Home Siding Options

When considering redoing the outside of one's home all options should be considered.  Masonite siding is a popular brand of hardwood siding.  It is made by taking hard wood fibers, wax,  and resins, and putting them all together under pressure to form either lap siding or panel siding.  Because of the way that masonite siding is manufactured it can be produced in a wide variety of colors and textures.  For all intents and purposes it looks and feels like a real wood and can be used anywhere that a hardwood would be applied.  It is a versatile product that when used outside will need to be painted every five or six years.

While masonite siding has the looks of real wood,  it also has some of its disadvantages too.  Insects will move into it,  it burns and it can develop wood rot.  It can also develop cracks and peeling if not maintained properly.  When it is installed it needs to be primed prior to painting and then painted immediately.  Masonite siding can be treated with insecticides and chemicals to stop the growth of fungus.  Proper maintenance is one of the keys to using masonite siding.  If properly maintained it will retain its beauty and structural integrity for years.

Experience has shown that the number one key to masonite siding satisfaction is a proper installation.  It can be easily installed using a hammer and other tools found around the home.  However if the nails are not put in properly it will break the seal,  allow water inside and result in damage to the siding.  There are manufacturer's instruction manuals available for the installer and they say that the process is a simple one.  However,  most of the problems associated with the use of masonite siding have been traced to faulty installation.  

It is highly recommended that a professional install the masonite siding.  While the installation is no more difficult than advertised by the manufacturer,  it does require a precise attention to detail.  Nails can not be driven in too far without damaging the masonite siding.  All cut end edges need to to be primed and painted. The wood can not come in contact with the ground and the bottom rows should be hand-painted to ensure a water tight seal.