Siding & Exterior Painting in Wells Branch, Austin, TX (July 2023)

Why did this Austin home need new siding?

Homes built across Wells Branch in the 1980s and 90s often used wood or hardboard siding that simply wasn't made for this climate. Two decades of 100-degree summers and spring hail take a real toll.

• Old boards showed swelling and soft spots near ground level
• Limestone soil movement had opened seams at the corners
• Window beams needed proper wrapping to seal out moisture
• Gable vents had aged and cracked, letting in pests and heat

What did the crew find on site?

The existing cladding was past the point of patching. We found moisture damage where old caulk had failed, and the fascia had started to gray and lift in spots. That told us the whole envelope needed attention, not just a paint job. The gable vents were brittle enough to crumble, so we planned to reframe and replace them rather than reuse anything. Catching this early mattered — a homeowner who only repaints over failing siding traps that moisture and speeds up the rot underneath.

What materials did we use, and why?

We installed HardiePlank Select Cedar Mill in the 8.25-inch width for its deep woodgrain texture and clean shadow lines. Fiber cement was the clear pick for this address.

• Won't warp or crack in Austin's 100-degree-plus heat like vinyl can
• Stands up to hail impact far better than wood or hardboard
• Resists cedar-pollen staining and holds paint longer
• Wide 8.25-inch boards mean fewer seams to seal and maintain

James Hardie fiber cement is engineered for exactly this kind of climate, which is why we specify it on so many Central Texas homes. The material shrugs off the wet-dry swings that split cheaper products.

How did the painting come together?

Once the siding was up, our painters coated every trim surface with Sherwin Williams exterior latex in a satin sheen. Satin holds up under UV and cleans easily when cedar pollen coats it each spring.

• Painted fascia and soffit up to 24 inches
• Coated gutters and downspouts by the linear foot
• Finished both garage doors to match the body
• Wrapped porch columns, then painted for a seamless look
• Replaced vinyl gable vents and painted them in

We chose satin over flat on purpose. Flat paint hides flaws but grabs dirt and pollen; satin gives you a little sheen and washes clean with a hose.

What were the results?

The home now has a durable, low-maintenance exterior that reads like real cedar from the curb. Two yard cleanups and a full punch-out left the site spotless. Everything from the garage doors to the gutters ties together in one clean palette.