If your old siding from the 80’s and 90’s is beginning to deteriorate then read more to identify masonite siding problems. Masonite siding is made from wood fibers combined with glue or resin, which is compressed through a heat process. Masonite siding may be called pressboard siding, synthetic wood siding or hardboard (not to be confused with HardiePlank®) siding. Unfortunately, masonite siding has some issues over time. Here’s how you can identify masonite siding problems.
How to tell if you have Masonite Siding?
The best way to tell what type of siding is on your home, is to go to an unfinished area like the attic or garage, and pull back the tar paper from the back of the siding and look for markings. See if you can locate either the manufacturer’s name or AHA code from the The American Hardboard Association. From there, you can search the code to see if it is masonite siding. The two largest manufacturers are Masonite Omniwood and LP’s Inner-Seal. Other pressboard siding brand manufacturers include Georgia Pacific (GP), ABTiCO or ABITIBI-PRICE, Weyerhaeuser, and Boise Cascade.
Insect Infestation
Insect Infestation
Inspect the foundation of your house or the bottom of the siding, for signs of bugs. Insects can breed and actually eat Masonry siding. Most masonite or hardboard siding comes pre-treated, but over time, if the coating is not maintained, it becomes suspectable to bug infestation.
Blistering
Blistering
Identify masonry siding problems
If the masonite siding is soft in areas, this could be caused from blistering. it is where the layers of compressed wood particles begin to separate. Therefore, moisture gets in causing the blistering.
Abnormal bulges means the masonite siding is absorbing water and expanding in the area. it literally is water logged and is in the process of rotting and becoming mildewed. it is a serious condition and may effect the structure of the house by leaching water behind the siding.
Buckling
Blistering
Identify masonry siding problems
Discoloration
Discoloration
Identify masonry siding problems
Even slight changes of color can identify that the masonite siding is beginning to rot or decompose. BE sure not to let sprinklers spray on siding, as this can cause discoloration, rot and mold issues. Also, make sure gutters are cleaned, so that water is kept away from siding.
DEterioration of masonite siding should be taken seriously. Check to see if pieces or chunks are missing from the Masonite. This would include holes, or obvious cracks. once masonite siding begins to get brittle, the damage is irreversible and must be replaced.
Deterioration
Deterioration
Identify masonry siding problems
Did you identify masonite siding problems? Now what?
If you have the damage listed in how to identify masonite siding problems, it is probably time to consider replacement siding.
Choosing the right siding material for your home is a decision that’s based on many factors, from the appearance to cost. As you are weighing the options, don’t ignore important considerations like durability and ease of maintenance. You want good looks that last! Todays options in appearance give you a wide variety of looks. Vertical siding, horizontal siding and various looks of shake shingles. Additionally, their are other options to consider like the durability, warranties, upkeep, energy efficiency and the cost.
At Lundberg Specialty Services in Charlotte, NC, we recommend two brands that have many of these options. You can read more about James Hardie siding or CertainTeed siding. We go into full detail about the different type of products, the looks, the energy efficiency, the maintenance and pictures of the standard colors. We are certified installers for James Hardie and CertainTeed. Replacement siding must be installed correctly to avoid warranties and future damage. We have been in business for over 25 years in North Carolina.
