Exterior Finish
Wood and Manufactured Siding
4-5-1
Observation: Siding is bowed.
Performance Guideline: Bows exceeding 1/2-inch in 32 inches are considered unacceptable.
Remodeling Specific: If new wall covering is installed on existing framed walls, the owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to straighten out the walls as part of the scope of work. Alternatively, the parties may agree to install new wall covering over existing framing and disregard the performance guideline to match a pre-existing structural condition of the existing structure.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will replace any wood or manufactured lap siding with bows that does not meet the performance guideline, and will finish the replacement siding to match the existing siding as closely as practical.
Discussion: If the siding is fastened by nails driven into studs, expansion caused by changing relative temperatures and/or humidity may cause bulges or waves. Even with proper installation, siding will tend to bow inward and outward in adjacent stud spaces.
4-5-2
Observation: An edge or gap is visible between adjacent pieces of siding or siding panels and other materials.
Performance Guideline: Gaps wider than 3/16-inch or in excess of the manufacture’s standard are considered unacceptable. This guideline does not apply to adjacent pieces or panels that have shiplap or similar joints.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair gaps that do not meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Proper repair can be affected by providing joint covers or by caulking the gap. This is important if the gaps were intentionally made for expansion joints. If the siding is painted, The Bolster Contractor will paint the new caulking to match the existing caulking as closely as practical, but an exact match cannot be ensured.
4-5-3
Observation: Lap siding is not parallel with the course above or below.
Performance Guideline: A piece of lap siding may not be more than 1/2 inch off parallel with contiguous courses in any 20-foot measurement, unless the owner and The Bolster Contractor have previously agreed to disregard the performance guideline to match a pre-existing condition.
Remodeling Specific: The owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to install siding to match existing conditions on existing structure and to disregard the performance guideline for this item.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will reinstall siding to meet the performance guideline for straightness, and will replace with new siding any siding damaged during removal.
Discussion: For remodeling projects, if The Bolster Contractor and the owner have agreed that the floor of an addition is to be on a different plane from an existing floor (e.g., out of level), the siding on the addition may not be parallel and in line with the existing siding.
4-5-4
Observation: Face nails are driven below the surface of the hardboard siding.
Performance Guideline: Siding nails should not be driven below the surface of hardboard siding such that visible fiber of the siding is exposed.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair as necessary to meet performance guideline. The following repairs are appropriate in most instances: If visible fiber of hardboard siding is exposed, paint surface to coat fiber. If nail is1 16/ to 1/8-inch below the surface, fill or caulk and touch-up paint. If nail is more than 1/8-inch below the surface, fill or caulk and add an additional nail flush to the surface.
Tongue and Groove Wood Siding
4-5-5
Observation: Siding boards have buckled.
Performance Guideline: Boards that project more than 3/16-inch from the face of adjacent boards are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace any boards that don't meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Buckling is caused by wood expanding as a result of increased temperature and/or relative humidity. It can be minimized by leaving space between the tongues and grooves to allow room for expansion and by storing the product outside for a few days to allow it to adjust to the ambient conditions prior to installation.
Wood Shake Siding
4-5-6
Observation: Cedar shakes or shingles have "bled" through paint or stain applied by The Bolster Contractor.
Performance Guideline: Resins and extractives bleeding through paint or stain, or blackening of shakes or shingles are unacceptable. This performance guideline does not apply if “natural weathering” or semi-transparent stain, or other similar products, are specified for the job.
Corrective Measure: One time during the warranty period The Bolster Contractor will clean and treat shakes to provide a reasonable appearance and prevent further bleeding.
Plywood or Other Veneer Siding
4-5-7
Observation: Siding has delaminated (layers have separated from one another).
Performance Guideline: Siding shall not delaminate.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will replace delaminated siding that is not covered under manufacturer’s warranty, unless the delaminating was caused by the owner’s actions or negligence. The repaired area may not precisely match the original siding.
4-5-8
Observation: Joints between sidings have separated.
Performance Guideline: Joint separations exceeding 3/16-inch are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will caulk or repair siding as necessary to fill the joint. The repaired area may not match the original siding precisely.
Discussion: Plywood siding, like all wood products, will expand and contract with changes in temperature and/or humidity.
4-5-9
Observation: Siding is bowed.
Performance Guideline: Bows exceeding 1/2-inch in 32 inches are unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will install additional nails in siding to meet acceptable nailing schedules and will replace any siding that does not meet the guideline because of bows.
Discussion: Some waviness in siding is to be expected because of bows in studs. However, proper nailing of siding will straighten most bows.
