When Yuriko and Lorne Hirsch decided it was time for a major addition and remodel of their 74-yearold home near Brentwood, they knew choosing the right exterior cladding was of upmost importance. The original vertical wood siding had to be re-stained every four years due to the strong sun and harsh salty air prevalent in their coastal neighborhood. While a durable product was key, the new siding also had to be aesthetically pleasing, sustainable and complement their plans for the home’s dramatic design transformation.
With a background in architecture and construction management,Yuriko had a specific vision and did not want to use wood again. She designed her new dwelling to be of the craftsman style with the desired look of real wood cedar shakes for the exterior—but without the required painting or staining maintenance.
Yuriko found CertainTeed siding partner DLH Distributing. There, she met Ron Meiners, who was happy to explain the attributes of CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions® polymer shake siding and provide her with color samples.Based on the depth of the shadows and ridges of the samples, warranty, discussion about CertainTeed’s sustainable manufacturing practices and commitment to using recycled materials, Yuriko decided Cedar Impressions, in the color Spruce, was the right choice.
“As a retired designer, I know architecture is not only about ‘seeing,’ but is also about ‘touching’ and the impact it has on the environment. CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions does it all,” explained Yuriko.
Yuriko also ordered CertaWrap™ Weather Resistant Barrier with CertaTape™ for a complete CertaWall Weather Deterrence System™ to provide a foundation layer of protection against air and moisture damage. Her final decision on the siding product and color required 44 squares of Cedar Impressions D9 Staggered Edge Rough Split Shakes and 248 linear feet of D9 Rough Split Mitered Outside Cornerpost in Spruce. Meiners also recommended accessories to finish the look, which included two rolls of PVC Coated Aluminum Trim Coil and a 1-inch J Channel window and door trim, also in the color Spruce. The trim was complemented with real redwood trim boards. The combination of trim created the appropriate
receiving pocket for the siding and the visual Craftsman aesthetics desired.
Eddie Glass of Eddie Glass Construction supervised the installation and was impressed by the exterior transformation. “The client had a very specific idea of what they wanted,” said Glass. “The finished results look great.” The completed renovation has received excellent reviews from neighbors and passers by who have actually walked up to the home to inspect the shakes— because they couldn’t believe that it is not real wood. “Everyone just loves the siding material,” added Yuriko. “They can’t believe that it is not wood, but are more impressed because it is an approved ‘green product’ and will
never require painting again.”
Cedar Impressions polymer shake siding offers consistent quality and enhanced panel thickness to withstand strong winds and harsh weather, combining an authentic TrueTexture™ wood grain molded from real cedar shingles with low maintenance. Cedar Impressions requires no painting or caulking, thus contributing to the sustainability of any project. It is virtually maintenance-free and is backed by a lifetime-limited warranty.
