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Review of Gutter Guards

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Gutter guards keep a home’s gutters clean without the manual task performed by the homeowner.  When gutters are clogged with debris, water is not safely moved away from the house.  Clogged gutters can potentially pull away from the roof increasing the risk of water damage that may lead to rot, mold, or other structural damage.  Gutter guards are a convenient gutter protection system to prevent these occurrences.  They prevent any material besides water from entering the exposed portion of a gutter, typically removed by the homeowner seasonally.

The maintenance task of cleaning gutters is a mundane, messy, and potentially dangerous job many homeowners do not look forward to performing regularly.  Gutter guards don’t mean you will never clean your gutters out again, but they will significantly decrease the amount of leaves, twigs, and other seasonal debris that pile up on a regular basis.  Installed gutter guards can decrease the number of times a year you have to clean your gutters, but you will still want to ensure your gutters are not clogged after each season.  Gutter guards will make the process much easier and quicker than digging into clogged gutters without the protection of a guard. [Read more…]

Review of Cedar Siding

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A popular exterior home product is cedar siding in Ohio and throughout the United States.  Here are some insights on cedar siding if you are contemplating it for your home. 

Cedar Siding

Cedar siding has been in existence since 1800 and is an exterior home siding option made from cedar trees.  Whether a historical or contemporary home, cedar siding has proven a good choice for a large amount of home owners.

Types of Cedar Siding

There are a variety of types and qualities of cedar siding, depending on the type of cedar the siding is cut from.  Types of cedar siding available include bevel, board-and-batten, tongue-and-groove, lap, trim, and shingle.  Shake and shingle cedar siding are most popular due to their stability and resistance to swelling.  These can come in a variety of thicknesses and widths and then need to be either stained or painted to prevent moisture, damage, and decay.  It is recommended to stain types of cedar siding to reveal the grain richness and character of the wood.  [Read more…]

Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal with James Hardie Siding

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Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of the exterior of a residential property. It is most often used to describe first impressions of a home and may refer to the yard, porch, siding, front door, or any other outdoor property feature. Curb appeal can play a major factor when reselling your home by attracting potential buyers. Increasing your curb appeal can raise the value of your property by almost ten to twenty thousand dollars.

Add Immediate Curb Appeal with James Hardie Siding

James Hardie siding is a valuable solution to update the exterior and increase your home’s curb appeal instantly. Fiber cement siding has the biggest return on investment when it comes to exterior siding options. On an average, James Hardie siding has an eighty percent return on investment once you go to sell your home. It has the highest ROI of any home renovation, including bathroom remodels, window replacement, kitchen remodels, and roof replacements.

Siding project where existing cedar shakes were removed and installed new James Hardie shake siding in pearl gray. Also removed existing trim from corners and windows and replaced with new white James Hardie trim.

James Hardie has been voted the number one siding in American for consecutive years and its due to their unique siding benefits and value added to the home. Instant curb appeal comes from the siding’s resemblance to wood without any of the negative affects like decay or warping, common with vinyl siding. It’s also durable, weather and fire resistant, and comes with an excellent warranty of 30 years. [Read more…]

How to Choose a James Hardie Contractor

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When choosing a James Hardie contractor, simply asking contractors questions about timing and cost such as “When can you start? When will the project be completed?  How much will it cost me?,” is not enough for a successful project.  Instead homeowners, should focus on the right questions concerning contractor trust and quality.

Here is a short list of questions recommended from the National Association of Remodeling Industry that we field from homeowners and suggest you should ask when choosing a James Hardie contractor.

Questions to Ask A James Hardie Contractor

Start out interviewing a contractor about their experience in a similar project of your own.

How long have you been in business?

How many years a contracting company has been in business will give you a better idea of their past experience. [Read more…]

How To Plan an Exterior Siding Budget

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Updating the exterior siding of your home will give it an instant fresh and clean look.  It is a significant investment that gives homeowners a high return by increasing a home’s curb appeal.  Consider preparing an exterior siding budget before beginning your project.

Exterior Siding Options

When choosing your siding material, it is important to remember that besides from a physical standpoint, exterior siding plays an important role in protecting your home.  There a number of options when it comes to siding materials, but they all range in durability, affordability, and appearance options.

When considering an exterior siding’s budget, factor in maintenance, element vulnerability, eco-friendliness, and energy efficiency.   Vinyl siding and James Hardie siding are two exterior siding options that most homeowners gravitate towards for their benefits when these factors are considered.  Both siding options are also visibly appealing with an array of color choices to choose from.  [Read more…]

James Hardie Siding Installation, Leave it to the Professionals

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James Hardie Siding InstallationThere are many home projects that owners can “do-it-yourself,” installing a fiber cement siding, is not typically one of them. 

One of the cons homeowners notice of James Hardie siding initially is its’ high installation costs. James Hardie siding has installation demands that rise up this costs, but the outcome is a home with enormous esthetic appeal and siding that is more durable and resilient than vinyl options.  For these reasons, it is recommended to hire a professional to install the product.

