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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201300173 Staff Report 2013-11-26ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB- 2013 -173: American Legion Re- Siding Review Type Building Permit — Amendment to an Approved Certificate of Appropriateness Parcel Identification 07900000001900 Location 3025 Louisa Road, on the south side of Rt. 22, east of Rt. 250 and west of the CSX railroad tracks Zoned Rural Areas (RA), Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner /Applicant Charlottesville & Albemarle Post 74 Inc. /Bryant Orrock and Randy Smith Magisterial District Scottsville Proposal To replace the cedar siding with vinyl siding. The subject parcel is located just beyond the intersection of Routes 22 and 250 at Shadwell, between two National Context and Visibility Register Historic Districts. Both roads are Entrance Corridors. The property consists of two structures joined by a covered porch. The larger building, occupied by the American Legion, measures approximately 100' x 85' x 29' and 36' tall. The smaller building, occupied by a wine shop, measures approximately 40' x 45' x 20' tall. These buildings are located approximately 90' south of Rt. 22 and between 100' and 160' away from Rt. 250. The buildings are oriented such that all walls are visible from the ECs. Where porches exist, they limit visibility of first story walls. The recently constructed Shadwell store is located to the west and the First Church of the Nazarene is located across Rt. 22 to the north. ARB Meeting Date January 6, 2014 Staff Contact Margaret Maliszewski PROJECT HISTORY DATE APPLICATION RESULT April 19, 1999 ARB- F(SDP)- 1999 -31 Approval of plan to construct an antique retail shop and a repair shop with associated site improvements. October 18, 1999 ARB- P(SDP)- 1999 -77 Freestanding sign approved. August 20, 2001 ARB- P(SDP)- 2001 -32 Proposed renovation of the repair shop for a restaurant: change wall and shutter colors, December 3, 2001 ARB- F(SDP)- 2001 -49 install new windows, receive approval for the removal of three windows on the rear wall (completed without approval in June 2001), install rooftop mechanical equipment. The December 2001 ARB approval required the reintroduction of windows on the rear wall. The project never moved forward. March -April 2008 B2008 -491AC Building permit for a warming kitchen in the American Legion building approved. Permit was not forwarded for ARB review. 2004, 2008, 2011, multiple A number of signs have been approved for the site over the years. 2013 PROPOSED WORK The applicant has stated that the existing cedar siding is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The applicant's goals for the re- siding project are to reduce highway and railroad noise, to reduce maintenance and utility costs, and to improve appearance. As outlined on the application form, proposed work includes: 1. Remove aged and damaged existing cedar siding. 2. Install Tyvek house wrap. 3. Re -side with Crane High Performance exterior siding in 16' lengths and 6" profile with cedar grain and with few seams visible on the front and rear elevations. 4. Cover exterior rake /fascia, overhang and porch ceiling with vinyl. The Applicant notes that the proposed siding is a rigid product (a foam backing is laminated to the vinyl panels), it is Energy Star rated, it has an R -value of +3, it has a "radiant barrier ", and it has a 60 -year warranty for "commercial" installations. The product's performance features identified at the manufacturer's web site are provided in Attachment A. The warranty from the web site is Attachment B. ANALYSIS REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION GENERAL GUIDELINES 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of Vinyl siding is a material that has generally not Staff cannot support the development within the designated Entrance been considered an accurate or positive request for vinyl siding Corridors is to insure that new development reflection of traditional architecture or an due to the anticipated within the corridors reflects the traditional enhancement of traditional form. It has been inappropriate appearance architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the considered incompatible with historic resulting from the texture purpose of ARB review and of these architecture because: 1) traditional architectural and detailing of the Guidelines, that proposed development within detailing is typically lost with the installation of product. The the designated Entrance Corridors reflect vinyl, 2) the installation traps water vapor, which inappropriate appearance elements of design characteristic of the eventually damages the building structure and would not promote significant historical landmarks, buildings, can lead to mold and insect infestation, 3) the orderly and attractive and structures of the Charlottesville and wood grain does not accurately resemble development in the Albemarle area, and to promote orderly and properly maintained and painted wood siding, 4) corridors. To consider the attractive development within these corridors. Applicants should note that replication of overlapping