This home in Pewaukee, WI required a full siding replacement, and during tear-off we uncovered several major construction concerns.

To our surprise, we found that the original builder had used very little OSB sheathing. Nearly 60% of the home had no structural sheathing at all—just foam insulation, with the old Hardie plank siding nailed directly into it. The weight of the siding over time had begun causing structural issues due to the lack of a proper nailing surface.

We also discovered that the foam joints had been “sealed” with random strips of Tyvek tape. Unfortunately, this provided no real moisture barrier and left the home vulnerable to water intrusion.

Further inspection revealed that the fascia and soffits had never been properly secured to the roof trusses. They were essentially “floating,” leaving a gap that not only compromised the roofline but also eliminated any solid surface to mount and support gutters.

For the replacement, the homeowners selected LP® SmartSide® in Cavern Steel, a durable siding product that provides both strength and curb appeal.

Throughout the process, we kept the homeowners updated every step of the way to ensure transparency and peace of mind. Today, their home is structurally reinforced, properly sealed, and finished with a siding system that is as reliable as it is beautiful.

Before

Tear Off

House Wrap

Soffit Replacement

Siding Replacement

Finished Project

Cavern Steel