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I was wondering if anyone has firsthand experience with masonite siding? My wife and I am considering buying older home (built 1958)that had masonite siding installed 7 years ago (1994). I am concerned about this siding material deteriorating and would like to hear from anyone who is familiar with this material. Any comments and feedback is appreciated. Thanks
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There have been major class action suits against several of the manufacturers of composite type sidings. Settlement funds were established, some (all?) have been tapped out.
I suggest a home inspection: someone who sees this stuff every day in your area and doesn't have an interest one way or the other.
In my area (NW Ohio) some composite siding lasts, some doesn't. Sometimes it's been improperly installed (e.g., overdriven nails) and sometimes improperly maintained.
Look first at the bottom course: if there is swelling or missing material, there are potential problems and it is more likely than not going to continue to deteriorate.
Look next at the nailing locations. The head of the nails (if exposed - some is, some isn't) should stand proud of the surface, not be sunk into it. Look for swelling around nail heads.
Look very closely at the bottom edges. Spend some time here. If the bottoms are swollen, or if the bottom edges look like a pack of cards on edge from the hairline cracks, you habe potential problems. A good paint job might solve the problem, but might not. This stuff has an uneven record.
My understanding is that different parts of the country have had differing success/failure of the material, so you rally need a local perspective.
*Mitchel,I have lived, experienced and still see horror stories with composite wood siding....run to the nearest exit...don't look back!!!!If your heart is set on that home, borrow enough extra to have the siding removed and replaced.Masonite siding sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......................Iron Helix
*O.k. iron helix...take a reality pill here...I'll be the first to admit the stuff ain't exactly great but my folks have it on their house (as well as I), and if installed properly and prepped/painted correctly, it should last 15 years easy. We are in MN, and have the full range of weather, and their siding has held up well since 1986 when it was installed. They had a few bad boards on the first course, but only because the previous owner had planted some shrubbery smack up against the house.I've seen just as many vinyl siding jobs that were stapled onto Bildrite fiberboard that swell and buckle and look disasterous. I agree with the inspector idea- go with a reputable one and ask him to poke into the siding in any places look questionable. I got burned on my first house when the previous guy filled a few too many holes with drywall mud and painted over...then again the siding was 20+ years old.Good luck-B
*A house I worked on recently was involved in the class action suit. The new owners were buying it regardless, but the thought of some day getting back some of the money they planned on spending anyway to reside didn't hurt. One day....they got a surprise settlement check in the mail..........for $64! The are still planning on residing in the spring. Masonite siding may last a few years, if pampered....but in general....it's a bad idea. Sometime in the near future......as house lives go.....it will need replaced. Jeff
*I've installed Masonite siding on some houses, no problems, other than 2 buckled pieces. The first one I did over 24 years ago. It's still fine. All these places are well maintained and drained. I am far from being a Masonite advocate, but, I'm not Chicken Little, either. 'course, nothin's gonna last like the Hardie plank I put on my own house...BB
*Hey!, I was built in '58 too but don't think I'm old. You better mind your manners, sonny.
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I was wondering if anyone has firsthand experience with masonite siding? My wife and I am considering buying older home (built 1958)that had masonite siding installed 7 years ago (1994). I am concerned about this siding material deteriorating and would like to hear from anyone who is familiar with this material. Any comments and feedback is appreciated. Thanks