seams are typically conspicuous and vinyl siding further ' more historic structures is neither required nor detract from the overall appearance, and 5) specific and detailed desired. installation often results in an inconsistent, wavy appearance that is not characteristic of wood installation information — drawings and specs — 3 New structures and substantial additions to existing structures should respect the siding. Vinyl siding has been advertised as a should be submitted for traditions of the architecture of historically maintenance -free product, but it has not proven review to support the significant buildings in the Charlottesville and to be so and it can age to an inappropriate request, to document how Albemarle area. Photographs of historic appearance. The applicant states that all of these windows, doors, shutters, buildings in the area, as well as drawings of issues will be eliminated with the proposed dormers, corners, porch architectural features, which provide CraneBoard vinyl siding. elements, seams, trim, important examples of this tradition are etc. will be handled. contained in Appendix A. Fiber cement siding has gained popularity in recent years as a wood siding substitute that has Additional information on the current condition 4 The examples contained in Appendix A should be used as a guide for building design: an appearance that more closely approximates of the cedar siding would the standard of compatibility with the area's wood siding than vinyl does. Its texture is closer also be useful — detailed historic structures is not intended to impose a to that of wood, and more convincing than vinyl. description of the rigid design solution for new development. It has a reputation for holding paint very well damage, photos of the Replication of the design of the important and it allows for future changes in color. Fiber damage, percent of siding historic sites in the area is neither intended 7 nor desired. The Guideline's standard of compatibility can be met through building scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The Guidelines allow individuality in design to accommodate varying tastes as well as special functional requirements. Building forms and features, including roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and textures should be compatible with the forms and features of the significant historic buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to) the buildings described in Appendix A [of the design guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met through scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The replication of important historic sites in Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines. cement siding has been used for two ARB- damaged. approved buildings in the immediate vicinity of the American Legion building — the new Shadwell Store and the Church of the Nazarene. Several characteristics of the American Legion and wine shop buildings are expected to contribute to difficulty in achieving an appropriate appearance with vinyl siding: the large size of the building and the expanse of unbroken runs of siding along the walls and the gable ends; the orientation of the building to two ECs, making all sides of the buildings visible; and the close proximity of the buildings to the EC (as close as 90'). On the other hand, the first story porches will minimize the visibility of vinyl siding on the corresponding walls. The proposed color, profile and sheen of the vinyl siding will contribute to its appearance. The proposed color of the siding is "Rye ". The color is a muted earth tone and appears to be appropriate for the EC. The siding has a 6" profile (the existing profile is 61/2 ") and the applicant indicates that this brand of siding is less shiny than most pre - painted fiber cement panels. Vinyl products can have a very shiny surface (not characteristic of wood), but no system of comparison of the sheen of various products is available. The method of installation will contribute significantly to the resulting appearance — appropriate or inappropriate — of the project. The method of attachment and the method by which windows, doors, shutters, dormers, corners, porch elements, seams, etc. will be handled will all contribute. The applicant has provided a brief description of the proposed work on the application form (it is also summarized on the second page of this report) and the warranty is provided as Attachment B. The applicant reports extensive experience with vinyl siding installation and has provided examples of completed residential vinyl siding projects (both new construction and re- siding). However, these residences are not of the same scale as the American Legion building, and they do not illustrate the long, unbroken runs of siding that will be present there. More specific and more detailed installation information — drawings and specs addressing, but not limited to, each of the items listed above — would be appropriate to support the request, to accurately document the proposal, and to better ensure appropriate installation. 