower ventilation requirements for the roof. The new soffit was definitely a custom onsite build which when we were finished, looked like it was there from the beginning.

The result is a new looking house with proper roofing ventilation through the soffits and brand new fiber cement siding and trim to help beautify this Shrewsbury MA neighborhood.
To find out more about this and other fiber cement siding projects projects in Shrewsbury MA, or surrounding town, please feel free to call Roy Melnick at 781-983-1713 or email at RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Shrewsbury Ma | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Cedar or Cement?? The Great Fiber Cement Debate

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Roy Melnick

There is a battle between purists and realists regarding the choice of using fiber cement siding or cedar siding. The purists want to preserve the natural beauty of wood and use the natural product on homes all over New England. The realists are looking for long term low maintenance.

Done properly, you should be able to attain the look and beauty of a western red cedar clapboards, by using a product such as Weather boards by Certainteed. They use 30 different pieces of actual western red cedar when making the molds for the clapboards. this means that if you were thinking of the repeat pattern you get with Hardie Plank, you are wrong. The other secret is choosing not to have the fiber cment siding installed pre painted, but pre primied. That way you can acheive the natural look of a freshly painted clapboard without the factory looking finish of the pre-painted products.

Now the question is what do you get with cedar that you don’t get with fiber cement siding? Cost for one. The price of cedar is throguht the roof and only going up. You get to repaint every 5 years or so up here in New England, (Massachusetts specifically).

Cedar gives you beauty, done right, so does fiber cement siding. cedar gives you high maintenance, fiber cement gives you low maintenance, cedar gives you any color choice in the; same with fiber cement sding. Cear gives you future rot, termite damage, pealling, blistering cracking, splitting; fiber cement gives you new looking cedar in 15 years. Cedar you repaint every 5 years, fiber cement you can repaint every 20-25 years. In the end their is no logical reason to choose cedar over fiber cemnt sidng, unless you are very stubborn. then by all means, go with the headaches of cedar siding. Check out this post from a collegue in weschester.
Cement Vs Cedar Breakdown

Roy Melnick can be reached at RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com in Massachusetts. United Home Experts is a local family owned and operated home improvement contractor located in Ashland MA. We serve North Shore, South Shore, Blackstone Valley, Nashoba Valley, Worcester County, Rhode Island, South County RI, Southern NH.

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Andover MA, Fiber Cement Siding Natick MA | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Stow Homeowners choose between Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement Siding

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Roy Melnick

The owners of this colonial in Stow MA, were not sure if they wanted high quality thermal core vinyl siding, or premium fiber cement siding to replace their current siding. Often times we find homeowners in this same predicament. Many houses in New England have vinyl siding for the sole reason of low-maintenance. It is true that today’s vinyl siding has come a long way, but it is still plastic. If a homeowner is looking to beautify their home, yet still maintain the look of real wood siding without the high maintenance that comes with it, then Fiber Cement siding could be the right option for you.

For this homeowner in Stow MA, their problem was current masonite siding that was failing. they liked the look, of it, but did not want to have to deal with maintenance cost of new cedar. They felt that vinyl would be their only option, that is until we sat down and found out what was really important to them. They wanted Low maintenance, natural look of wood, they did not love the look of vinyl and it came down to one statement. “I want the house to look exactly the way it does now, but without using expensive wood materials”  There is only one answer to this: Fiber cement siding.

We accompanied the fiber cement siding with solid PVC trim boards and then field coated the entire property as if it were wood. When we were done, the exterior of the house looked just like it did when it was first built. in the end here is what they had to say. “We had a great crew who worked nonstop to get the job finished quickly. They were very neat around the property. We would definitely use United again and will recommend them to anyone in need of siding work. Thanks!!

For more information on this house in Stow MA, please feel free to contact Roy Melnick directly at 781.983.1713 or send an email to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com. Also take a look at the Project PRofiles page for pictures of this and other projects we have completed.