Inspecting and Preparing the Siding

While style and color choices of fiber cement siding are typically left to the homeowner to decide, professional installers inspect each piece of siding upon arrival to the home for any cracks or sign of damage.  Once declared in good condition, each piece will need to be carried (by the edges only to prevent breaking) to a cool, dark place flat and above ground.  This is due to the sidings composition of sand, cellulose fibers, and cement. [Read more…]

What To Do After Storm Damage

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After any presence of a storm (thunderstorm, hurricane, tornado, or hail storm) a homeowner should check for any damage to their roof.  Storm damage is most often caused from strong winds or hail that accompany storms.  It is important to identify any damage as soon as the storm has passed, document it, and contact a reliable roofing contractor and your insurance provider.

EMA Construction, an experienced roofing contractor in Cincinnati, specializes in repairing damage from wind and hail storms. We deal with insurance adjusters personally from start to finish.  We have outlined below the steps to take after storm damage has occurred.

Spotting Roofing Damage After a Storm

Storms with strong winds and hail can tear off roofing shingles and tear down tree branches near your roof.  A few initial signs of storm damage can include:

  • Leaks or water damage in your home.
  • Shingles, fascia, or other roofing materials may have been stripped from the roof during the storm and are now on the ground.
  • Lifted shingles from wind damage.
  • A tree or any large limbs have fallen on your home.
  • Missing shingle granules around gutter downspouts and valleys caused by hail.

After a storm, do not attempt to get up on your roof to inspect its condition.  There can be serious storm damage that is not noticeable to the untrained eye so call a qualified contractor to perform a full inspection.  Damage that a homeowner may consider as minor, with a few shingles missing, can escalate to severe issues.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

If you do notice any storm damage, contact your insurance company.  You will want to have a clear understanding of your insurance policies, so if able to make sure to have documentation in front of you when speaking with a claim representative assigned to you.  Typically once you have paid your deductible, your policies will cover the damage.  This may, in some instances, take a few months. 

Document any storm damage possible with photographs, especially if your homeowners insurance only covers certain types of damage.   Include any potential issues such as mold, drywall crumbling, or power line exposure. 

Choosing the Right Contractor

After storm damage, it is critical to address and work on correcting the damage as soon as possible to reduce any further damage from occurring and potential health risk to the inside of your home.  You want a timely, professional, and trustworthy contractor fixing your home back to the state that you and your family expect.  Read our tips on hiring the right contractor.

At EMA Construction we have experience in storm damage repair, we will start the process by giving you a free cost and time estimate to fix the damage left behind.  Call EMA Construction today at (513) 279-8362 or contact us.

James Hardie Contractor Alliance™

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James Hardie contractor alliance memberEMA Construction is proud to be a part of the James Hardie Contractor Alliance™ program.  The program is designed to match homeowners with contractors who are available in their area to hire for siding repair and replacement. 

James Hardie partners with contractors to ensure homeowners are getting quality siding installation at affordable prices.  Contractor Alliance members are educated on the most advanced building sciences to ensure proper installation of Hardie Board products.  Resources include full James Hardie ® product online training and access to the James Hardie Contractor Alliance Portal.  Proper installation can greatly improve a home’s siding lifespan compared to poorly installed siding.

To qualify to become a member of James Hardie Contractor Alliance™, contractors must show a general knowledge of Hardie Siding and its’ installation.  James Hardie representatives will also visit previously completed and in-progress projects to view the quality of the contractor’s work.  Reviews and testimonials of homeowners are also considered.

With the James Hardie Contractor Alliance™ program, contractors can hone their skills, have access to exclusive business development tools, and attend James Hardie events.  There are five levels of program membership, so any size contractor can participate.  Contractors can receive:

  • James Hardie one-on-one business planning
  • Recommendations from the James Hardie Contractor Locator
  • Contractor Alliance badges based on design excellence, GuildQuality ranking, sales, training and membership longevity
  • HardieReward points and bonuses
  • Access to the James Hardie Contractor Alliance Portal

The program demonstrates James Hardie’s commitment to contractors who bring their brand to local markets.  Status within the program is depended on the number of James Hardie re-siding jobs submitted into the Contractor Alliance tracker and corresponding business metrics. 

EMA Construction is proud to have partnered with the lad fiber cement siding company in the United States to deliver excellent siding and re-siding work to homeowners.  As a happy member of the James Hardie Contractor Alliance™, we look forward to improving on our membership with each homeowner we have the privilege of meeting and working with.  Review our previous James Hardie siding projects or contact us for a free estimate.

James Hardie Siding; Most Frequently Asked Questions from Homeowners

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It is not uncommon for homeowners to have questions before beginning a James Hardie siding project.  Here we have gathered some homeowners most frequently asked questions.

Where can I purchase James Hardie siding?

Since you will be working with a EMA Construction’s qualified contractors to install your James Hardie products, we will be purchasing the materials on your behalf based on your specific project needs.

How much does HardiePlank siding cost?

