Licensed Builder & Modification Contractor Serving Berrien County
Get a Free EstimateWTS II Contracting is a licensed Michigan residential builder specializing in vinyl siding installation throughout Berrien County, utilizing Mastic and CertainTeed high-performance vinyl systems rated for extreme wind loads, with comprehensive expertise in meeting Michigan Energy Code insulation requirements including continuous insulation and thermal bridging prevention. Our understanding of Lake Michigan's impact on Berrien County homes—including 190+ mph wind-rated installations, proper thermal expansion allowances for -10°F to 95°F temperature swings, and fanfold or rigid foam underlayment to satisfy R-13 + R-5 continuous insulation standards—ensures siding installations that protect your home structurally and reduce energy costs for decades.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wind Load Rating | Must exceed 110 MPH (Michigan code minimum); WTS II installs 190+ MPH rated systems |
| Thermal Range | -10°F to 95°F (requires high-grade plasticizers to prevent cracking) |
| Insulation Code | R-13 cavity + R-5 continuous (2021 Michigan Energy Code recommended) |
| Common Failure Mode | Blow-off due to improper nailing depth or insufficient wind rating |
| Materials | Heavy-gauge vinyl (.044"+), aluminum trim, Tyvek/Typar house wrap, fanfold insulation |
| Typical Timeline | 1–2 weeks for average home (weather dependent) |
| Cost Range | $6–$10 per square foot (includes insulation, tear-off, trim) |
Berrien County's proximity to Lake Michigan subjects homes to extreme wind conditions that inland contractors consistently underestimate. Lakefront and near-lakefront communities—including Bridgman, Eau Claire, and properties along the lake corridor—regularly experience sustained winds of 40-60 mph during fall and winter storms, with gusts exceeding 80 mph during severe weather events.
Standard builder-grade vinyl siding (.040" thickness) is rated for approximately 110 mph wind loads when properly installed. This meets Michigan Building Code minimums for inland areas but provides inadequate safety margin for lakefront properties. During severe storms, standard-gauge siding experiences:
WTS II Contracting installs heavy-gauge vinyl siding (.044" thickness or greater) with reinforced nailing hems rated for 190+ mph wind loads. These premium panels—Mastic Quest, CertainTeed Monogram, or equivalent—feature thicker substrate material and engineering-grade locks that maintain integrity under extreme conditions.
The wind rating difference isn't marketing—it's structural engineering. A .044" panel with reinforced nailing hem can sustain 70% more wind pressure before failure than a .040" panel. In Berrien County's lakefront zones, this difference prevents the catastrophic siding failures that occur every winter during severe storms.
Homeowners in Berrien County frequently complain about siding that rattles, clicks, or vibrates during windy conditions. This isn't cosmetic—it indicates improper installation that will lead to premature failure.
The problem occurs when contractors install vinyl siding over inadequate sheathing (thin OSB, deteriorated boards) or without proper nail penetration. Wind pressure causes panels to flex against loose substrate, creating audible rattling. Over time, this repeated flexing fatigues the panel material and loosens nails, eventually leading to blow-off.
WTS II Contracting addresses the rattle problem through proper substrate preparation:
Properly installed siding should be completely silent in wind. If you hear rattling, the installation is deficient and will require premature replacement.
Berrien County experiences temperature swings from -10°F winter lows to 95°F summer highs—a 105°F range. Vinyl siding expands and contracts significantly across this range: a 12-foot panel can expand/contract up to 3/4" between winter and summer.
This movement is predictable and manageable—but only if installers understand and accommodate it. The most common installation error we see from "chuck in a truck" contractors: nailing vinyl siding tight against the sheathing.
When vinyl is nailed tight:
WTS II Contracting "hangs" vinyl siding rather than nailing it tight. We center nails in the nailing slot, drive them until they touch the sheathing, then back out 1/32" (roughly the thickness of a dime). This allows the panel to slide horizontally as it expands and contracts, preventing buckling and cracking.
Additionally, we leave proper expansion gaps at corners, J-channels, and trim pieces (typically 1/4" in summer, 3/8" in winter) to accommodate thermal movement. These gaps are invisible to homeowners but critical for long-term performance.
Traditional siding installation—nailing vinyl directly over OSB sheathing and wood studs—creates a significant thermal inefficiency that most homeowners don't realize they're paying for every month.
Wood studs (typically 2x4 or 2x6) have an R-value of approximately R-1 per inch. Even with R-13 or R-19 fiberglass batt insulation between studs, the studs themselves conduct heat directly from interior to exterior, bypassing the insulation. This phenomenon—called thermal bridging—can reduce the effective R-value of a wall assembly by 25-40%.
