All home remodeling projects have their quirks and unforeseen elements – you really don’t know what you’re going to find behind an old facade or under an old roof until you take it off. This siding project in Randolph was more interesting than most because when we removed the existing siding we found a method of building practice that hasn’t been used in 50 years!

The original siding on the house was aluminum – while it’s still possible to buy aluminum siding it’s fallen out of favor because it’s harder to maintain and repair than modern alternatives like vinyl and fiber cement. The client decided it was time to move away from aluminum and choose vinyl siding from CertainTeed.

Original aluminum siding

Celotex Sheathing

When the old aluminum siding was removed we found that underneath it was a layer of sheathing (branded Celotex, a now defunct manufacturer of building materials) that was essentially nothing more than multiple layers of compressed cardboard. This cardboard-like sheathing was quite popular and common in the 1950s thru the 1970s – mostly as a temporary solution rather than a permanent one. Here was a situation where the “temporary” lasted 50-odd years! 

Cardboard-like sheathing visible after removal of old siding

The cardboard sheathing was replaced with modern day sheathing all around the house. CertainTeed CertaWrap™ was used as the weather resistant barrier under the new siding. CertaWrap™ controls airflow through the wall and protects against outside water from penetrating the exterior of a home. It’s engineered to resist water while allowing water vapor to pass through and is stabilized to resist degradation.

CertainTeed Monogram® siding

Monogram® siding is one of CertainTeed’s best selling vinyl siding and is often the choice for homeowners in our area. 

It’s designed to have the look of old-style cedar siding but with many advantages:

  • Virtually maintenance free, never needs painting
  • Class 1(A) fire rating
  • Lifetime limited warranty
  • 33 low-gloss solid colors
  • 7 low-gloss wood-tone blends

The project was completed with Azek trim around the windows and doors and new seamless aluminum gutters and leaders.

New gutters, leaders and trim complete the look

The finished home looks bright, clean and ready to “weather” whatever the Northeast’s weather throws at it!

Finished home!

George J Keller & Sons are CertainTeed 5 Star Installers which requires us to go through special training and take continuing education coursework! When you’re ready for your exterior home improvement project give the expert team at George J Keller & Sons a call at 973-927-0963.