At the top of most homeowners’ list is obviously price.  When choosing HardiePlank lap siding it is easy to compare it to other building materials.  For example, HardiPlank siding is more expensive than vinyl siding, less expensive than brick, equal or less in price than the composite siding, and costs less than stucco.

Every James Hardie siding project varies in the amount of labor and materials.  EMA Construction prefers to give homeowners estimates that include both labor and materials based on your specific needs allowing us to give you the best idea of overall project costs.  Contact us for a free estimate.

Where can I find James Hardie siding before and after pictures?

Please visit our James Hardie Siding website page to view our projects in and around the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area.

What maintenance is required?

Regardless of the environment and geographical area you live in, we recommend performing the following basic cleaning and maintenance to James Hardie siding once installed:

  • Wash down the exterior siding every 6 to 12 months with either a garden or low pressure water to remove dirt and debris.
  • Regularly clean out your gutters and pipes.
  • Re-apply caulking when signs of wear begin to show.
  • Keep as much of your landscaping (shrubs, bushes, trees, etc) away from the side of your home.

What color options are available?

James Hardie uses ColorPlus© Technology on their siding resulting in attractive finishes.  Read our blog post Choose from Over 25 James Hardie Siding Colors to view color options available in your area. 

Is it difficult to repair HardiePlank siding?

No, most dents, chips, or cracks in James Hardie siding or trim products can be repaired by filling the damaged area(s) with cementitious patching compound. 

Is James Hardie siding waterproof?

Yes, James Hardie siding is waterproof as well as fire resistant. 

James Hardie Siding FAQsHow long will it take to install HardiePlank siding on my home?

Each James Hardie siding project timeline is different based on the style and size of the home.  Contact us for a free estimate and our experts can give you a better idea of a timeline.

How long does James Hardie siding last?

James Hardie backs its products with a 30 year warranty, and most homes have it last for up to 50 years or more.

Is HardiPlank siding painted or stained?

HardiPlank siding is a painted product.  Read more on James Hardie’s ColorPlus© Technology.

What is Fiber Cement?

Fiber Cement is composed of cement, sand & cellulose fibers which gives the siding a real wood appearance with the maintenance of vinyl siding.

If you are considering James Hardie siding, contact EMA Construction for more information.  EMA Construction’s qualified contractors are able to advise you based on your needs and make sure you’ll get the most life out of your siding and best value for your dollar.

Choose from Over 25 James Hardie Siding Colors

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James Hardie siding colors comes in a number of durable, fade-resistant options for homeowners to choose from. 

James Hardie Siding ColorPlus© Technology

James Hardie uses ColorPlus© Technology on their pre-finished home siding which gives the siding a wood grain yet uniform, attractive appearance.  The technology also provides a durable finish resistant to chipping, peeling, and cracking.  The durable finish allows James Hardie siding to last longer without fading thanks to it’s UV-ray and storm-resistant treatment.

Choosing the Right Siding Color

James Hardie provides a range of colors to match your home’s character, style and taste while immediately enhancing your curb appeal.  James Hardie ColorPlus© Technology categorizes its siding into warm, fresh, cool, dark, light, or neutral color palettes.  Browse the ColorPlus© Palette.  Take cues from your home to help you decide on a palette for your siding.  Consider the details in your home such as trim, shingles, lap siding, and how many accent colors you may or may not want to include.  Your siding color should fit within the style of your neighborhood, especially if you think you will resell your home soon.  Don’t choose a siding color simply to stand out from other houses, if you want a pop of color consider adding it to your front door or shutters instead.

Homeowners can easily find James Hardie siding color examples by driving through different neighborhoods and comparing houses.  Or view siding galleries, like EMA Construction’s, online for real-life James Hardie siding projects and before and after images.  James Hardie also offers an online Color Tool with color options that are available in your area.  You can build a color palette, view it on a home style similar to yours, and view different color accents and combinations.  Easily save your ideas in the James Hardie My Ideas Center and share them with your friends and family.  Visit the James Hardie Home Color Tool.

Once you have narrowed down your siding color choices, request samples.  Once you have your James Hardie siding color samples view the options up against your home in all types of light and times of day to choose which one is right for your home.

James Hardie Siding Colors Available in Cincinnati

EMA Construction is proud to offer the following James Hardie siding colors to homeowners in Cincinnati, Ohio, including Fairfield, Hamilton, Indian Hill, Liberty Township, Mason, Springdale, and West Chester:

  • Countrylane Red
  • Chestnut Brown
  • Mountain Sage
  • Woodstock Brown
  • Iron Gray
  • Deep Ocean
  • Evening Blue
  • Aged Pewter
  • Gray Slate
  • Pearl Gray
  • Rich Espresso
  • Night Gray
  • Boothbay Blue
  • Heathered Moss
  • Sandstone Beige
  • Sail Cloth
  • Timber Bark
  • Monterey Taupe
  • Cobble Stone
  • Khaki Brown
  • Autumn Tan
  • Navajo Beige
  • Light Mist
  • Arctic White
  • Woodland Cream

If you do not see a color listed above or need further assistance, please contact our qualified James Hardie siding contractors in Cincinnati.