Aluminum or Vinyl Lap Siding
4-5-10
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl siding is bowed or wavy.
Performance Guideline: Some waviness in aluminum or vinyl lap siding is to be expected because of bows in studs. Waves or similar distortions in aluminum or vinyl lap siding are considered unacceptable if they exceed 1/2- inch in 32 inches.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct any waves or distortions to comply with the performance guideline by reinstalling or replacing siding as necessary.
Discussion: This problem is often caused by the siding being nailed too tightly to the house instead of loosely “hung” in the center of the nail slots, or by not allowing adequate room for the siding to expand at the ends.
4-5-11
Observation: Siding color is faded.
Performance Guideline: Any color siding, when exposed to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, will fade and this condition cannot be prevented by The Bolster Contractor.
Corrective Measure: The owner should contact the siding manufacturer.
Discussion: Color warranties are provided by the siding manufacturer. The owner should contact the manufacturer with questions or claims regarding changes in color of vinyl or aluminum siding. Color and fade imperfections beyond an expected degree may be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, except where siding is shaded differently from the rest of the wall, such as under shutters or behind vegetation.
4-5-12
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding trim is loose from house.
Performance Guideline: Trim shall not separate more than ¼-inch from the house.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will reinstall trim or repair separations as necessary to comply with the performance guideline.
4-5-13
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding courses are not parallel with eaves (the horizontal edge at the low side of a sloping roof) or wall openings.
Performance Guideline: Any piece of aluminum or vinyl lap siding more than ½-inch off parallel in 20 feet with contiguous courses, or contiguous break such as a soffit line, is unacceptable.
Remodeling Specific: The owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to disregard the performance guideline to match a pre-existing structural condition.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will reinstall siding to comply with the performance guideline and replace any siding damaged during removal with new siding.
Discussion: Remodeling Specific: If The Bolster Contractor and the owner agree that the floor of an addition is to be on a different plane from the existing floor (for example, a preexisting out of level condition), the siding on the addition may not be parallel and in line with existing siding.
4-5-14
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding nail shows under window, door, or eave.
Performance Guideline: All facing nails shall be of a color to match the trim they affix. No nail heads in the field of the siding shall be exposed.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will install trim as necessary to cover the nails.
Discussion: Vinyl siding generally should not be face nailed. However, there are appropriate and typical occasions when a single face nail may be needed to reinforce a joint or hold the siding to the wall when it is cut to fit around window frames, doors, roofs, or other obstructions on the wall. In most cases (the only exception would be the top piece on a gable end), vinyl siding should never need to be face nailed when proper accessory products are used. For example, under a window application the trim (J- channel) can be utilized in conjunction with utility trim and snap-punching the top of the modified vinyl siding. If face nailing is the only option, a /-inch diameter hole should be pre-drilled to allow for expansion and contraction.
4-5-15
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding trim accessory is loose from caulking at windows or other wall openings.
Performance Guideline: Siding trim accessories shall not separate from caulking at windows or other wall openings during the warranty period.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or recaulk as necessary once during the warranty period to eliminate the separation.
4-5-16
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding is cut crooked.
Performance Guideline: Visible cuts in siding shall be straight, plumb, and neat. Crooked cuts greater than 1/8-inch from true are not acceptable.
Remodeling Specific: The owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to install siding to match conditions on the existing structure and to disregard the performance guideline for this item.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace siding, which has visible crooked cuts.
Discussion: Cut edges of vinyl siding should never be visible when proper trim and accessories are used.
4-5-17
Observation: Aluminum or vinyl lap siding is not correctly spaced from moldings.
Performance Guideline: Prescribed spacing between siding and accessory trim is typically 1/4-inch, or should comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Remodeling Specific: The owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to install siding to match conditions on existing structure and to disregard the performance guideline for this item.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct to meet the guideline.
Masonry Cement and Veneer Board Siding
4-5-18
Observation: Cement board siding is cracked or chipped.
Performance Guideline: A cement product, this siding is susceptible to the same characteristic limitations as other cement products. Cracks more than 2 inches in length and 1/8-inch in width are considered unacceptable. Chips or dents not reported at time of substantial completion of the project are not covered.
Corrective Measure: Cracked or chipped cement board will be repaired or replaced as necessary, as determined by The Bolster Contractor.
4-5-19
Observation: Cement board siding is improperly fastened.
Performance Guideline: Siding shall be nailed flush and perpendicular per the manufacturer's instructions. Staples shall not be used.
Corrective Measure: Overdriven nail heads or nails driven at an angle shall be filled with cementitious patching compound to match the existing area as closely as possible.
