The Ultimate Siding System? Trying Diamond Kote

Matt is in Dripping Springs at a barn-dominium build where he meets up with Brandon from Diamond Kote to discuss their siding SYSTEM that comes with a 50 year warranty and a 30 year, no-fade warranty. They go over some of the most crucial install tips Diamond Kote has thought through that make installing this product easy and quick while not compromising quality. We take a look at some of Diamond Kote's other products, review their amazing packaging and delivery system that ensures the product arrives looking it's best and then discuss the advantages of working with pre-fab siding.

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[mahlonboehs]

I’m a salesman at a lumberyard in Oklahoma and have sold Diamond Kote for 12 years. Around 90% of the siding jobs we sell are Diamond Kote. I’ve also installed it on 5 different projects, the first one being 11 years ago and the last one being 2 years ago. When we first started selling it we took the claimed 30yr no-fade warranty at face value. We’ve had to change our sales pitch. It is a good/great product but it DOES fade and get chalky, at least in Oklahoma. We get extreme temperatures, wind, and sun so I’d consider it a more harsh environment than some other areas of the country. I would make peace with repainting it 15 yrs after installation if you purchase it. The 30 yr no fade warranty is prorated. If you have a claim 15 yrs after installation it might pay for the paint to refinish but no labor.

That all said, I installed it on our new home 2 yrs ago and I’d do the same if I built another one because I think the finish is better than you can achieve traditionaly.

[jasonroets]

I used this product on my home. I found using pan head screws on the nailing flanges works better than nails. Reason being if your hammer even grazes the J channel it will have a noticeable blemish that is hard to repair. If you are putting lap siding, I alternated 6" and 12" lap, it gets pinched in the J channel so you might have to give it a few taps to make sure it is in place. They should think of making two sizes of J channel. I installed mine like Jake does with 3/8" fir plywood strips over Zip system. I contacted Wausau Supply to ask them about it and the rep that contacted me said Zip and rain screens are a waste of time an money. He was trying to sell me on Raindrop, which they sell, but when I asked about air sealing he had no response. I had an issue with their exterior door and after contacting them several times a rep finally came out. The door had a couple defects and the rep kept saying who cares if it leaks air, you want your house to breath. The product seemed good but had issues with customer service.

[topstorynews]

Hey Matt - I watch most of your videos and have learned so much. As a homeowner in an urban-wild land interface, it would be great to see you do a comprehensive upgrade for wildfire protection.

[theresolutemind]

Love this channel. I still live in the home I designed and built/had built 30 years ago. It’s wonderful comfortable living.

[kirkjohnson]

For a period of time, my mother owned a house with slate tiles on both the roof and siding. That house is about 105 years old and the slate is is still in great shape and may last another 100 years or more. There are also numerous houses in that town that are over 125 years old and have original wood siding (albeit with multiple coats of paint over the years).

[miillersconstruction]

Certainly my favorite episode. Nicely done Brandon!!!

[JimYeats]

Looks like the heavy paint and faux natural wood found on Tough Sheds. Or the 1980’s homes that combined slump block and the T1-11 type product.

[rodeopenguin]

50 year siding?

I don’t mean to brag but the pine siding on my house is 120 years old. Still has loads of life left too!

[tsicby]

Matt always features products that find a way to squeeze more money out of you.

[MrShovelfoot]

FYI my 10" cedar lap siding is still standing strong after 75 years despite humid MN summers and fridgid icy winters

[williamdavies]

Love the content, Matt. See you at the Conference.

[Dan-qkns]

Dunno if im sold on a friction fit trim in the cold climates??

[teamaoma]

I know a custom home builder in Michigan that uses DK. He says the product looks amazing and is his favorite siding product to use!

[snowgorilla]

In this age of wildfire, how does it hold up or compare

[brownmutthid]

One thing i dont see often is using rabbets at each trim joint. It takes about an extra 30 seconds per joint and when it does open up it will still be protected underneath.

[hutle-]

@buildshow how did you detail around the bent metal awnings so the diamondkote didn't bulge out at the awnings? Rout out the back of the DK?

[dzaino]

Kyle and Greg have been using this same system for years on his RR builds. He's using LP Smart siding though. Great system.

[stevepeacock]

If I plan to use this over ICF do I need to put the 1x4's every 16 inches or can I go straight to the ties in the ICF?

[TimGGleason]

Matt are you hiding in my trunk? I just got home with samples of this stuff from the lumber yard

[thomasduff]

Would like your take on Everlast Siding.