I have masonite siding on my home and am about to paint. I've heard bad things about this product - opinions?

Question

The masonite has been on the property for about 17 years. Some parts need replacement, and the entire home needs a new coat of paint. I'm considering replacing all of it but don't want to bear the cost now so I'd prefer to cover it up with a good coat of paint. I'm aware the product was recalled at one time but I did not own the home when that occurred.

I'd appreciate any opinions about the product, it's expected life, problems, maintenance, etc.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Masonite is the worst thing, next to poplar wood,  you can have for exterior use. Virtually anything else is better in the long run. They no longer make siding, (thankfully), so it can be difficult to find replacement pieces.

How long you can make it last, depends on how much time and money you are willing to spend nursing it, and how neglected it is now. I have seen it look fair to about 30 years, (with regular maintenance). At 40, it is generally a total disaster.  

I am replacing some on a mobile home for a customer now.

If you do not keep after it, in addition to the fact that the siding will  deteriorate faster, the underlying wood can also be exposed to water damage, and insects, via the holes and gaps, that can quickly form.

I would plan on replacing it all, with a low maintenance product, as soon as you can.

Answer 2

Masonite is a good product. I built my dog house out of it as it is fairly resistant to rain. I covered it with roof sealer that you use with a membrane. The reverse side is very thirsty and you can forget about painting it. With the roof sealer you can also use the membrane on open areas like seams. The dog house is still bone dry inside.

After using the sealer you can paint over with normal paint.

Answer 3

Masonite's biggest problem is that it wicks water like a sponge. I would check all the nails as this is where masonite "mushrooms" around the nails and lets water in. Re-set the nails and provide a sealant/caulk over the top and around the nails.Caulk all joints good.

Now use a good primer - even if it was painted before I suggest another coat of good primer, then 2 coats of good paint.

Pay attention to anywhere siding is penetrated with outside hydrants, phone boxes, cable tv boxes, caulk around this really good.

Answer 4

Your siding is a fairly good product but like most wood products they require proper maintenance.. Keeping cracks sealed with caulk around windows and doors and a good coat of paint every ten yrs .or so.  If it's gotten wet and rotten it needs replacing, also there should be nowhere around the house where it comes in contact with dirt, rot and termites, and water damage would be evident there.