Results 1 to 16 of 16
  1. #1
    Tim Sheffield's Avatar
    Tim Sheffield Guest

    Default Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Received the inspection report today for the home I am looking to buy. I asked the inspector about the damage, shown in the attached image- sorry it is sideways, to the composite siding. This is a 2 story wall with swelling at various points well above anything that a sprinkler would hit. His report only included the second attached image of the lowest course of siding, and comment as to "Needs Attention" and the insinuation that the damage is caused by sprinklers directed at the home.

    I have yet to sign and return the inspection agreement and have a couple more days until needing to remove contingencies.

    Any advice? The home is located in an inland Los Angeles suburb. The second story, and presumably all siding, was built in 2003.

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Before buying ... consider the fix ... replacement of the siding.

    Personally, I think "Needs Attention" is a bit weak ... maybe something like ...

    Needs Attention Now

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Sheffield View Post
    Received the inspection report today for the home I am looking to buy. I asked the inspector about the damage, shown in the attached image- sorry it is sideways, to the composite siding. This is a 2 story wall with swelling at various points well above anything that a sprinkler would hit. His report only included the second attached image of the lowest course of siding, and comment as to "Needs Attention" and the insinuation that the damage is caused by sprinklers directed at the home.

    I have yet to sign and return the inspection agreement
    and have a couple more days until needing to remove contingencies.

    Any advice? The home is located in an inland Los Angeles suburb. The second story, and presumably all siding, was built in 2003.
    .
    Pay the Inspector,
    Sign and Return the Inspection Agreement
    .
    * call the Inspector After you've done so.
    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    2,365

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Sheffield View Post
    I have yet to sign and return the inspection agreement
    Wow.... in my state I stand to lose a quick $5K for delivering a report w/o a signed agreement.

    As for the siding, I can't see much from the pictures. I agree he maybe could have been more descriptive but, in the end, you got the info.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    West Chester PA
    Posts
    166

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Sheffield View Post


    Received the inspection report today for the home I am looking to buy. .....
    comment as to "Needs Attention" and the insinuation that the damage is caused by sprinklers directed at the home.

    I have yet to sign and return the inspection agreement and have a couple more days until needing to remove contingencies.

    Any advice? The home is located in an inland Los Angeles suburb. The second story, and presumably all siding, was built in 2003.
    siding material is not identified within the report and is not clear as to manufacturer from pictures only.

    water damaged areas indicate a fibreboard.

    you will need further review by a siding contractor to determine the specific type of siding and deficiency present for your geographic area.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    2,809

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Tim,
    As far as the inspection and report goes, the report may not be the best worded document in the world but it directed your attention to problems and issues with the property. When anyone expresses an opinion as to a cause of something it is just that an opinion unless it is stated as fact. The report section that you post may have been been better if there had been double spacing between the brick pealing and the statement about the sprinklers. I do not read the report as the problems are the result of the water sprinklers just that the sprinklers should be redirected and are a potential problem with water directed onto a house.

    The siding damage would appear to be caused by water infiltration.

    Your pict of the the siding shows points of damage in the siding. The vertical line of the damaged edges of the siding appears to co-inside with the valley above that vertical line.

    Advice is to get a competent contractor to determine the options and costs involved in correction of causes and the cost of repairs.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Baton Rouge, La.
    Posts
    91

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Tim, as others have said. The siding needs to be replaced. This is a very common problem with this type of siding, usually cased by lack of maintenance such as caulking seams and painting. Moisture penetrates the seams or splashes up from the ground and gets absorbed by the siding. People forget to paint the bottom edge of the siding near the ground!

    James Bohac

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snowbird (this means I'm retired and migrate between locations), FL/MI
    Posts
    4,086

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    The siding is in close proximity to the finished grade and vegetation apparently in the photographs from the report.

    Unknown type of composite or manufactured siding.

    The siding has apparently been recently repainted, presumably sprayed. History regarding use of power washer type of equipment upon home or painting/sealing when there is moisture behind siding can be problematic.

    This can pose a problem with both moisture infiltration and promotes insect intrusion.

    I do not see a drip edge or flashing at the base, note also swelling at the cut edges where abutting (not captured) trim inside corner, flashing, priming/sealing of cut ends, trim, transitions to other materials, unknown.

    Unknown if drainage plane from behind or splash back from overhang and ground level is negatively effected, presume so with proximity so close to finished grade level.

    Last edited by H.G. Watson, Sr.; 02-17-2012 at 07:53 AM.

  9. #9
    Tim Sheffield's Avatar
    Tim Sheffield Guest

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Thanks all for taking the time to reply.

    I have paid and signed off on the inspection, not putting this issue on the inspector. I understand the role of the inspection and with a 3000 SF house, I feel the inspection was thorough and useful. It just seemed like this failing siding would have been more prominent in the report. At least it was mentioned and it is something we know before buying.

    Now I am working with a contractor to determine the cost of repair, which in this case seems like replacement is the only option.

    Problem is we really like the house and believe the seller has reached their limit on price before short sale (they bought in 2006.) So I am trying to see if this one wall of siding showing signs of failure can limp along until we save for total residing of the house.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Posts
    895

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Question: What does the term, "Requires Attention" supposed to mean? It comes from someone using the canned phrase in reporting software no doubt. Who cares if it needs attention. Does it require repair or replacement - or not. Dumb phrase by itself.

    The above statements are expressed solely as my opinion and in all probability will conflict with someone else's.
    Stu, Fredericksburg VA

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    2,809

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Stuart,
    In agreement, "Needs Attention" is not definitive. It may be that the inspector just did not know what should be done and did not want to paint themselves into a corner.


  12. #12
    Darrel Hood's Avatar
    Darrel Hood Guest

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    To address the question in post #9, replacement can be delayed for quite a while. Judicious use of paint and caulk can probably almost halt the progress of damage so that replacement can be delayed for years. However, the siding must be completely dry when the temporary repairs are done.


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Minneapolis, MN
    Posts
    780

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    I agree with Darrel, as long as you can determine that the damage is all to the visible bits...however, that may not be the case. It's not an impressive installation job if the ends abutting the trim aren't even caulked. In the first photo it looks like a couple of the worst spots are at seams. And it's hard to be sure, but I'm seeing minor but quite extensive swelling along the lower edge of of the planks. You should check to make sure that the bottom edge is properly sealed - spray painting can easily miss this. You might also try feeling up under the bottom course of siding to see if you can feel the sheathing and whether there's any sign of moisture or rot. Primitive and limited in scope, but there isn't a whole lot you can do to check these things without taking siding off. Well, as far as I know, anyway - that's a better one for an HI to address.

    EDIT: looking at the date of the OP, I bet this HO is long gone anyway!

    Do not think of knocking out another person's brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago.
    - James Burgh, 1754.

  14. #14
    Tim Sheffield's Avatar
    Tim Sheffield Guest

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Thanks again for all the posts.

    I am in the house now. Warm dry weather for some time, looking to track down some Parker Paint's Flex Bind, caulk and paint, and do some maintenance.

    I am guessing that I should never try to sand this type of siding?


  15. #15
    Darrel Hood's Avatar
    Darrel Hood Guest

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    I wouldn't sand it.


  16. #16

    Default Re: Failing composite or hardboard siding

    Consider replacing the affected portions of siding with a smooth faced fiber cement product.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •