FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

MDF, Dryvit?

| Posted in General Discussion on May 11, 2005 07:02am

I looked at a home tonight where the HO pressure washed the shingles of their tudor home and the pressure “broke open” the wall surface some exposing the MDF siding. I say “siding” because the exterior of the wall is composed of 4’x4′ MDF panel, at least it looks like MDF.

Anyways..the MDF is disintegrating resulting in increasing failure now of the wall surface. Over top of this MDF is something…sorta like Dryvit? But it’s not. It’s more like a very heavy layer of latex  paint, but the paint is textured to look like knockdown on drywall finishing.

Confused yet? I”m trying to figure out if it really is MDF I”m looking at, and…..what the surface covering is. I need to remove 5 of these 4×4 panels and replacde them and need to paint/texture to match the rest of the home.

Anyone ever  heard of this?

Reply

Replies

  1. rez | May 14, 2005 06:10pm | #1

    Anyone ever  heard of this?

    If you could post a pic I'm betting you'll find out.

    Cheers

    This is purely a case of alien identity

  2. DaveRicheson | May 14, 2005 06:58pm | #2

    There was such a beast around a few years ago, but I thought it was an MDO panel. I am not sure who manufactured it, but GP comes to mind.

    It was used on the Tudor stile homes as a faux stucco look. Earlier versions were over tempered hardboard, but it had such a high failure rate they got away from it. Depending on the age of the house, you may have the hardboard version.

    The stuff was junk. Typical hardboard failures with edges swelling and the finish peeling off. You will likely find some water dmage behind the stuff when you take it off.

    Good luck with this one.

     

    Dave

    1. pyroman | May 15, 2005 07:38am | #4

      I think you may have hit it, this seems like what you're talking about. What is a good replacement for this stuff? What is MDO vs. MDF by the way?

      1. BillBrennen | May 15, 2005 08:59am | #5

        It sound like stucco board to me. Yes, Virginia, this is garbage.I know you asked Dave, but I think the Hardi products are excellent (fiber cement panels/boards). Don't know if you can find a matching pattern. If you replace it all, it does not need to match!MDO is Medium Density Overlay, a panel of usually veneer-core plywood with a heavy layer of smooth paper factory bonded to the face. It is used a lot for concrete forms and signage.MDF is Medium Density Fiberboard, which is a panel made from very small wood fibers and glue. It also has a smooth face, and is available in an exterior version.Bill

      2. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 15, 2005 12:58pm | #6

        What about using fiber cements panels. They make them in several "stucco" patterns.

        1. pyroman | May 17, 2005 04:24pm | #7

          Bill....where can I find 'em, the fiber cement panels in a stucco look? I confess, never saw them before anywhere.

          1. User avater
            BillHartmann | May 17, 2005 05:00pm | #8

            Hardie (Hardy) and Certainteed both have 4*8 (4*9) sheet panels in different patterns.Check there websites to see which patterns they have and for the dealers.I think that there are a couple of other FC brands around, but those are the 2 biggies.

  3. ruffmike | May 14, 2005 09:49pm | #3

       To me the coating sounds like Texcoat, a sprayed on film from '60s-70s that was supposed to be impenaratable, but failed miseribly.

      Lots of class action suits ect.

     It was put over anything because it was failsafe. Used in new constrution and also sold like vinyl siding.

      In the late '70s I made alot of money installing siding in a neighborhood that had a large settlement against the builders.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Scaled to Suit the Site

This thoughtfully designed home preserves the character of its neighborhood while maximizing space for a growing family through careful attention to scale, rooflines, and material choices.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Sharp-Blade Solution
  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in