Composite Facade Cladding Above a Garage in Glendale, CA

The facade above a garage is one of the most visible parts of a home. It’s the first thing you see when pulling into the driveway. In Glendale, California, many homes built decades ago feature a protruding box above the garage clad in wood. Over time, this wood deteriorates, absorbs moisture, and loses its appearance.

In this project in Glendale, CA, we completed a full exterior upgrade above the garage: removing the old rotted wood cladding, restoring the underlying structure, properly protecting it from moisture, and installing modern composite panels with a natural wood look.

The result is a clean, contemporary facade that looks great and requires virtually no ongoing maintenance.

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The Problem with the Existing Wood Cladding

Visible Wear and Aging

Before work began, the facade showed common issues typical for older homes in Glendale:

• darkened and unevenly faded wood,

• visible water stains and streaks,

• open joints and gaps between boards,

• sagging and deteriorating lower sections,

• an overall outdated and neglected appearance.

When a facade looks like this, the issue is not only cosmetic. It often indicates deeper moisture problems behind the cladding.

Hidden Moisture Risks

In Glendale’s climate, exterior wood is constantly exposed to:

• strong sun,

• temperature fluctuations,

• seasonal rain.

When old cladding fails, water can penetrate behind it, leading to:

• rotting of the wood framing,

• mold growth,

• damage to wall assemblies and transitions,

• significantly higher repair costs later on.

For this reason, a simple patch-and-paint approach would have been a short-term fix at best.

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Why Composite Cladding Was the Right Choice

Minimal Maintenance

Composite panels do not require:

• repainting,

• sanding,

• sealing.

Occasional washing with water is enough to keep them looking clean. For homeowners in Glendale, this means long-term savings and peace of mind.

Weather and Moisture Resistance

High-quality composite materials:

• do not rot,

• do not absorb moisture,

• resist cracking and warping from sun exposure,

• handle temperature changes well.

This makes them ideal for exposed architectural elements like the structure above a garage.

Modern, Clean Appearance

The selected panels feature a realistic wood texture combined with precise, straight lines. Horizontal installation enhances the home’s architecture and gives the facade a modern, high-end look.

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Step-by-Step: How the Work Was Done

1. Removal of Old Cladding

We carefully removed all existing wood boards from the garage facade. During demolition, it became clear that much of the wood had already lost structural integrity.

2. Inspection and Structural Repairs

With the cladding removed, we inspected:

• the wood framing,

• existing sheathing,

• transitions to stucco and stone surfaces.

Any damaged or weakened framing components were removed and replaced. A durable facade always starts with a solid base.

3. Surface Preparation and Alignment

Before installing the new finish, we:

• corrected uneven areas,

• aligned edges and corners,

• prepared a flat, uniform surface for the new panels.

This step is critical for achieving clean lines and a professional final result.

4. Moisture Protection with House Wrap

The entire structure was wrapped with a high-quality weather-resistant barrier. Special attention was given to:

• seams and overlaps,

• corners,

• transitions to existing stucco and stone,

• upper flashing areas.

This layer serves as a critical defense against moisture intrusion.

5. Proper Flashing and Water Management

A metal flashing was installed along the top edge to direct water away from the facade. This prevents water from getting behind the cladding and significantly extends the life of the assembly.

6. Installation of Composite Panels

The composite panels were installed:

• horizontally,

• with proper spacing for expansion,

• with cleanly finished corners and edges,

• using a secure mounting system designed for exterior use.

Vertical trim pieces were used on the sides to give the facade a complete, finished look.

7. Final Details and Inspection

After installation, all joints and transitions were checked, and the exterior light fixture was reinstalled. The area was cleaned, and the facade was left ready for long-term use.

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Final Result

A Completely Updated Look

The garage facade is now:

• straight and visually balanced,

• modern and cohesive with the rest of the home,

• free of stains, cracks, and uneven boards.

The home immediately looks more refined and well maintained.

Long-Term Durability

Thanks to proper waterproofing and composite materials:

• moisture issues are eliminated,

• rot is no longer a concern,

• the facade is built to last for many years.

Reduced Future Costs

With no need for regular painting or wood repairs, the homeowner saves time and money over the long term.

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Is This Type of Upgrade Right for Your Home in Glendale?

Composite facade cladding is a great solution if:

• your existing wood siding is deteriorating,

• you are tired of constant repainting,

• the area above your garage is highly visible,

• your home is exposed to strong sun or seasonal rain.

Many Glendale homes built in the 1970s–1990s benefit significantly from this type of upgrade.

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Conclusion

This project transformed an outdated, failing wood facade into a durable, modern architectural feature. By combining proper structural repairs, professional waterproofing, and high-quality composite materials, the homeowner received a long-term solution—not just a cosmetic improvement.

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Planning a Similar Project in Glendale?

If you live in Glendale or nearby and have aging wood elements above your garage, balcony, or entryway, we can help evaluate the condition and propose a reliable, long-lasting solution.

ProHands Handyman

Phone: 818-401-7766

Email: info@prohandshandyman.com

Contact us to discuss your project and get professional guidance tailored to your home.