5 It is also an important objective of the The building sits at the Rt. 22/250 intersection, Staff cannot support the Guidelines to establish a pattern of compatible which acts as a gateway to an important historic request for vinyl siding architectural characteristics throughout the rural area of the county. This section of the because it is not Entrance Corridor in order to achieve unity corridors is still relatively undeveloped. The site compatible with other and coherence. Building designs should is located between two National Register ARB- approved materials demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby Historic Districts and the building has a along the corridor, it does structures within the Entrance Corridor. traditional form. Nearby buildings approved by not relate to the Where a designated corridor is substantially the ARB do not utilize vinyl siding. Those immediate context, and it developed, these Guidelines require striking a buildings include the new Shadwell Store and is not compatible with careful balance between harmonizing new the First Church of the Nazarene, both of which other ARB- approved development with the existing character of the were approved with Hardi- siding. Buildings buildings of similar corridor and achieving compatibility with the located further away but of similar character to character. significant historic sites in the area. the American Legion and wine shop buildings 10 Buildings should relate to their site and the include the 250 East Farmer's Market Building surrounding context of buildings. and the Jarman's Sportcycles building, both located a short distance east of the I64 interchange at Pantops. Those buildings were approved with wood board and batten siding. Another similar group of buildings is the convenience stores built at Pantops, Ivy, and on Rt. 29 North that resemble country stores. The material approved for those buildings was stained cedar siding. There have been few requests for vinyl siding in the ECs over the years. Vinyl siding was approved for a contractors storage yard in the Avon Street EC in 2001 -2002. Shortly after installation, the ARB noted that the siding did not have an appropriate appearance, due in large part to the wavy wall surfaces and the number of visible seams along the elevations. Damage has since occurred to the siding in several locations, further increasing the inappropriate appearance. In 2003 an informal request to change from the approved stucco surface to vinyl siding for the Charlottesville Piano building at Berkmar and Rio Roads was not supported by the ARB and the applicant did not return with a formal request. Vinyl siding was not approved for the Crozet Storage project in 2004 -2005. A combination of brick and vinyl siding was approved for townhouses in the Briarwood subdivision in 2008. Those townhouses are of a significantly smaller scale than the building in question, and they are located significantly further from the EC than the building in question. The City of Charlottesville discourages the use of vinyl siding in its Entrance Corridors and has not approved vinyl siding in those corridors. The County's ongoing Comprehensive Plan update encourages consistency between the City and County Entrance Corridors. 12 Architecture proposed within the Entrance Some of the walls that would receive vinyl Staff cannot support the Corridor should use forms, shapes, scale, and siding in this proposal are long, broad and tall. request for vinyl siding materials to create a cohesive whole. Much of the vinyl would not be broken up by because the material is other materials or features. This expansive use of not expected to enhance the siding would further emphasize the negative the establishment of a aspects of the material (the texture, the seams, cohesive whole. etc.) so changing from cedar to vinyl is not expected to enhance the establishment of a cohesive whole. 13 Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from The rear wall of the wine shop currently has no Reinstall the three building design should be relieved using windows, doors or architectural features to windows on the rear wall design detail or vegetation, or both. relieve it. The ARB- approved building design of the wine shop. includes three windows on this wall. The windows were removed without approval in Add trees and shrubs at 2001. An application for a renovation of the the east end of the building was approved by the ARB with the American Legion condition that the windows be reinstalled, but the building to offset the renovation was never completed. visual impacts of the wall. The eastern gable end of the American Legion building is not completely blank, but it is a wide wall with mechanical equipment mounted on it and on the ground. Long expanses of vinyl siding with the appearance issues described previously would further diminish the appearance of this elevation. 