Discussion: The manufacturer's instructions include guidelines to reduce chipping or cracking of siding.
4-5-20
Observation: Masonry or veneer wall is cracked.
Performance Guideline: Cracks visible from distances in excess of 20 feet or larger than 1/4-inch in width are not acceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair cracks in excess of the performance guideline by tuck pointing (removing deteriorated mortar from the surface of the existing wall, and inserting fresh mortar), patching, or painting. The Bolster Contractor will not be responsible for color variations between original and new mortar.
Discussion: Small hairline cracks resulting from shrinkage are common in mortar (a substance used to join masonry units, consisting of cementitious materials, fine aggregate and water) joints in masonry construction.
4-5-21
Observation: Exterior cut bricks (less than full) are of different thickness below openings.
Performance Guideline: Cut bricks used in the course directly below an opening shall not vary from one another in thickness by more than ¼-inch. The smallest dimension of a cut brick should be greater than 1 inch.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the wall to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Bricks are cut to achieve required dimensions at openings and ends of walls when it is not possible to match unit/mortar coursing.
4-5-22
Observation: A masonry or brick veneer course is not straight.
Performance Guideline: No point along the bottom of any course shall be more than 1/4- inch higher or lower than any other point within 10 feet along the bottom of the same course, or 1/2-inch in any length.
Remodeling Specific: The owner and The Bolster Contractor may agree to install brick veneer to match conditions on the existing structure and to disregard the performance guideline for this item.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will rebuild the wall as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Dimensional variations of the courses depend upon the variations in the brick selected.
4-5-23
Observation: Brick veneer is spalling.
Performance Guideline: Spalling of newly manufactured brick should not occur and is considered unacceptable. Spalling of used brick is acceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace newly manufactured bricks that have spalled. An exact match of brick and mortar cannot be assured.
4-5-24
Observation: Mortar stains are observed on exterior brick or stone.
Performance Guideline: Exterior brick and stone shall be free from mortar stains detracting from the appearance of the finished wall when viewed from a distance of 20 feet.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will clean the mortar stains to meet the performance guideline.
4-5-25
Observation: Efflorescence is present on the surface of masonry or mortar.
Performance Guideline: This is a common condition caused by moisture reacting with the soluble salts in the mortar.
Corrective Measure: No corrective actions are required of The Bolster Contractor.
Discussion: Efflorescence is evidenced by the presence of a white film on the surface of masonry or mortar. It is a particularly common occurrence where masonry or concrete are in contact with high moisture levels as may be found in basements.
Stucco and Parge
4-5-26
Observation: An exterior stucco wall surface is cracked.
Performance Guideline: Cracks in exterior stucco wall surfaces shall not exceed 1/8-inch in width.
Corrective Measure: One time only, The Bolster Contractor will repair cracks exceeding 1/8-inch in width. Caulking and touch-up painting are acceptable. An exact color or texture match may not be unattainable.
Discussion: "Stucco" includes cementitious coatings and similar synthetically based finishes.
4-5-27
Observation: The colors of exterior stucco walls do not match.
Performance Guideline: The colors of new exterior stucco walls may not perfectly match the colors of old exterior stucco walls, nor is it expected that exact matches will be attained for the same material that is applied on different days or under differing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.).
Corrective Measure: No corrective measure is required. Because of the unique nature of stucco finishes, exact match of color may not be possible.
Discussion: Coloring of stucco is affected by a number of variables. It is impractical to achieve a color match between stucco coatings applied at different times.
4-5-28
Observation: The textures of exterior stucco wall finishes do not match.
Performance Guideline: Texture of new exterior stucco walls applied at different times may not perfectly match the textures of old exterior stucco walls.
Remodeling Specific: The texture of new exterior stucco walls may not perfectly match the textures of old exterior stucco walls.
Corrective Measure: No corrective measure is required. Because of the unique nature of stucco finishes, exact match of texture finish may not be possible.
Discussion: "Stucco" includes cementitious coatings and similar synthetically based finishes. Approved samples prior to installation can minimize misunderstandings about color and texture.
4-5-29
Observation: Separation of coating from base on exterior stucco wall.
Performance Guideline: The coating shall not separate from the base on an exterior stucco wall during the warranty period.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair areas where the coating has separated from the base.
4-5-30
Observation: Lath is visible through stucco.
Performance Guideline: Lath should not be visible through stucco, nor should the lath protrude through any portion of the stucco surface.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will make necessary corrections so that lath is not visible. The finish colors may not match.
4-5-31
Observation: Rust marks are observed on the stucco finish coat.
