Harsh
Weather Remedy
Though, in many ways Southwest Florida is paradise,
the rain and winds of summertime can be tough on a home’s exterior
and the sun can damage a building’s “skin” much the
same way it can a human’s.
When the patriarch of the Blank family (owners of D. B. & Sons, Inc.)
moved to Florida ten years ago, Dale Blank learned to transition the way
he installed siding. “In Florida,” he explains, “you
have to be extremely water and wind conscious. One of the biggest concerns
is horizontal rain, which can cause moisture problems, unless the siding
is flashed properly. And, of course, hurricane-strength winds, the sun,
and other harsh elements are also causes for concern.”
The family-run firm of D.B. & Sons, Inc. learned these new lessons
and added them to the cache of knowledge gained from 40 in the contracting
business. Dale Blank, president of the company, began installing siding
30 ago in Illinois. Sons Dustin and Jeremy both began learning at their
father’s side from the time they were both in high school. Today,
D.B. & Sons, Inc. represents the very best qualities that can be found
in a contracting firm – experience, expertise and good, old-fashioned
values.
Taking the factors unique to Florida and its sometimes harsh environment
into account, Dale decided to offer the James Hardie Company’s Hardiplank®
siding to his customers. Having received extensive training from the company,
Dale and Dustin felt that the Hardie products would best suit the Southwest
Florida climate.
James Hardie siding provides a low-maintenance factor similar to vinyl
siding. But unlike vinyl, the Hardiplank siding looks exactly like wood.
The product is a fiber-cement siding that resists rotting and cracking,
as well as damage from rain and hail. It is available pre-finished with
a 15-year paint warranty. Best of all, James Hardie siding is non-combustible
and its strength and thickness provide impact resistance to damage caused
by hail or wind. In addition, the siding comes along with a limited, transferable
warranty for up to 50 years.
The Hardiplank, looks like cedar or regular wood siding and it lasts forever,”
says Dustin. “It won’t burn or rot, it has the ability to
hold paint twice as long as other materials, and it requires far less
maintenance than either vinyl or wood siding.”
While siding installation remains a large part of the business, the firm
also offers extensive remodeling services. According to Dale, “Our
business consists of a combination of exterior renovation, new construction,
and remodels. Fifty percent of our contracts are for remodeling work and
it’s the most rewarding. Instead of completely tearing down an older
property, we can replace rotted wood or damaged stucco, we can build additional
rooms, install new windows, and perform many other jobs. When we’re
through, the homeowner has a house that looks brand new. Not only does
the house look great, but the owners are spared the financial burden and
aggravation often associated with a tear down.”
Also, for tax purposes, the homeowner is not reassessed for remodeling
and their homestead exemptions remain intact.
Dustin explains further, “We’re really into the concept of
being able to take an older house and, without having to tear it down,
we can make it look brand new for a fraction of the cost.”
From a simple job, such as remodeling the front elevation, to interior
updating of the kitchen and bath, wall tear downs, room additions and
carpentry, D.B. & Sons, Inc. are always personally on-site in order
to take the hassle out of any remodeling job, small or large. In fact,
the firm has been responsible for many large remodeling jobs at area landmarks,
including the La Playa Resort in Naples and Naples Grande, (formerly the
Registry Resort), where they completely remodeled the elegant lobby restaurant,
Cafe Chablis.
“The remodeling end of the business began when I built my house
in Illinois,” says Dale. “I realized then how much money could
be saved by doing most of the work yourself, rather than going through
a large contracting company. I understand that our clients, by hiring
our firm, are not doing the job themselves. But we’re as close as
you’re going to get to having friends and family working for you
on your job site.”
Family, indeed – Dale is responsible for customer service and satisfaction,
while Dustin and Jeremy can always be found on-site as field supervisors.
“One of the toughest things we’ve run into in Florida is the
lack of trust the public seem to have towards contractors,” says
Dale. “It’s understandable, though. As soon as any hurricane
damage occurs, the area is besieged with fly-by-night, unlicensed workmen.
We’re dedicated to building back public trust towards the industry.
Our company has been, and always will be, built on our integrity.”
It’s nice to have family in the business.
D.B. & SONS, INC.
28380 Old 41 Road Suite #10,
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239 498-9302
Written by Kristine Hughes