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance The rear wall of the wine shop has no windows, Provide a row of trees Corridor streets should include the following: a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel doors or architectural features. Trees and shrubs along the rear elevation to the Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees planted along the elevation and in the planting of the wine shop and should be at least 3%2 inches caliper (measured area adjacent to the wall would help mitigate the shrubs and/or ground 6 inches above the ground) and should be of a appearance of the building. The original ARB cover throughout the plant species common to the area. Such trees approval called for five crape myrtles along the planting bed adjacent to should be located at least every 35 feet on elevation and juniper throughout the planting the rear wall. Provide center. bed, but these plants were not included in the large shade trees, 3 %2" b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species final site plan approval. The most recent site caliper at planting, 35' on common to the area should be interspersed plan amendment shows three shrubs (of center, along the frontage among the trees required by the preceding unidentified species) along the wall. of both EC streets. paragraph. The ornamental trees need not Intersperse flowering alternate one for one with the large shade Existing landscaping along the ECs is minimal at ornamental trees among trees. They may be planted among the large this site; the landscaping does not appear to meet the large shade trees. shade trees in a less regular spacing pattern. the EC Guidelines. More trees could help c. In situations where appropriate, a three or mitigate some of the appearance issues of the Include the proposed four board fence or low stone wall, typical of proposal. Meeting the EC frontage planting plants in a complete and the area, should align the frontage of the requirements would also help integrate the site updated plant schedule Entrance Corridor street. d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate better into the overall corridors. on an amended site plan. the foregoing plantings and fencing should be Be sure the schedule accurately shows all on- reserved parallel to the Entrance Corridor site landscaping. street, and exclusive of road right -of -way and utility easements. 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the front of long buildings as necessary to soften the appearance of exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type of such trees or vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and blankness of such walls. b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and structures; "drive thru" windows; service areas; and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. Summary of Analysis • The EC guidelines do not prohibit modern materials, but any material used in the ECs should reflect and coordinate with traditional architecture. • Vinyl siding has a history of inappropriate appearance for a number of reasons, most of which relate to its potential to cause damage to the building and to eliminate historic detailing, and the fact that it doesn't really look like wood. • The building in question is not a historic structure and it is not included in a historic district. However, it is strategically located between two National Register Historic Districts and it stands at the gateway to an historic rural area of the County. Its design is based on historic forms and features. It is located on two Entrance Corridors and all sides of the building are visible from the ECs. The purpose of the EC district is to ensure that new development reflects the traditional architecture of the area and to promote orderly and attractive development. • Few projects with vinyl siding are proposed in the ECs, the vinyl approved for a site in the Avon Street EC in 2001 -2002 has an inappropriate appearance, and no vinyl siding has been approved for non - residential buildings in recent years. • Few factors that might mitigate the appearance of vinyl siding are present here: the building is large with broad expanses of wall unbroken by other materials or features, the site has double EC frontages, and the amount of landscaping at the site is minimal. On the other hand, wall areas behind first story porches will have limited visibility. • The applicant states that the proposed CraneBoard product exceeds all other vinyl products in quality and that, combined with the installation, will eliminate all of the typical problems experienced with vinyl siding. Minimal documentation has been provided to support these claims. • Without resolution of the texture and seam issues and without additional information to document the methods and detailing of the installation, staff cannot support the request for vinyl siding. Staff recommends fiber cement siding if a replacement for the cedar is required. TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Document Name Drawing Date - "Advantages of CraneBoard Solid Core High Performance Siding" with examples of residential applications - - CraneBoard 6 Solid Core Siding sample in Smart Styles "Rye" - SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: • Visual characteristics of vinyl siding compared to wood and other wood substitutes; visibility of the buildings • Proposed color, texture and finish of the vinyl • Method of installation, treatment of architectural details and features, the appearance of the overlapping seams • Warranty • Would the ARB like to establish more