Hardboard siding was once a popular, wood-like exterior that homeowners chose because of its affordability and practicality. Now almost no manufacturers produce hardboard siding because of its poor durability and manufacturing regulations. Still, you might see it in older homes or even have it in your own home.
If you do have it in your home, it’s important to know how to take care of it so it doesn’t deteriorate or cause structural issues. Read on to learn the downsides of hardboard siding, maintenance tips, and suggestions for alternative siding materials.
What Is Hardboard Siding?
Hardboard siding is a type of engineered wood product. To make hardboard siding, manufacturers press together wood fibers and adhesives to form a dense material. Then, they stain and texture it to resemble natural wood siding, often in horizontal lap designs.
Hardboard siding is very different from other engineered wood products like oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, or fiber cement siding. While these materials may look similar, they have different compositions and durability levels.
Why Don’t Homeowners Want Hardboard Siding Anymore?
Despite its initial success, hardboard siding began to fall out of favor in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This was partially due to environmental regulations becoming stricter, which made the manufacturing process more expensive and complicated.
However, the biggest reason why hardboard siding failed is because of the product’s poor performance. Hardboard is susceptible to moisture damage, and cases of degradation became more common as hardboard grew in popularity.
Legal Challenges
In 1994, dissatisfied homeowners launched a class-action lawsuit against some of the manufacturers of hardboard siding. They won the lawsuit, and as a result, manufacturers had to deal out compensation for products that didn’t perform well.
This was the final nail in the hardboard coffin. After the lawsuit, it never made a comeback.
Maintenance and Performance Issues
Hardboard siding’s biggest weakness is its susceptibility to moisture. The material is highly absorbent, and without proper maintenance, it can deteriorate. Once it gets wet, the siding loses its durability and can eventually break down. If that happens, you’ll have to replace the rotten hardboard siding on your home.
Maintenance Requirements
To keep hardboard siding in good condition, homeowners have to do the following:
- Paint and seal regularly to maintain a water-resistant barrier.
- Caulk joints and seams regularly to prevent water infiltration.
- Repair any damage, such as cracks or holes, quickly to prevent deterioration.
Diligent maintenance can extend the life of hardboard siding, but the time and cost can be a dealbreaker when you compare it to modern siding options like fiber cement or vinyl. While hardboard is affordable, the waterproofing efforts and frequent repairs make it less cost-effective.
Performance Concerns
Even if you maintain it properly, hardboard siding has some flaws. Its poor insulation properties, limited sound-dampening capabilities, and potential for mold growth and insect infestation make it much riskier than many types of modern siding materials.
Caring for Older Hardboard Siding
If you have existing hardboard siding in your home, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. Here are some strategies for maintaining older hardboard siding:
Inspect Frequently
Inspect your siding regularly to catch any issues early. To do this, homeowners should:
- Examine the siding at least twice a year, focusing on regions more susceptible to damage like the lower sections and areas around doors and windows.
- Look for cracked paint, damaged sealing, missing caulk, loose flashing, and any signs of holes that might allow moisture to seep in.
- Pay special attention to areas near the foundation since they’re closer to water runoff and ground moisture.
Make Repairs Quickly
Quick repairs can mean the difference between a simple touch-up and a full siding replacement. Address any issues as soon as you notice them to prevent any further damage and avoid pricey repairs. It may seem overly cautious, but being proactive can save you money and increase your siding’s lifespan.
Optimize Drainage
Proper drainage around your home can help protect hardboard siding from moisture damage. This means that your ground should slope away from your foundation at a grade of at least 5% (6 inches over 10 feet).
Make sure your downspouts end at least 4 feet away from your foundation to reduce the chance of water damage. If you need to, buy splash blocks to further direct water runoff away from the house. Similarly, maintain gutters regularly to prevent leaks and overflows.
Likewise, keep ample space around your house so nothing is pressing up against the siding. Avoid climbing vines on the side of the house, as they can cause moisture damage and allow mold or insect infestation. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent constant contact with the siding. This allows for better airflow and reduced moisture buildup.
If your home has older hardboard siding that’s still in good repair, you can keep it looking beautiful by staying on top of maintenance. Large areas of deterioration, however, mean it’s time for an upgrade.
Treat it Gently
Whenever you’re cleaning or maintaining hardboard siding, treat it gently. Avoid using power washers, which can force water into the siding. Instead, clean your siding with a mild house wash detergent and a soft sponge to lift dirt without damaging the siding’s finish.
Once you’re done cleaning, rinse with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting to wash away residues without risking water penetration.
Alternatives to Hardboard Siding
There are many different types of house siding, but the best choice for your home will depend on your budget, design preferences, and durability expectations. Given the downsides of hardboard siding, it makes sense to explore some alternatives.
Fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, engineered wood siding, hardwood siding, and natural wood siding (like wood shake siding) are just a few alternatives to hardboard. They all offer improved durability and lower maintenance requirements than hardboard siding, so you really can’t go wrong with any of the choices above.
