Siding

Siding

Siding seems to get a lot of attention in loss control..why not, it is one of the first things you notice when you approach a house. Siding, however, is typically more indicative of care and maintenance of a home than anything else. Losses due to siding related issues are limited and are going to be related to wind damage or water intrusion. Most other siding defects like lack of paint and rot, are not going to be covered by insurance.

Regarding what siding tells you about a home and the homeowner, lets review:

• House has not been painted in 40 years vs. House is painted in period accurate palette within last year

• Back of house has not been sided, front of house was finished 3 years ago and the scaffold is still leaning against the side wall. Vs. Signs of recent vinyl siding repair in upper gable of second story.

• Window frames are rotting from lack of paint and improperly installed flashing. Vs. Replacement windows installed on original section of the house.

These possible scenarios will tell you more about what to look for in OTHER parts of the house than on the siding. You should expect to see more severe issues with critical elements of a house like electric and plumbing if you see no maintenance at all in areas which are publicly viewable.

Of course, we make recommendations for any defects, however, siding issues are typically not a hot button hazard unless they can result in wind damage or water intrusion related claims.

Siding Types

There are several types of siding used on homes and businesses. Here are some of the most common ones along with their descriptions and any issues related to insurance claims:

1. Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding is a popular option due to its affordability, durability, and low maintenance requirements. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in a variety of colors and styles. However, it can crack or warp over time, especially in extreme temperatures.

2. Wood Siding: Wood siding is aesthetically pleasing and can give a home or business a traditional look. It comes in different styles, such as clapboard, shingle, and board-and-batten. However, it is prone to rot, insect damage, and requires regular maintenance. Insurance companies may require homeowners to perform routine maintenance to prevent issues related to rot, insect infestation, and other problems.

3. Fiber Cement Siding: Fiber cement siding is a durable option that is resistant to fire, insects, and rot. It is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers and can mimic the look of wood or stucco. However, it is heavy and requires professional installation.

4. Stucco Siding: Stucco is a traditional siding material that is made from cement, sand, and lime. It is popular in areas with hot and dry climates because it can help keep buildings cool. However, it is susceptible to cracking and can be difficult to repair. Insurance companies may be wary of covering damage caused by water infiltration or other types of damage that may occur due to poor installation or wear and tear.

5. Metal Siding: Metal siding is a durable and low-maintenance option that can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper. It is resistant to fire, insects, and rot, but it can dent or scratch easily. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover damage to metal siding caused by severe weather events or vandalism, but may not cover cosmetic damage such as dents or scratches.

In general, insurance companies may require regular maintenance and upkeep of siding to ensure that it is functioning properly and to prevent damage. In addition, some types of siding may be more susceptible to damage from certain events, such as hail damage to vinyl siding, or water infiltration with stucco siding. It's important to review your insurance policy and understand what types of damage are covered, and what exclusions or limitations apply.

Miscellaneous Siding Concerns

Asbestos Siding

Most cementious building materials are considered to be non-friable, and are probably less hazardous than other friable asbestos products such as asbestos pipe insulation.

Asbestos cement wall shingles were in popular use in the U.S. from the 1920’s (est) through the 1960’s (est). A mixture of asbestos fibers and Portland cement the material was durable and fire resistant. Siding materials that use fibers and aggregate other than asbestos are properly called “fiber cement” building siding products. Some manufacturers use the term “fiber-reinforced cement” for these products. All of these products use some sort of fiber along with cement. Before 1978 in the U.S. the common fiber used was asbestos. But only an expert or a lab can tell the new fiber cement from the old asbestos fiber cement shingles for sure.

How can we tell the difference between asbestos-containing shingles and fiber-cement wall shingles in the field? 

It’s tricky. But here are some ways to distinguish between asbestos containing shingles and non-asbestos fiber-cement shingles:

• Age or date of installation: installed before 1978 the shingles probably contain asbestos.

• If an asbestos-cement sided home has been re-modeled such as by adding a window or door, it’s likely that the old asbestos cement shingles were broken around that new opening during the construction work – expect to see newer fiber cement shingles around the openings.

• The back of a new fiber cement wall shingle will probably have a code stamped on it.

Planning demolition of cement asbestos siding or shingle siding materials? The risk of high levels of airborne asbestos from cementious products is probably very low unless the workers are using power equipment like sanders and saws on these substances.

As an inspector, we are typically making note of when we SUSPECT that asbestos siding is in place. We do not make a rec to remove it. Most of our customers consider this to be a low hazard.

Ivy And Other Climbing Plants

Ivy and similar plant materials covering buildings are a problem not only because plant growth can block gutters, downspouts and drains, but because such plant growth retain can moisture around wood trim surrounding windows and doors. Plant growth can also speed the deterioration of wooden structural members such as ledgers, support posts, decks, stairs and railings, and plant material adds to the difficulty of routine inspection of such areas for water or structural damage.

EIFS or Dryvit “Synthetic Stucco”

Non-specialists cannot be expected to identify such material visually, but if you see a “stucco” exterior on a structure built after 1976, and especially after 1990, there is a good chance it is a synthetic stucco product.

If it can be determined from another source – for example an owner or builder – that it is likely a synthetic stucco product, you need to be aware of possible insurance issues.

When originally imported from Europe to the United States in the 1970s, most exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) were barrier type systems. They were designed to create a waterproof exterior skin consisting of a thin layer of acrylic polymer-based synthetic stucco directly applied to foam insulation.

With the EIFS glued directly to the sheathing, there was no place for building paper or conventional flashings at penetrations. Openings, joints, and penetrations relied on caulks and sealants for waterproofing. With no backup waterproofing or drainage layer, there was little margin for error.While these systems performed adequately in Europe for nearly 25 years, the United States version had thinner base coats and lower polymer content, creating a weaker skin. Also, workmanship in the United States was often inferior due to lack of applicator training and quality-control programs.When water leaked into these systems through failed caulk joints, cracks in the stucco skin, or through the window frames themselves, it wet the foam insulation, sheathing, and sometimes the structural framework.

Due to these water intrusion issues. obtaining insurance for houses with such exteriors can be extremely difficult; many companies simply will not write it, and those that do usually require high deductibles, high premiums, or both.

Log Siding

It is important to make sure that you differentiate log siding from real log constructed homes as they are two different construction techniques.

1. Maintenance: Log siding may require more maintenance than other types of siding to prevent rot, insect damage, and other issues. Insurance inspectors may look for signs of wear and tear or neglect, and may ask homeowners to provide proof of regular maintenance.

2. Fire risk: Wood is a combustible material, which means that log siding can increase the risk of fire. Insurance inspectors may ask about fire prevention measures, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and may recommend additional safeguards to mitigate fire risk.

3. Water damage: Log siding can be vulnerable to water damage, especially if it is not properly sealed or protected. Insurance inspectors may look for signs of water infiltration or mold growth, and may recommend repairs or improvements to prevent further damage.

4. Pest infestation: Log siding can attract insects and other pests, especially if it is not properly maintained. Insurance inspectors may look for signs of infestation, such as termite damage or carpenter ant activity, and may recommend treatments or repairs to address the issue.

5. Structural issues: Log siding may be more prone to structural issues than other types of siding, especially if it is not installed properly. Insurance inspectors may look for signs of movement or settling, and may recommend a structural inspection to ensure that the home is safe and stable.

Overall, insurance inspectors will want to ensure that log siding is properly installed and maintained, and that it does not increase the risk of damage or loss. Homeowners with log siding should be prepared to provide documentation of maintenance and repairs, and should work with their insurance company to address any concerns or recommendations.