Diamond Kote Building Products, offered by Shelton Siding, represents a significant advancement in pre-finished siding technology. Built on LP SmartSide's engineered wood base and enhanced with Diamond Kote's proprietary SmartGuard process, the product is designed to deliver both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. This article provides a detailed overview of key features, installation considerations, and supporting technologies of Diamond Kote siding, based on information from official product documentation and installation guidelines.
Key Features of Diamond Kote Siding
Diamond Kote siding offers a range of features that address common concerns with traditional wood and fiber cement siding. These include durability, low maintenance, and advanced design technologies that enhance both performance and aesthetics.
Durability and Resistance
Diamond Kote siding is engineered to resist environmental challenges that typically degrade traditional materials. The SmartGuard process, which is a core component of LP SmartSide, enhances the product's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, and exposure to UV radiation. The siding resists moisture, termites, and fungal decay, making it a suitable option for a wide range of climates. Additionally, it has been tested for hail resistance and can withstand hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter.
Low Maintenance Design
A significant advantage of Diamond Kote siding is its pre-finished surface. Unlike traditional wood or fiber cement siding, which requires regular repainting and staining, Diamond Kote siding comes with a factory-applied finish that eliminates the need for on-site painting. This not only reduces labor costs but also minimizes the risk of imperfections caused by on-site application. The finish is scratch-resistant and backed by a 30-Year No-Fade Warranty, ensuring that the color remains consistent over time without peeling, chalking, or fading.
Design Versatility and Aesthetic Appeal
Diamond Kote offers a variety of design options, including different siding profiles and color choices. The product line includes RigidStack and RigidShake siding, both of which provide unique visual appeal while enhancing structural performance. RigidStack features a spline-based interlocking system that creates a stronger bond between panels, resulting in a 375% increase in strength compared to standard lap siding. RigidShake, available in both straight edge and staggered edge designs, is tailored to complement different architectural styles. For example, straight edge shakes are often used with Cape Cod and Colonial-style homes, while staggered edge shakes are more appropriate for Craftsman-style designs.
Warranty and Long-Term Protection
Diamond Kote siding is backed by a comprehensive warranty package that covers both the finish and the structural integrity of the product. The 30-Year No-Fade Warranty ensures that the color remains consistent, while the 5/50-Year Limited Siding Systems Warranty provides long-term protection against structural defects. These warranties are among the most robust in the industry and reflect the product's commitment to quality and durability.
Installation Considerations and Techniques
Proper installation is critical to ensuring that Diamond Kote siding performs as intended. The product documentation provides detailed guidelines that cover flashing, sealing, spacing, and alignment techniques. These guidelines are typically followed by professional contractors to ensure that the installation meets the manufacturer's standards.
Flashing and Sealing
Flashing and sealing are essential components of any siding installation, particularly when working with engineered wood products. The documentation emphasizes the importance of using appropriate flashing materials and techniques to prevent water infiltration. Flashing should be installed at critical junctions, such as around windows, doors, and roof valleys, to create a continuous barrier against moisture. In addition, sealants should be applied at joints and seams to further enhance water resistance.
Siding Alignment and Spacing
Diamond Kote siding is designed to maintain a consistent appearance over time, but this requires careful attention to alignment and spacing during installation. The RigidStack system, for example, features a spline that allows panels to lock together, creating a stronger bond and reducing the need for additional fasteners. This interlocking design also helps to maintain straighter walls and more accurate spacing, resulting in a more polished appearance.
Nail Fin Products and Trim
Diamond Kote's Protective Trim System includes a range of nail fin products that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the installation. These products are designed to conceal nail heads, reducing the need for touch-up painting and minimizing the risk of visible fasteners. For example, nail fin trim is recommended for areas around windows and doors, where exposed nails can detract from the overall appearance. Additionally, nail fin outside corners and inside corners provide design flexibility while maintaining a seamless look.
Water Management and RigidMount™
Diamond Kote's RigidMount™ system is another key component of the installation process. This system is designed to integrate with the siding while providing water management features that help to prevent moisture intrusion. The blocks include built-in water management and nail fin technology, ensuring that utilities and pipes that penetrate the home remain protected from water. This is particularly important in areas where water exposure is a concern.
Supporting Technologies and Accessories
Diamond Kote's product line includes several supporting technologies and accessories that enhance the overall performance and aesthetics of the siding system.
RigidMount™
RigidMount™ is an exclusive line of mount blocks designed to integrate with LP SmartSide. These blocks are built with water management features and nail fin technology, ensuring that the siding remains secure and visually consistent. The blocks are available in a range of sizes and colors, allowing for customization based on the specific needs of the installation.
Pro-Post Wrap™
Pro-Post Wrap™ is another accessory offered by Diamond Kote that is used to enhance the appearance of posts and columns. This product is particularly useful for outdoor living spaces, where exposed posts can detract from the overall look of the home. The wrap is available in a range of colors and is backed by the same 30-Year No-Fade Warranty as the siding itself.
RigidStack Siding
RigidStack Siding is a specialized form of Diamond Kote siding that features an interlocking spline system. This design allows panels to stack and lock together, creating a stronger bond than traditional lap siding. The result is a siding system that can withstand coastal winds up to 200 mph and provides enhanced resistance to hail and other environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Diamond Kote siding offers a combination of durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility that makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to upgrade their exterior. The product's SmartGuard process and pre-finished surface provide long-term protection against environmental challenges, while the RigidStack and RigidShake designs offer enhanced structural performance and aesthetic appeal. The installation process requires attention to detail, particularly with regard to flashing, sealing, and alignment, but the result is a siding system that maintains its appearance and performance over time. With a comprehensive warranty package and a range of supporting technologies and accessories, Diamond Kote siding is a reliable choice for a wide range of residential applications.