I have a problem with T-111 type wood panels on the outside of my home. There are several ‘rotten’ spots at the bottom of the panels. I can clean them up and “fill them in” but, I don’t know which is best; fiberglass or wood filler. I tried Duhrams about 18 months ago and it worked for awhile. I am looking for a longer solution without replacing the boards. I would also need a great primer for the same application. I painted with American Traditions paint recommended by Consumers Reports and have not been happy with the product. Thanks to all that may have an idea for me.
Edited 6/28/2008 11:27 am ET by HealthyJohn
Replies
Greetings John,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
We did this one already rezzie baby.http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=106510.1
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Well, it's good to see his perserverence in reposting got him what he needed.
be sticktoitiveness
Thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry for the delay in replying. Pulled back muscle. Decided to try to repair the siding because it was 'easier'. Using Bondo fibergalss, sealing with gripper primer and repainting. Everything that was said is probably right but, the siding is not bad enough yet to replace all the boards. One reason: wife " if we have to replace the boards, we'll just stucco, aluminum, or brick the house." This takes the job from $1000 to tens of thousands. Understand the reasoning? Thanks again for the help!
Well, we all know (at least us'ns that are married) about keeping the wife happy!
The home centers sell T-111 for about thirty bucks a board. I might get lucky with a paint match. I'd find out what is causing them to rot before you break out the instructions for your hammer.
Bottom of the panels? Are they sitting too close to the ground? No point in fixing them unless you fix the cause as well...PaulB
Thanks for the question. They are about 3 - 4" from the ground and I have shut off the sprinklers that would have hit that area in the past. I know the fiber glass is iffy but, I have to try. I am also going to Polyeurathane all of the ragged bottoms that don't need repair but could in a year or so. Thanks again!
3 or 4 inches is too close to the ground (in general). Do you have gutters that dump water down there? Leaves that pile up? Snow?
Any of these will cause the rot you're getting. Often over time, the ground will gradually migrate back towards the house and bring the bottom of the shingles closer to the ground, hastening the rot.PaulB
Thanks for the thought, Paul. I live in Florida and so we don't get a lot of snow or flooding. Actually, I just went out to measure the 'exact' space and it is 6-7". I believe the real culprit was the sprinkler system and I have eliminated that zone. I mulch to eliminate splashing as much as possible. I do not have roof runoff in that area and gutter where necessary. I am 'priming' the edge and bottom foot of wood with a 'polyurethane' and then outdoor latex paint. I am using 'bondo' to repair the 1-2" that need filling. Thanks for replying.
Edited 7/17/2008 12:34 pm ET by HealthyJohn