Has anyone used Imetco Intelliscreen, especially on a residential retrofit?
Hi all,
I’m looking for a retrofit solution to a poor siding choice on a residential addition. The addition was made some 30 years ago and used 3/8″ masonite type product as sheathing and siding (it’s not T-111). It was then coated with a faux stucco paint. The seams were not covered (ie not board and batten style). Honestly, it is remarkable how well it has stood the test of time.
I’m investigating options either replacing (or more likely simply covering) the ‘sheathing’. For engineering reasons (penthouse style), matching the remainder of the home’s stucco is undesirable.
In looking for a vapor open, insulated siding open, I came across Imetco’s IntelliScreen product, which looks very interesting and possibly fantastic for this project. However, like most building material systems, they seem aimed at the commercial architectural market rather than the residential market and especially not at the retrofit market.
I wondered if anyone has used this product in a project, especially in a residential retrofit? Or perhaps someone knows of a similar product more aimed at the residential market.
Thanks.
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Replies
Keith,
Looks like a good system for commercial construction -- but for residential, not so much.
Repairs won't be easy -- for example, when the kids in the neighborhood hit your house with a baseball. And every time you want to run a new dryer vent, you had better make sure you don't inadvertently damage a panel.
Martin,
I accept the need to keep a spare panel or two and to buy a high quality hole saw for making penetrations. Now, beyond that, I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried a system like this on a residence.
FYI this is a zero overhang residence so nearly every option has challenges. Stucco is expensive, heavy, and has a very limited labor pool here in the residential repair market. Wood siding gets destroyed unless installed rainscreen style. Standard metal is pretty vapor impermeable without a venting system. Flat Hardie board panels drift towards commercial rainscreen systems as well without much of a labor pool to support the install or future repair. I doubt they are much more durable than metal either.
Anyone have any experience retrofitting a metal rainscreen system to a residence?
Keith,
I've had some experience with similar commercial proprietary rain-screen on a firehall I designed. I've also used standard metal panels and snap-lock roofing as part of rain-screened walls just using wood strapping.
Moving from typical residential construction to these commercial systems brings up a few things. Unless the manufacturer has decided to introduce the product into the residential market they will be reticent to work with you. If they do they will want specialized commercial installers, and the finished price of the cladding will reflect this.
Placing metal panels, (or Hardi Panels which I use regularly) on wood rain screen is by comparison easy and cheap. They can be detailed to give a more finished, modern look by integrating simple flashings. That's the route I'd go, but if you do decide to pursue this, I hope you share your experiences here. Good luck!