Comments on: Siding is finally (almost) done.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:15:28 +0000

I loved the look of Prodema and wanted to use it for my urban apartment project. So I took a chance. The finished project was stunning. However, after one winter cycle the clear sealer on the panels started peeling off, resulting in a leaving a very unsightly appearance. After a long and protracted negotiations with Prodema (Spain), they admitted that the sealer application on the panels was flawed and agreed to replace all the panels. But they would not pay for the labor for removal and replacement. In the end it cost me a bundle to repalce the panels. Needless to say I will not use Prodema again. There are other composite rainscreen panels around as it is getting more popular in the US.

By: Kaki

Kaki — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 22:10:51 +0000

We have Prodema all around our condo building here in Chicago. This was installed in 2007… The Lamination peeled off in 2009.. After going legal, they promised to replace / fix. They haven’t done either one for last 2.5 years. Prodema is based in SPAIN..so if they don’t respond, you are out of luck. We are unable to find new tenants because the Building looks awful, when lamination is peeling!!!!!!!! BEWARE

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:45:58 +0000

John: No problems whatsoever so far. Spotless.

By: john

john — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:44:30 +0000

Hi how has the Prodema held up????? I’ve see and heard horrible things about the product. Have they fixed their problem with fading peeling. Im an Architect located in San Francisco. Thanks

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:43:15 +0000

Hello Terry,

My name is Linda and I am familiar with the Trespa phenolic panel used for rainscreen cladding systems. The Trespa assembly has been tested and meets UL standards for fire safety in both the US and Canada. The system can not be extrapolated and must be installed by a Certified Installer to meet code compliancy. The components of a Trespa panel are integrated in the manufacturing process and will not exhibit the characteristics of a panel that uses a wood veneer over a phenolic core. Unlike a real wood veneer Trespa does not need to be sealed after cutting or drilling and in a climate that experiences freeze thaw conditions, you can be sure that Trespa will not absorb any moisture around exposed edges that will expand during freezing conditions and cause delamination. The Trespa panel will not exhibit “snakeskin” shedding of the surface finish, Trespa is UV stable and will not fade or discolor, Trespa is EBC cured which means the surface is nonporous making it extremely easy to clean.

(Editor’s note: Based on her email address, Linda works for a distributor of the Trespa product. Judge accordingly.)

By: Terry

Terry — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:26:58 +0000

Does anyone know whether/how rainscreen cladding systems like Predema or Ecoclad are fire rated? We’re building a house in California in a Wildland Urban Interface zone and are under some strict regulations (http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/bml/wuiproducts.pdf). Seems like blown embers could find their way behind the panels just like rain….

Also would appreciate links to impages of what the unstained ipe “silvering” looks like after several years. Does anyone know if the deck shown on the page of the Mullen Stree house above representative (http://craigsteely.com/projects/mullen_street)?

Thanks and great blog. Terry

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:41:26 +0000

Mike: There’s something like a 20 year warranty on the ProDema panels. Experiences are mixed, of course, but I’ve heard mostly good things. Also, you can expose all pricing information on this blog by clicking the link in the left navigation.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:28:02 +0000

wow those prodema panels look fantastic. i’m curious about the durability. i’m in ny so need something that can survive the snowy winters and hot summers and salt air (i’m near the beach)

do you mind if i ask about pricing and lead times relative to say cedar siding?

thanks for all the great info

By: Jodi Young

Jodi Young — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:16:03 +0000

Mike-Great Blog and wonderful photos

If the Seattle Designer is still following this, please elaborate regarding your Prodema Failure. I am considering this product for a house in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:12:11 +0000

Mike,

Really enjoy your blog and the great info… Hoping to build a contemporary ourselves this year. Much like yours with butterfly standing seam shed roof et al… Getting our second version of the plans together after the first needed to be revised down due to budget…

Got to your blog thru looking at rain-walls for exterior finishes. Something that suits the design style that’s for sure. When you have a chance would be interested in seeing some additional ‘detail’ photos esp inside/outside corners and around doors/windows. Not much info on gutters/downspouts, but would be interested in anything you have to offer. Suspect that’s a major consideration in your climate!!!

Mark