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Stow MA, Painting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Going Green with Fiber Cement Siding Products

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Roy Melnick

Going Green with Siding- Going Green with your home means being energy efficient, , using long lasting durable products and environmentally responsible. When it comes to your siding, you can take a large step in the right direction.  Today, the most popular options for siding are vinyl siding, wood siding or cementitious siding also known as fiber cement siding. Wood siding can be the least desirable for those who want to go green, simply because many harvesters of wood result is deforestation, increased CO2’s contributing to global warming.  Ethically harvested lumber is the choice for those who wish to go natural and stay green, but there is no guarantee the wood you purchase at your local lumber yard has been harvested the proper way.

Green Siding Options

Vinyl siding is a popular option, though, for those who care about the environment, it really is not an option. Need I go on, manufacturing procedures, plastic, carbon emissions, toxic gas etc. If you are reading the post, Vinyl is not your choice so let’s not waste another word on vinyl siding.

The third option is fiber cement siding which is an excellent green building material because of its durability, longevity, and composition. What makes fiber cement green. It is made of all natural products, last a very long time and still allows you to achieve the look of real natural wood without all the maintenance.  But it pays to really know what you are looking for and the proper installation techniques. Many so called local contractors really don’t have a clue when it comes to the proper way to approach fiber cement siding.

First off, there are two major players in the market today, James Hardie, also known as Hardie Plank , and Certainteed Weatherboards. Both are green certified products and both can give you the look of natural wood siding. Both are made of cement and install, relatively, the same way.  Some people say that going green can cost you thousands more than using the real wood product, but the reality is, you can go green and save a ton of green in the meantime.

Installing Fiber Cement Siding may be the Greenest option Available today: Going green can save you money on the energy efficiency if done properly. Not all products will save you money on energy. just replacing your current siding with fiber cement siding may not do the trick and if done improperly could lead to inefficiency. Some  local MA, RI or NH contractors will suggest a foam insulating backer-board, which sounds like it would insulate and save you some money on your heating/cooling bill. But with an R-Value of no more than 2, you will hardly save a dime. And since when is foam environmentally beneficial? We, at United Home Experts, recommend going with a green blown in insulation called Caccoon which is some case can increase your R-value by R-13 or more. A far cry from R-2.

The use of Foam Boards as insulation under Fiebr Cement siding- A Good Idea???- After you insulated the walls appropriately, the decision of which type of fiber cement siding has to made. One could choose Hardieplank or Certainteed weather boards, bit are great products, but for the most environmentally conscious homeowners one has an advantage over the other. For starters Certainteed weatherboards use a post industrial recycled product and James Hardie uses Sand or Silica in their Hardie plank boards. Silica when cut could post a harmful dust which may lead to health problems in the future for the installer.  The other advantage, which is not green related but is a unique differentiator is the amount of different grains used by Certainteed and the randomness of the selection provides for a more attractive more realistic look than the potential repeating patterns offer up by James Hardie Fiber Cement siding. Something that will soon be corrected I assume.

How Green is my Paint applied to the Fiber Cement Siding?  The last step, that people and local siding contractors tend not to think of, is the paint coating in the factory. Both companies use a product that carry VOC’s above the green threshold of 50. So for those looking for the most environmentally sensitive complete fiber cement siding project, the use if a low VOC Exterior paint applied in the field is the best way to go. Not to mention you will be left with brand new green fiber  cement siding total solution that will closely resemble a painted western red cedar without contributing to de-forestation and global warming.

Fiber Cement Siding and the Future of Siding- As you can see, fiber cement siding for all it has to offer in the world of green building, may very well be the best application for those not only concerned about the environment, but for those who want to save money over the cost of high grade cedar, maintain the beauty without the high long term maintenance  costs of wood siding and for those who just can’t rationalize putting a plastic cover on their house in the form of vinyl.

 

If you think going green with your siding is the right choice for you, you can call Roy Melnick directly at 781.983.1713 or send an email to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com to talk more about adopting a green building philosophy, and possibly installing fiber cement siding on your property.

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Andover MA, Fiber Cement Siding Cambridge MA, Fiber Cement Siding Medford MA, Fiber Cement Siding Natick MA, Painting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

How to make an Old Cape in Medford MA look Brand New using Fiber Cement Siding

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Roy Melnick

In Medford MA, this family bought their first home with the intention of replacingthe exterior wood siding with new Hardieplank fiber cement siding and trim. They did a ton of research on products and companies and narrowed it down United Home Experts and another company.