Simply installing new siding over existing sheathing does nothing to address thermal bridging. Your home looks better but performs identically from an energy standpoint.
The 2021 Michigan Energy Code (based on IECC 2018) recommends R-5 continuous insulation for residential walls in climate zone 5 (Berrien County). "Continuous" means an unbroken layer of insulation covering the entire wall surface, including over studs, eliminating thermal bridges.
WTS II Contracting installs fanfold insulation or rigid foam board behind every vinyl siding installation to create this continuous thermal break:
The cost difference is approximately $1.50-2.50 per square foot for rigid foam versus fanfold. For a typical 2,000 square foot home, that's $3,000-5,000 additional investment. Annual energy savings typically run $300-600, providing payback in 5-10 years plus improved comfort and reduced HVAC cycling.
Berrien County receives substantial precipitation—particularly lake effect snow that can dump 2-4 feet in 24 hours. This moisture load requires proper moisture management behind siding to prevent rot, mold, and structural damage.
WTS II Contracting installs Tyvek DrainWrap or Typar Drainable House Wrap over sheathing before installing insulation and siding. These wraps feature:
Standard felt paper or cheap house wrap lacks drainage capability—water that penetrates siding sits against the sheathing indefinitely, causing rot. In Berrien County's wet climate, this distinction is critical for long-term structural integrity.
We use contractor-grade materials engineered for extreme weather conditions:
Vinyl siding installation in Berrien County typically costs $6–$10 per square foot, with final pricing depending on insulation level, existing siding tear-off requirements, and trim complexity. This price includes heavy-gauge wind-rated vinyl (.044" or thicker), aluminum coil stock trim custom-bent on-site, Tyvek house wrap, and either fanfold insulation (budget option) or rigid foam board for continuous R-5 insulation (recommended for energy efficiency). Homes requiring extensive wood replacement due to rot or damage will cost more—we identify these issues during initial inspection and provide detailed estimates. Lakefront properties in high-wind zones (Bridgman, Eau Claire) should budget toward the higher end for premium 190+ mph wind-rated systems. Average 2,000 sq ft home: $12,000-20,000 complete installation.
Yes, vinyl siding can be installed during Michigan winters, but it requires technical adjustments to account for cold-weather contraction. Vinyl contracts as temperature drops—a 12-foot panel can contract up to 3/4" between summer and winter temperatures. When installing in winter (below 40°F), we leave extra expansion gaps (3/8" to 1/2" rather than the summer standard 1/4") at all J-channels, corners, and trim pieces. This prevents buckling when panels expand during summer heat. We also avoid installation below 20°F when vinyl becomes brittle and prone to cracking during handling. Winter installation scheduling is weather-dependent—we monitor forecasts and may pause work during extreme cold snaps or snow events. Advantage of winter installation: discounted rates and immediate availability compared to busy spring/summer season.
New vinyl siding improves energy efficiency only if installed with proper foam backer or continuous insulation underlayment—which is standard practice for WTS II Contracting but frequently skipped by budget contractors. Vinyl siding itself provides negligible R-value (approximately R-0.6). The energy savings come from the continuous insulation layer (fanfold or rigid foam) installed between the old sheathing and new siding. Fanfold insulation (R-1 to R-3) provides modest improvement—reducing thermal bridging by 15-20%. Rigid foam board (R-5 to R-10) provides substantial improvement—reducing thermal bridging by 30-40% and lowering heating/cooling costs by 15-25% annually. For a typical Berrien County home, that's $300-600 annual savings. Additionally, proper house wrap (Tyvek/Typar) reduces air infiltration, improving comfort and HVAC efficiency. Simply nailing vinyl over existing siding without insulation provides zero energy benefit—it's purely cosmetic.
WTS II Contracting provides professional vinyl siding installation throughout Berrien County, Michigan. We understand the unique challenges each community faces from Lake Michigan weather.
Learn more about vinyl siding installation in these Berrien County communities:
Bridgman, Eau Claire - High wind zones requiring 190+ mph rated systems, rigid foam insulation, and reinforced trim installations.
Niles, Berrien Springs - Older housing stock requiring substrate repair, rot remediation, and careful trim work to maintain architectural character.
Coloma, Baroda, All 42 Berrien County Municipalities - Ranch homes, farmhouses, and modern construction requiring energy-efficient installations meeting Michigan Energy Code standards.
Whether you're in a lakefront home facing extreme wind loads, a historic property requiring careful restoration, or a rural home needing energy efficiency improvements, we have the expertise and materials to deliver lasting results.
Get a detailed estimate from a licensed Michigan residential builder. We provide wind-rated materials, continuous insulation, and installations that withstand Lake Michigan weather for decades.
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