Performance Guideline: Rust marks on the stucco surface are considered unacceptable if more than 5 marks measuring more than 1 inch long occur per 20 square feet.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor may repair or replace affected subsurface components, or seal the rusted areas and recolor the wall.
4-5-32
Observation: There is water damage to interior walls as a result of a leak in the stucco wall system.
Performance Guideline: Stucco walls should be constructed and flashed to prevent water penetration to the interior of the structure under normal weather and water conditions. Damage to the stucco system caused by external factors out of The Bolster Contractor's control that result in water penetration is not The Bolster Contractor's responsibility.
Corrective Measure: If water penetration is the result of a system failure and doesn't result from external factors, The Bolster Contractor will make necessary repairs to prevent water penetration through the stucco wall system.
Discussion: Water penetration resulting from abnormal external factors, such as windblown moisture or sprinkler systems, are not The Bolster Contractor's responsibility.
Exterior Trim
4-6-1
Observation: Gaps show in exterior trim.
Performance Guideline: Joints between exterior trim elements, including siding and masonry, shall not result in joints opened wider than ¼-inch. In all cases the exterior trim shall perform its function of excluding the elements.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair open joints that do not meet the performance guideline. Caulking is acceptable.
4-6-2
Observation: Exterior trim board is split.
Performance Guideline: Splits wider than 1/8-inch are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair splits by filling with a durable filler. Touch-up painting may not match the surrounding area.
4-6-3
Observation: Exterior trim board is bowed or twisted.
Performance Guideline: Bows and twists exceeding 3/8-inch in 8 feet are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair defects that do not meet the performance guideline by refastening or replacing deformed boards. Touch-up painting may not match the surrounding area.
4-6-4
Observation: Exterior trim board is cupped.
Performance Guideline: Cups exceeding 3/16-inch in 5 1/2 inches are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair defects that do not meet the performance guideline by refastening or replacing deformed boards. Touch-up painting may not match the surrounding area.
Paint, Stain, and Varnish
4-7-1
Observation: Exterior painting, staining, or refinishing is required because of repair work.
Performance Guideline: Repairs required under these performance guidelines shall be finished to match the immediate surrounding areas as closely as practical.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will finish repaired areas as indicated.
Discussion: Touch-up painting, staining, or refinishing may not match the surrounding area.
4-7-2
Observation: Exterior paint or stain has peeled, flaked, or physically deteriorated.
Performance Guideline: Exterior paints and stains shall not fail during the warranty period.
Corrective Measure: If exterior paint or stain has peeled, developed an alligator pattern, or blistered, The Bolster Contractor will properly prepare and refinish affected areas and match the color as closely as practical. Where deterioration of the finish affects more than 50 percent of the piece of trim or wall area, The Bolster Contractor will refinish the entire wall.
4-7-3
Observation: Exterior paint or stain has faded.
Performance Guideline: Fading of exterior paints and stains is common. The degree of fading depends on environmental conditions.
Corrective Measure: Because fading is a common occurrence in paint and stains, no corrective action is required.
4-7-4
Observation: Varnish or lacquer finishes have deteriorated.
Performance Guideline: Clear finishes used on exterior surfaces may deteriorate rapidly. This is beyond The Bolster Contractor's control.
Corrective Measure: Heat and sunlight can cause rapid deterioration of clear finishes. Maintenance is the owner’s responsibility. No corrective action is required of The Bolster Contractor.
4-7-5
Observation: There is paint or stain overspray on surfaces not intended for paint or stain.
Performance Guideline: Paint or stain overspray on surfaces not intended for paint or stain that is visible at a distance of 6 feet under normal natural lighting conditions is not acceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall clean affected surfaces without damaging the surface.
4-7-6
Observation: Cabinet stain is uneven. Cabinet paint is not uniform or is mismatched.
Performance Guideline: Uneven stain color on wood cabinets is considered acceptable and is a result of the natural wood grain. Painted cabinets should appear uniform under normal lighting conditions at a distance of 6 feet.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repaint or replace painted cabinets that do not meet the performance guideline.
4-7-7
Observation: Mildew or fungus is visible on exterior painted surfaces.
Performance Guideline: Painted or finished surfaces shall be free of observable mildew and fungus at the time of substantial completion of the job. However, mildew or fungus may form on painted surfaces over time because of warmth and moisture.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will remove mildew and fungus before substantial completion of the job. Subsequent mildew or fungus formation is a condition The Bolster Contractor cannot control. The owner is responsible for future cleaning of the painted item as necessary to prevent or remove mildew and fungus.