specific guidelines for the use of vinyl siding? Points to consider may include: • Building size; Building height : 1 story vs. 2 story vs. gable end walls • Orientation of building to the EC • Distance from the building to the EC • Do the color, profile, and /or sheen of the siding impact the overall appearance of the vinyl? • Will the method of installation result in an appropriate appearance? What factors should be considered to determine this? • What submittal information is required to assess the proposal? • How will windows, doors, shutters, dormers, corners, porch elements, seams, etc. be handled? Staff offers the following comments on the proposal: • Staff recommends fiber cement siding if a wood substitute is required. Staff cannot support the request for vinyl siding because: 1. The form and features of the vinyl are not compatible with those of wood siding. 2. The texture and detailing of the vinyl siding are expected to have an inappropriate appearance. 3. Vinyl siding is not compatible with the materials of nearby ARB- approved buildings; it does not relate to the immediate context. 4. The vinyl siding is not compatible with other ARB- approved buildings of similar character. 5. The vinyl siding is not expected to enhance the establishment of a cohesive whole. 6. There is insufficient information to document the method of installation and the treatment of architectural details. To continue to consider the vinyl siding, provide for review more specific and detailed installation information — drawings and specs — to support the request, to document how windows, doors, shutters, dormers, corners, porch elements, seams, trim, etc. will be handled. Additional information on the current condition of the cedar siding should also be provided — a detailed description of the damage, photos of the damage, percent of siding requiring replacement. Reinstall the three windows on the rear wall of the wine shop as originally approved by the ARB. If a wood substitute siding is approved, provide the following: 1. Add trees and shrubs at the east end of the American Legion building to offset the visual impacts of the wall. 2. Provide a row of trees along the rear elevation of the wine shop and shrubs and /or ground cover throughout the planting bed that is adjacent to the rear wall. 3. Provide large shade trees, 3%2" caliper at planting, 35' on center, along the frontage of both EC streets. Intersperse flowering ornamental trees among the large shade trees. 4. Include the proposed plants in a complete and updated plant schedule on an amended site plan. Be sure the schedule also accurately shows all on -site landscaping. 10 ATTACHMENT A CraneBoard Performance Features PORTFOLIO THINK OUTSIDE' ■ design your home ■ dome <oar produds <R dud List <GraneaoardaB JE AZiLA- Find This Product Near You Faster Yarn Zip Cade Go t Contractor Q Distributor Nero I Fi.d a C-1—t- planning tool ■ customer service ■ our story ■ for prafessionals CraneBvard@ 6 Give your curb appeal an instant makeoverwith the classic, crisp looks of CraneBoardS S. We've brought a time - tested surface into the 21' century to harmonize with accents of stone, shake and board & batten or to cover an entire facade with smooth integrity. The triple- wic1h, insulated span bridges structural imperfections and therefore bridges the gap behveen "that's nice° and flawless. Plus the milled cedar -grain texture, straight face and deep shadows of the 6" profile give your house a solid, authentic presence. Performance Features Only Solid CoReS insulation has moisture management ridges that provide space for ventilation Neoporw7 from BASF SE adds up to a 19% better R -value depending on profile No Painting. No Scraping. True Maintenance Freedom. • Absorbs and reflects radiant heat with Neoporg Reduces thermal conductivity 200% stronger bond with our TXL— Lamination Technology 64% greater impact resistance • Quiet! Reduces noise up to 45% Wind resistant up to 160 mph • Authentic straight -face design with clean hand- milled cedar grain look Life of the Home Limited Warranty Color Styles Comments and Ratings Leave Comment rrr 0 0 t E m ar 0 v m �s 0 11 ATTACHMENT B CraneBoard Warranty Information EXTERIOR PORTFOLIO LIFE OF THE HOME LIMITED WARRANTY SOLID CORE SIDINGO offers a complete exterior siding system combining superior energy efficiency with durable, long- lasting beauty. This SOLID CORE backing creates a product of unmatched bridge strength, superior R- Values and air infiltration ratings, and guaranteed impact resistance. These exceptional qualities allow SOLID CORE SIDING to be backed by the Life of the Home Limited Warranty. STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY Exterior Portfolio,@ a brand of Royal Group, Inc. ( "Manufacturer "), warrants to the owner of the residential or commercial property at the time of product installation ( "Owner ") that, after installation, SOLID CORE SIDING will not peel, blister, pit, flake or corrode as a result of manufacturing defects or as a result of exposure to ocean air (salt spray). WARRANTY PERIOD Unlike conventional veneer -type sidings which are warranted only to the initial owner, SOLID CORE SIDING is warranted for the