I have a client whose house has some of the composite lap siding (LP?) where rot is starting in a few places. House is about 10 years old. It is not yet too bad, so suggesting that it all be torn off and replaced seems a bit excessive. I am thinking that if all the joints are inspected and sealed, then re-painted, the siding might last another few years (5?). any one have any thoughts on this idea? Any better ways to approach this issue?
Thanks
Paul
Indianapolis, IN
Replies
I think that both LP and Masonite corp have had claims to be settled for this junk. If he can validate the manufacturer, there may be a class action thing going on, or there should be.
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks for the thoughts. There is a class action against LP, but as far as I kmow, the deadine to file in the class action suit was dec 2001. Don't know about Masonite.
Paul
Be sure to apply a paintable preservative to the siding when it is dry. Make sure you get it on all joints and on the back of any piece that is subject to direct exposure to rain. A preservative contains a fungacide; rot is caused by a fungus.
Judson Bryant
When you say composite siding, exactly what do you mean. It soulds like some here are talking about hardboard siding (masonite type material?) - I assume that is what you mean...? LP did (and still does) make a product like that. check http://www.sidingconsultants.com/IDENTIFY.HTM
The main thing about hardboard Masonite type siding is that it is essential to keep gaps sealed up (including any nail heads that are incorrectly penertating the siding face surface) and keep a good coat of paint on it to keep water out. So may times in new construction this least expensive siding was installed, a quick caulk job of the least expensive caulk was applied, and then a single thin layer of latex paint was sprayed on the raw material (no field applied primer) and homeowners expected their new paint job on their new house to last 6 or 8 years... NOT!!! Although I think the old stuff was kr@p, I also think that homeowner's were just shooting themsleves in the foot by buying cheap square footage homes, not maintaining them, and wanting to blame the low $ builder who was just giving people what they wanted (inexpensive homes), or blaming the material manafacturer.
In your case, any "boards" that are badly deteriorated should be replaced. Very small spots can be "dug out" and filled with an exterior wood filler or even body putty. Then the whole job needs caulked (especially verticle cracks at corner boards, windows, etc) with a good quality acrylic latex caulk, and a finally heavy coat of good quality paint is applied. Be sure the bottom edges of each "board" are painted too.
Thanks for your thoughts. The unfortunate thing is that this is an expensive home on a lake. Most of the front is brick, but the back and side (facing the lake) are this composite siding.