Client in Connecticut has T-111 siding. No matter what they’ve done (power-wash, new stain, new paint, you name it) the siding begins to mildew within 2 yrs. EVERYTIME. Does anyone know of a proven exterior siding which is “mildew-resistant” or should I suggest they cut all the trees down and move the house away from the stream!? 🙂 Any insight is greatly appreciated. Bill
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I've had nothing but trouble with T-111. I'd never use it outdoors again. The kinds of wood it is made of are very prone to decay, and the cut of the wood makes it so porous that moisture soaks in like a sponge. I even had those tree fungus things grow on it.
If the client has enough money than Hardie siding is an excellent choice. It comes in many styles (shingle, clapboard, and textured panel). The textured panel would maintain a similar look to what they have now. Properly primed and painted according to the manufacturer's instructions, using good quality 100% acrylic topcoats with mildew resistant factory additives is about as good as you can do.
Letting light and air at the house helps a great deal, too. So if there is some trimming that can be done to let the sun at the house it would be wise to do.
http://www.jameshardie.com
Any idea if the Hardie product(s) can go right over the T-111 (obviously with a layer of Tyvek, etc..)?
I don't know. It seems that since you can put it over plywood, you could over T-111. However, I would think it a bad idea to trap mildew contaminated wood inside the walls. There may also be water damage behind the T-111 because it is such a poor siding material, which you would not be able to inspect for if you left the siding in place. If it were me, I'd rip it off for both of those reasons.
Yes. Trapping the mildew has been my concern. Removal will probably be the recommendation as the first part of the procedure.