The problem was the current wood siding contained lead paint andthey just received their newest addition to the family, a newborn girl. The roof was in really bad shape, so they wanted to work with a company that specializes in both fiber cement siding and roofing.  The homeownerse chose Untied Home Experts because of our expertize, unlimited knowledge, overall understading of what wasnecessary for the desired outcome.  It is a good thing they chose United because upon inspection the town building inspector required the side porch be updated because it was not up to current building standards. Because our experience we were able to fully rebuild the side porch surpassing current building code and creating a whole new space to enjoy.

The product for the siding was actually Certainteed Weatherboards fiber cement siding and the trim used was solid PVC.  We also used Composite decking and architectural asphalt roofing to fully replace the roof. After a applying 2 coats of  lifetime exterior paint, the Medford MA Cape looked like we had just built it from scratch. This is their comment: “We are so pleased with our decision to work with United. Your roofing, siding, and carpentry crews are skilled craftsmen who were responsive to our requests and hardworking in all types of weather. They have given our home a beautiful facelift.”  Take a look for yourself on the project profiles page.

For more information on this House in Medford Ma please feel free to call Roy Melnick at  781.983.1713 or send an email to RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Medford MA, Painting, Roofing | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Hardieplank shingles match up perfectly on this Natick MA Cape house

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Roy Melnick

The homeowners in Natick MA were unsure what their options were for the exterior siding of their house. Existing, were cedar shingles on all four sides as well as the attached garage. Two of the sides of the main house were in rough shape with rotten siding, failing siding, and paint that just would not stick. However, the other sides were is reasonably good shape required a professional scrape sand prime and paint project.

The question was, Do they replace the siding with vinyl, (which the quaint Natick MA neighborhood would be up in arms about), do they replace with hardieplank or fiber cement siding, or do they go traditional new cedar shingles on the failing sides. Little did they know that James Hardie fiber cement siding offers a realistic fiber cement shingle that when properly treated and finished, looks just like a finished cedar shingle.  It looks so good that you can’t even tell the difference from the existing wood shingles right next to the new James Hardie Fiber Cement  shingles
United Home Experts, a local hardie installer in massachusetts, was able to offer a long term affordable solution that did not change the character of the house, while at the same time creating a low maintenance siding option to the failing siding.
Natick MA offers houses with true character and historical integrity and as a local contractor to Natick, were able to use our expertise maintain this aspect for this family while at the same time saving them thousands from other costly methods.

To Find out more about  fiber cement siding, this property in Natick or for the address to drive by and see for yourself, please feel free to call or email Roy Melnick at RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com    781.983.1713

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Natick MA, Painting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

How Fiber Cement Siding in Andover MA Transformed this beautiful New England Colonial

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Roy Melnick

 Another Fiber Cement Siding project completed by United Home Experts Inc, This time in Andover MA, where the existing Masonite siding was doing more than failing. This “pressed hardwood,” should be renamed as cardboard sponge siding, was rotting, swelling and collecting an unattractive amount of mildew. The rot was so bad it went right through to the under sheathing behind the existing siding.

This particular Andover homeowner wanted to restore the original look of the house but did not want to compromise the character of his home. Vinyl siding was out of the picture, simply because of the plastic look, and Wood siding, or Cedar siding, was not desirable either. The thought of continued maintenance on his Andover Massachusetts colonial was enough to send him into retirement early.

The solution was fiber cement siding, where the homeowner could receive the look and beauty of natural cedar siding while at the same time utilizing the low maintenance aspects of vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding select cedar mill clapboards were used then custom finished in the field with a specific custom color as well. On the trim a solid pre-primed PVC trim was used to mimic the look of pine trim boards which were also painted to match the low maintenance of the fiber cement siding.

In the end, this Andover Ma neighborhood was amazed the siding was not made of wood. Our approach with Fiber cement siding effectively enhanced another neighborhood, to the point where we have looked at three other properties in the same area offering solid solutions to a homeowners siding nightmare.

For more information about this Fiber Cement Siding property in Andover MA, or for an address to see for yourself, please send an email directly to Roy Melnick at RAMelnick@UnitedHomeExperts.com

Filed under: Fiber Cement Siding, Fiber Cement Siding Andover MA, Painting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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