Frequently Asked Questions About ZLC, inc. Exterior Products

  Why should I use Cedar siding?

  

• Beauty - Not much can compare with the warmth and charm of genuine cedar.
• Architectural Design - Cedar compliments any architectural design, from turn of the century to contemporary.
• Easy Finishing - Because cedar is virtually pitch and resin free, it makes wood ideal for a wide range of finishes. Finishes cab range from lightly toned clear solutions or semi-transparent stains to two coat solid colors.
• Acoustic Insulation - Acoustic properties of cedar walls and ceilings provide sound insulation as needed to quiet rooms.
• Durability - Cedar is an ideal choice for all your exterior uses. It is one of the most naturally durable and decay resistant softwoods we use to side our homes.

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  What are the benefits of using fiber cement siding?

  

• Fiber cement siding holds paint extremely well and offers extended paint warranties.
• It provides durability and very low maintenance without sacrificing the beauty or character of wood.
• Its durability resists damage from cold, windy, wet, and humid climates.
• Protects against damage from flying debris.
• Resists flame spread.
• Defies insect damage.

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  Why should I install pre-finished cedar or fiber cement?

  Machine coating all siding surfaces prior to installation is recommended by all major industry groups. Installing factory finished siding ensures you are taking the best steps possible to install exterior products of unbeatable quality and performance.

Additional advantages include:

• All siding surfaces are coated for maximum protection against weather damage.
• They are convenient, can be finished in any weather condition, and are ready for installation.
• You have unlimited color selection.
• Uniform finish.
• No color variation.
• Saves time and labor costs.
• Extended warranty is offered on finishes.

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  What are the best kinds of gutter covers to use?

  

There are so many types and styles available today that it is hard to isolate the best.
I will rank and explain in order of expense.


• Aluminum screens:
  Screens work well at keeping debris out and allowing water to enter the gutters. Vinyl and/or aluminum screens are the least expensive way to cover your gutters but you always get what you pay for. With screen you can and will get debris that sticks into the small openings and ends up piling up on the top of the gutter instead of in it. Much debris gets through and clogging gutters still occur. There are screen tops that are smooth and have smaller holes which allow debris to more easily slide off.
  * If you intend to use screens ask your contractor to find the smoother ones.
  
• Vinyl solid covers:
  These work well shedding water and debris but too often the product fails with relation to wind blow outs and being torn out when ice damming occurs. In addition to that squirrels have frequently chewed convenient holes to enter and exit creating nice wildlife condos in your gutters. Although this is less expensive than the solid aluminum covers some do not recommend them.
  
• Aluminum solid covers:
  These are the best gutter covers. Available today are one piece systems that include the gutter and the top in one continuous system or the covers only as a separate piece to be added to your existing or new gutters. I personally like the two piece systems which allow the top to be separate of the gutter. If clogs or problems occur with the gutter part of the system the top can be removed and the gutter can be easily serviced. The aluminum systems hold up to wind and ice better and work very well accepting water while preventing debris from entering the gutters.


Important Note: The most important part of the drainage of a gutter is the downspouts. Always ask for 3x4 inch downspout in lieu of the 2x3 inch that most contractors will include. These allow more water and debris to freely pass through preventing potential clogging.


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  Should I use six inch or five inch gutters and what size downspouts?

  
The most important part of the drainage of a gutter is the downspouts. Always ask for 3x4 inch downspout in lieu of the 2x3 inch that most contractors will include. These allow more water and debris to freely pass through preventing potential clogging.

If you punch a hole in the bottom of a cup and fill it with water it comes out at a steady slow rate. If you double the size of the hole the water flows twice as fast…, the size of the cup, (gutter), hasn’t changed.

Six inch gutters are needed only when limited downspout locations are available, extremely high volume roofs and when the roof is completed with either clay tile, shake or other high profile materials that would make the water fly over a standard 5 inch gutter.The most basic formula for drainage is as follows…, 1 square inch of downspout opening to 100 square feet of roof drainage.


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  What kinds of overhangs, (soffit & fascia), are available?

  
Overhangs can be completed in a variety of materials including aluminum, wood or composite wood products; sometimes in combinations.


• Aluminum is used to cover wood and is virtually maintenance free. It comes in a variety of colors and has years and years of durability. It is used on any price range home and prevents costly painting or staining that wood products will require.
  
• Cedar or painted/stained woods looks beautiful and if done properly can last many years without needing maintenance. Normally cedar will need to be re-stained or painted every 4 to 7 years but with proper original finishing new cedar jobs can go as long as 10 years without needing re-finishing.
  
• Composite products resemble the beauty and warmth of wood and provide extended warranty’s due to their factory pre-finishing procedures; some as long as 15 to 20 years without the need for re-finishing. The cost of the composite products installed generally comes in similar to cedar.
  

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