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Is My Wood Siding Defective?

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Wood siding is an excellent siding product when properly installed and maintained. In fact, if you're diligent about keeping it painted or sealed to prevent weather damage and rot, it can last you a lifetime. That being the case, if your wood siding is failing, you've probably got yourself or your siding contractor to blame. There are always exceptions to the rule, however, and some manufactured products are recalled due to product failure. If you suspect your siding is defective, your best bet is to call in a third party siding contractor or supplier to inspect your home. They will be able tell you what's causing your siding problems, and where the blame for your problem lies.

Common Causes of Wood Siding Failure
With a few exceptions, wood siding problems are usually caused by one thing: excess moisture that seeps in and damages the wood. Where that moisture comes from can vary. Poor installation can leave gaps or spaces where water can penetrate the siding and cause it to fail. Homeowner neglect is also a prime culprit. If you put off re-painting or sealing your siding for too long, your siding will lose its ability to repel water and irreparable damage is sure to follow as water soaks into the wood.

Finally, poor drainage in the form of clogged or ineffective gutters can re-route water down the side of your home where it eventually takes its toll on the siding itself. The bad news is that once your siding is damaged, there's not much you can do to bring it back. Whether it was lax maintenance, poor installation, or product failure, you're going to have to replace the siding with new material.

Choosing Wood Siding
Fortunately, there is a wide range of wood replacement siding for you to choose from. Choosing the right siding is going to depend on your budget and tastes. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common siding materials if you want to stick with wood materials.

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  • Pine, Spruce, and Fir Clapboard Siding is one of the most popular, and cost effective, wood products you can purchase. Since they are all softwoods, however, they are more susceptible to weather and water damage, rot, and insect infestation, than some other options. Homeowners that go this route need to be diligent about regular maintenance (painting or sealing) to prevent these problems from occurring.

  • Cedar is an excellent siding material, most often found in the form of shakes or shingles. Cedar has natural oils in the wood that prevent decay, and repel moisture and insects, making it perfect for protecting your home. It's more expensive than softwood clapboard siding, and it will still need to be treated regularly, but as a rule it's a step up from pine, spruce, and fir.

  • Redwood, like cedar, naturally repels moisture and insects. In fact, when it comes to woods perfectly suited for outdoor applications, siding included, redwood gets the blue ribbon every time. Because of that, however, and where it comes from, this wood is not cheap. For many homeowners, the amount of money it would take to install redwood siding is prohibitive.

  • Wood panels are the most budget-friendly of all wood based siding. Wood panels are usually made from manufactured wood, and come in a variety of styles. T-11, board and batten, and channel groove wood panels are some of the most popular varieties.

    Talk to a Pro
    Regardless of whether you've got siding repair or replacement on the horizon, your best bet is to contact a professional siding installer who is experienced at working with wood siding materials. They are your best resource for identifying and fixing problems, and for getting advice on which variety of wood replacement siding is going to be the best fit for your home and your budget.

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

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