lifetime of the residential house — the period for which the structural integrity of the residential house remains intact. The Warranty period for "commercial" installations, such as apartment buildings, condominiums, etc., is 60 years from the original installation date. TRANSFER OF WARRANTY To transfer this Warranty, the new owner must register the transfer information online at www .ExteriorPortfolio.com /Warranty within 30 days of the transfer of ownership of the residential or commercial property. WARRANTY LIMITATIONS THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES OR INDEMNITIES EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, AND ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED, OVERRIDDEN AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS TRANSACTION. ORAL STATEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES. IF OWNER DOES NOT HAVE A COPY OF THE ORIGINALLY APPLICABLE WARRANTY FROM THE TIME OF PRODUCT INSTALLATION AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF THE PRODUCT INSTALLATION DATE IS UNAVAILABLE, THE WARRANTY BEING OFFERED FOR THE PRODUCT AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE CLAIM WILL BE APPLIED. MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITIES ARE LIMITED SOLELY AND EXCLUSIVELY TO THE OBLIGATIONS SPECIFICALLY UNDERTAKEN HEREIN, AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL MANUFACTURER BE LIABLE OR OBLIGATED FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR UNFORESEEABLE, ARISING OUT OF BREACH OR FAILURE OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT THIS LIMITATION IS SPECIFICALLY PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW OF MANDATORY APPLICATION. MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SUCH PRODUCTS OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, AS DESCRIBED BELOW. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. NO EMPLOYEE, AGENT, OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED BY MANUFACTURER TO ASSUME FOR MANUFACTURER ANY LIABILITY IN ADDITION TO THAT SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY. ADDITIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY COVERAGE Normal Weathering Exposure to the elements can be expected to cause gradual and uniform color change (normal weathering). This can vary depending on geographical location and wall exposure. SOLID CORE SIDING is warranted not to change color in excess of 4 standard industry units as determined by Manufacturer. Any weathering change that occurs on a specific wall section in a manner that varies significantly from panel to panel (checkerboard effect) will also be considered a defect and will be covered under the terms and conditions of this Warranty. High Impact Resistance Should SOLID CORE SIDING panels crack for reasons associated with normal ownership, Manufacturer will replace all damaged panels including the cost of material and labor which exceeds the amount covered by your insurance policy (excluding deductible). In the case of hail damage, Manufacturer will solely cover the cost of material which exceeds the amount covered by your insurance policy (excluding deductible). You must provide proof of submission and resolution of claim from your insurance company, and you must promptly follow the warranty claim procedure below. Coverage Against Chalking SOLID CORE SIDING panels are warranted not to chalk in an offensive manner that could cause discoloration of the trim areas. Product Integrity SOLID CORE SIDING has been tested extensively by Manufacturer in freeze, thaw, and heat cycles to ensure proper panel performance. When properly installed, should SOLID CORE SIDING panels buckle for reasons associated with expansion or contraction or separate so as to negatively affect the performance of the product, Manufacturer will replace the damaged product, including the cost of material and labor. WARRANTY REGISTRATION To register your SOLID CORE Siding warranty, please go to www. ExteriorPortfolio.comNV arranty. OBTAINING WARRANTY PERFORMANCE Within a reasonable time after discovery of a suspected manufacturing defect, you must complete a Warranty Claim Form available at www .ExteriorPortfolio.comNVarranty under the Customer Care tab. You can file your claim online or download the Warranty Claim Form from the website. If mailing your form, you must forward the Warranty Claim Form to the following address: Exterior Portfolio, Attn: Warranty Department, 1441 Universal Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207 You must include in this notification proof of purchase or ownership (which may include providing a product sample), evidence of 12 the date of installation of SOLID CORE SIDING, photographs of the home, and a statement explaining the defect and listing all items affected. Samples are required for claims based upon fading. Before final settlement on High Impact Resistance claims, you must provide proof of submission and resolution of claim from your insurance company. Manufacturer may require you to submit additional information. Any costs incurred by Owner in preparing and submitting to Manufacturer information and materials related to a claim to obtain warranty performance