I am currently providing project management and nearly all trade labor for an exterior remodel of my parent's primary residence in Fresno, California.
This project includes full exterior siding and soffit demolition, extensive re-work and water damage repairs to the original 1950's home and the more recent addition (early 2000's ), three new windows, two re-used clear story windows, 100% re-engineered water and air envelope system, and new James Hardie board and batten siding.
This project has me managing the interfaces between and improving upon such points where several generations of old work meet (including several complicated rooflines), and re-engineering the exterior siding system from the ground up. It has also included some emergency, load bearing framing and concrete work on the porch (non-foundation structural work that the previous builders never completed) and re-engineering of the roof drainage and landscaped watershed systems.
These complications have and may continue to extend deadlines associated with this project- however, I work in a phase-based process, and the project is dried-in with 5 months remaining on the WPM's UV exposure warranty. Therefore, my schedule is highly flexible through June of 2025 and finish work may be completed as is convenient, within the warranties of the WPM and cement fiberboard manufacturers' guidelines. I am equipped for but may opt to contract the exterior paint phase.
I have been and currently am traveling between San Diego and Fresno on a bi-weekly schedule until this project is completed to maintain and expand upon my existing clientele and business opportunities in the San Diego area.
This project has an estimated completion date of early March of 2025, depending upon scheduling and local or freight materials availability.
Completed phases:
Phase 0: Exterior Demolition, Structural and Water Damage Remediation
- Demo and remove from site old Melamine board and batten siding and soffits from 90% of house, including protected porch area and projected clear story
- Demo several sections of heavily water damaged and dry rotted OSB on addition and lathe on original house, as well as significant portions of fascia. No permanent wall stud or bottom plate damage noted. No termite damage noted. Sub-fascia damage noted on valley transition between addition and original house only. Moderate roof underlayment damage noted at same location.
- Demo existing deteriorating retrofit windows on addition only
- Demo Tyvek housewrap on addition and insufficient flashing materials on original house.
- Demo unappealing and unprofessionally finished transition flashing and trim from relatively new TPO roof to old addition siding. Highly incorrect shingling of materials noted and addressed.
- Other exterior demolition
- Erosion control
- Replaced 4x4 porch roof outside corner post with proper cement footing, 4x6 post and proper Strong-Tie hardware and fasteners.
- Added temporary footing and structural support post where old house and new addition (porch roof) meet to supplement insufficiently designed old work
- Fiberglass batt insulation replaced with Rock Wool (while OSB was removed for repair)
- Mold remediation- Concrobium Mold Control Mechanical Spore killer, followed by bleach and abrasive removal
Phase 1: Waterproofing and Air Barrier (WPM/House Wrap System), Windows and Doors
- WPM System used: Benjamin Obdyke HydroGap Breathable WPM System (including door/window flashing and seaming tapes, and liquid applied flashing from same manufacturer)
- Air membrane system used: home is equipped with solar and a suite of high-efficiency appliances- therefore client has selected a bias towards breathability and moisture expulsion at the expense of an air-tight envelope. Client is happy with extensive use of low expansion foams and flashing tapes where draft risks exist in lieu of an airtight Tyvek style whole house wrap. Therefore the HydroGap WPM's perm rating of 16 in conjunction with properly taped seams will provide an adequate air envelope, while the HydroGap rain screen dots will help to mitigate direct-contact moisture traps
- Some particularly vulnerable corners have an extra layer of Tyvek strategically placed under the Hydrogap system to add to bulk water intrusion resistance
- Ensure all fasteners used are cap fasteners and all seams taped and lapped in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- All penetrations to be flashed, blocked and caulked to Benjamin Obdyke and James Hardie specifications
- Added penetrations for and installed two new exterior GFI outlets and low profile weatherproof boxes
- Replaced and upgraded exterior lighting
- Removed, cleaned and re-set sliding patio door
- Ordered and installed three new custom new-construction Anlin windows and re-used old clear story retrofit windows
- All openings flashed and integrated with WPM as per manufacturer instructions
- All accidental penetrations patched
- Install Z-flashing at foundation under WPM to protect bottom plates
Phases to be Completed:
Phase 2: Exterior Trim - In Progress
- James Hardie HZ10 pre-primed Smooth Trim to be used for all exterior trim
- James Hardie requires that all cut ends of trim boards and sheet goods be primed prior to installation
- To Include proper Z, lip and/or kickout flashings on all horizontal trim pieces including shingled reliefs and proper taping
- Block and flash all existing and new penetrations
- Install window and door trims, ensuring proper flashing on header trims
- Install all corner trims
- Install belly bands
Phase 3: Panels and Battens
- James Hardie requires a 1/8" gap between the edges of all board sheets and all trim. Client does not want J-Channel corners. Therefore, 5/4 HZ10 Smooth Hardie Trim will be used with 4/4 HZ10 battens placed on 16" centers.
- Install custom 12" aluminum Z-flashing over TPO roof and under WPM at headwalls and sidewalls to maintain proper shingling. Roof was not previously trimmed or flashed properly, therefore extra care must be taken to integrate these systems with new siding. Rework of heat welded seams may be required.
- HZ10 Smooth Hardie Panels will be cut and installed with 1/8" expansion gap at all windows, doors, corners and other abutments.
- Install Battens on 16" centers.
- Dry-fit all exterior lighting and electrical including patio speakers and security systems. Create remaining accent trim solutions as necessary i.e. circular trim for a round light sconce base.
- Remove and store or mask all exterior fixtures to prep for caulk and paint
- Caulk all vertical joints and inspect all horizontal or sloped flashings
Phase 4: Siding Paint
- Paint preparation and application may be done in-house or contracted TBD
Phase 5: Soffits, Fascia, and Gutters
Due to exisiting designs and limitations, it has been determined that several large sections of sub-fascia will be enlarged from 2x4 to 2x6 to provide additional fascia support while the damaged fascia is being replaced.
This also provides an opportunity to install 2" blue corrugated conduit throughout the soffits to enable the homeowner to install additional PoE (power over ethernet) security cameras.
As a result, soffits, fascia and related trim will constitute their own phase and will utilize vented Hardie soffit boards.
- Remove and replace remaining fascia and sub-fascia to spec
- Install soffit blocking
- Install corrugated conduit and pull at least two runs of CAT6e and two nylon service cords
- Install Hardie soffits
- Hand-mill and install soffit crown molding to match original 1950's style trim
- Install upgraded gutter system including long-term rain collection system
Phase 6: Soffit Paint and other Finishes
- All soffit and trim paint labor will be in-house
- Re-install any remaining electrical or other elements
- Punch list finishes as necessary