Can you still purchase Masonite siding?

Masonite Siding Problems. But, masonite developed many serious problems of its own. Just 20 years after its creation, the original manufacturers were hit with multiple class action suits because the material does so badly. It's currently still available as “hardboard” although most people still refer to it as masonite.

Why was Masonite siding discontinued?

It was "supposed" to be lower maintenance than its counterparts and last longer; however, time showed that this product was not living up to its hype. After about 20 years and class-action lawsuits, it is no longer manufactured. So, now that Hardboard siding is discontinued, what do you do?

Do they still make hardboard siding?

Now almost no manufacturers produce hardboard siding, but you might still encounter it on 1960s- through 1990s-era homes. If your home has this siding, you can keep it in good condition with vigilance and consistent maintenance.

What is another name for Masonite siding?

Masonite is a type of hardboard, a kind of engineered wood, which is made of steam-cooked and pressure-molded wood fibers in a process patented by William H. Mason. It is also called Quartrboard, Isorel, hernit, karlit, torex, treetex, and pressboard.

What is the cost of Masonite siding?

Prices. According to Cost Owl, at the time of publication, Masonite siding costs about $1.50 to $3 a square foot. A home that needs 2,500 square feet of siding can cost from $3,750 to $7,500 in materials alone.

IS THIS THE WORST BUILDING MATERIAL EVER?! (How To Identify/Address--MASONITE SIDING/HARDBOARD)

When should I replace Masonite siding?

Moisture damage

Since Masonite is made up of wood fibers, it is easily susceptible to moisture retention and eventually damage. Wood rot can spread rapidly and cause costly remodeling needs to your siding and your home. When siding buckles, softens, rots or blisters, it needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace Masonite siding with hardiplank?

Average cost: $1,500 - $9,000

Hardie board siding costs anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot of material installed on a home. If you were to replace siding on an average size home of 1,500 square feet, you could expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $9,000 in total installation and replacement costs.

Is Masonite or vinyl siding better?

It can cost 25 percent to 50 percent more than vinyl but is cheaper than wood. The main drawback is that, unlike vinyl, it requires more maintenance than vinyl and requires repainting or restaining every eight to 10 years because the color will fade.

What kind of siding was used in the 70's?

4) Asbestos Siding

When used as a siding, asbestos fibers were mixed with Portland Cement and pressed together to form what we know as asbestos siding. This type of siding was manufactured up to the late 70's, until it was deemed to be a health risk.

Is Masonite the same as hardboard?

Masonite is a type of hardboard, also referred to as HDF or high-density fiberboard, a type of fiberboard. As opposed to MDF or medium-density fiberboard.

What can I replace hardboard siding with?

HardiePlank siding is an excellent replacement option. Unlike hardboard, HardiePlank is a fiber cement siding, so it won't become damaged by the weather like the hardboard siding does. It's extremely durable, holds up to weather and people, and isn't going to swell, rot, crack, or otherwise fall apart.

Does Masonite have asbestos?

asbestos was not an ingredient in Masonite hardboard products.

When did builders stop using Masonite siding?

As a result of the lawsuit, nearly all manufacturers stopped producing Masonite siding and, in March 2001, the Masonite Corporation announced its decision to phase out production of all hardboard siding products.

How often does Masonite siding need to be painted?

It's extremely durable and low maintenance, only needing a new coat of paint every 10 to 20 years. Despite the myths about fiber cement siding, you can often prolong painting with proper washing and upkeep.

Can vinyl siding be installed over Masonite siding?

That's an important first step as vinyl siding should never be installed over the Masonite. Some vinyl siding replacement companies will simply attach the new vinyl to the old Masonite siding, which can cause issues in the future. It's actually extremely critical to remove the old Masonite from the exterior.

Is Masonite siding the same as hardiplank?

The Cost Differences Between James Hardie Fiber Cement and Masonite Siding. Clearly, masonite siding is going to be more affordable. Masonite siding is essentially like particle board, which is very cheap to make. It does not require a whole lot of materials, or a whole lot of work to make it.

Can you pressure wash Masonite siding?

A word of caution when house cleaning: if your home's exterior is Masonite or other hardboard siding, do not proceed with power washing. The intense pressure of the power washer can damage the siding; opt for the old stand-by garden hose and some household bleach to do the job.

Can Masonite siding be painted?

Masonite is easily damaged, so use caution when scraping off layers of old paint and sanding the surface. Also, Masonite siding will need a coat of primer prior to painting. A primer that is appropriate for Masonite is necessary and the siding must completely dry before applying top-coats of paint.

Do termites eat Masonite siding?

Inspect the outside of home for moisture problemsAn area that commonly rots and acts as harborage for termites is masonite siding.

How can you tell Masonite siding?

Inspect the back of the board to see if the manufacturer's name is printed there. Some of the largest hardboard siding manufacturers include Masonite, Weyerhauser, ABTCo/Abitibi and Louisiana Pacific (LP).

How much does it cost to replace Masonite?

Masonite Siding Average Costs #

Hardboard siding costs $2.50 to $5 per square foot installed. For an average-sized home with 1,500 exterior square feet, the total cost might be $3,750 to $7,500. Materials to replace a 12 foot by 1 foot section of Masonite costs $10 to $20.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.

Is Hardie board better than vinyl siding?

By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding. It easily stands up to the elements, resisting damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail, and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.

Does Hardie board increase home value?

James Hardie Siding Does Increase the Resale Value of Your Home. Whether or not if you're deciding to sell your home, having James Hardie Siding is going be one of the best investments you'll ever make. According to Family Handyman, you can recoup as much as 76% of the upfront cost of it upon the sale of your home.