Does Masonite lap siding tend to crack or chip?

Question

I'm having a friendly disagreement with my Dad as to whether masonite lap siding is better than t1-11 or other lap siding for use on rentals. I'm afraid of wasting time and money on a product that I will be replacing in a few years.

Answer 1

I had Masonite clapboard  siding on my first house and it cracked over time in some places like alligator skin. It also could get damp from a strong rain, but it was on the house for 25 years before I replaced it with vinyl siding. When you say lap siding I am assuming you mean clapboards. Is that what you are talking about?

Answer 2

The Masonite siding that is on the market now is much better than what was available 20 - 30 years ago.  Many of the problems have been resolved, so it should not be as much of a maintenance issue as it once was.

I would not use either siding, I would go for vinyl instead.  But, I sense budget is an issue.

If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the T1-11, mainly because if you decide vinyl is in order later, you can put it right over the T1-11 without too much trouble.  To vinyl with the lap siding, you would either need to remove the existing or add a backer to give an even surface for the vinyl.