are Owner's responsibility. Manufacturer will then investigate the claim and examine the material claimed to be defective. If a defect covered by this Warranty is confirmed, Manufacturer, within a reasonable amount of time after the inspection, will, at its option, either repair or replace the SOLID CORE SIDING, including the pre- approved cost of material and labor. Manufacturer may, at its option, refund the amount paid by the Owner for the SOLID CORE SIDING and accessories plus the reasonable cost of installation. For confirmed claims, if Manufacturer will provide a voucher for materials and /or labor or make a payment to the Homeowner or Commercial Owner in resolution of a claim, it will require the Homeowner or Commercial Owner to execute a release of claims against Manufacturer respecting the particular claim. The foregoing remedies are the SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY. There is no informal dispute settlement mechanism available under this Warranty. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Although SOLID CORE SIDING is made of premium, long -term and durable materials, like many other products, it will perform best when it is kept clean of dirt or foreign matter buildup. Industrial fumes, airborne pollutants, mildew, or rust stains should be properly removed — often by a simple hosing down of the structural wall on which SOLID CORE SIDING is placed on a reasonably scheduled basis. If the Owner neglects to keep SOLID CORE SIDING surface clean, and a harmful surface buildup is allowed to occur, restoration of the wall appearance to a fresh and clean condition can become a difficult task. In such cases it is specifically the Owner's responsibility — and not the responsibility of either Manufacturer or the installing contractor — to restore the wall surface to a fresh and clean condition. EXCLUSIONS FROM WARRANTY COVERAGE This Warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by settlement or shifting of structural members or adjoining surfaces, structural defects of the building, fire, wind, flood, lightning or other acts of God (except those specifically warranted against in this Warranty), intentional acts and unreasonable use, accident, negligence, exposure to harmful chemicals, fumes, airborne stains, mold and mildew. This Warranty does not cover siding that has distorted or melted due to exposure to excessive heat sources (e.g., barbecue grills, reflections from windows, roofing materials, pools, blacktop, etc.). Improper installation of the SOLID CORE SIDING product or exposure of the SOLID CORE SIDING product to weather prior to installation renders this Warranty null and void. The installation of accessory products, which are either inherently incompatible with the product covered by this Warranty or which are installed in a manner detrimental to the performance of SOLID CORE SIDING, will render this Warranty null and void. SOLID CORE SIDING cannot be painted or its surface altered in any way and doing so will render this Warranty null and void. Any repair or replacement of the SOLID CORE SIDING product without the prior written authorization of Manufacturer will render this Warranty null and void. Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue or make changes in any of its products — including changes both in style and color — without liability to the original purchaser or permitted transferees of this Warranty. In the event that such discontinuation or changes should cause products covered by this Warranty to be unavailable, Manufacturer reserves the right to substitute a product — or to refund a proportionate cost of product replacement — at its sole discretion. Online registration is not required as a condition to performance under this Warranty by Manufacturer. It is, however, the most convenient means of establishing proof of identity of the Original Purchaser /Owner, and date of installation of the products — and Manufacturer requests that online warranty registration be completed at the time of installation. Manufacturer reserves the right to direct and pay an independent company, dealer, contractor, applicator or distributor to perform any remedy under this Warranty on Manufacturer's behalf. MISCELLANEOUS This writing is understood and intended to be the final expression of the parties' agreement respecting this Warranty and is a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions with respect thereto, superseding all prior agreements or representations, oral or written, and all other communication between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Warranty. This Warranty may not be altered or amended except in a written instrument signed by Manufacturer and the original Owner or permitted transferee. No agent, employee or any other party is authorized to make any warranty in addition to that made in this Warranty, and Manufacturer shall not be bound by any such statements other than those contained in this Warranty. This Warranty shall only be applicable and enforceable in the United States of America and Canada. This Warranty is effective for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010. Copyright © 2014 Royal Building Products 13