Defective Siding and EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) Issues
EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) Issues
Siding and Dry-rot Problems Gallery
Defective Siding
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Defective LP siding |
There are hundreds of potential siding related problems. Most of you visiting this site might be familiar with the obvious ones such as defective Louisiana-Pacific siding or hazardous asbestos shingle siding. However, siding problems could be the result of poor installation, extreme weather exposure, improper nailing, inadequate flashing, poor paint coverage, inappropriate caulking, fungal growth, or delayed maintenance. These are just a few samples of what might be causing your siding problems. The bottom line is you have a problem that needs to be addressed before it leads to more significant problems, costs, or headaches.
What is composite wood siding?
There have been well over 100 different types of wood composite sidings manufactured in the last fifty years. They have been manufactured to look like horizontal lap siding, panel (T1-11) siding, board & batten siding, cedar shingle siding, and just about anything else available in real wood.
Most wood composite siding products are made with wood by-products such as Orientated Strand Board (OSB) (also known as Wafer Wood) or sawdust. The by-products are generally mixed with resins and pressed together to make panels typically 3/8" to 5/8" thick. Next, faux wood-grain embossed overlays are adhered to the face of the panels with resin and heat. Finally, the large panels are cut into smaller panels or lap siding.
How to identify composite wood siding
The age of your home might be a good indicator of what type of siding you have.
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Your home was built: |
You might have: |
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1980 - 1998 |
Masonite Hardboard Siding |
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mid 1980s - Dec. 1995 |
Louisiana-Pacific Inner-Seal Siding |
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1981 - 1999 |
Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding |
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1982 - 1997 |
Stimson Forestex |
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1992 - late 1990s |
Masonite Omniwood Masonite Omniwood Class Action Suit (most was installed in the Northwest 1994-1999) |
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after Jan. 1996 |
Louisiana-Pacific Siding (Most likely the next generation product not covered under the class action lawsuit. You will need to file a warranty claim directly with Louisiana-Pacific if you are having problems.) |
Consumer Alert!
Facts about residing over composite panel (T1-11) siding
June, 2001, Source: Bill Jacob - Former LP employee and consultant
There are severe problems associated with installing new siding over defective wood composite panel (T1-11) siding or any other type of defective siding.
Manufacturers: Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Masonite Corp., and Weyerhaeuser Corp.
Product Names: Inner-Seal Panel Siding, Omniwood Panel Siding, Weyerhaeuser Panel Siding
Other Names: T1-11 Siding, Sheet Siding, and Composite Panel Siding
Physical Description: Four-foot wide sheets of wood composite panels (similar to plywood) manufactured in eight, nine, and ten-foot lengths. Panels range in thickness from 3/8" to 5/8", however most panels are 7/16" (before swelling). Panels have either smooth, stucco, or wood-grain embossed surfaces. Some wood-grain panels have vertical grooves spaced every four to eight inches.
Problem: All panel siding must be removed and replaced during the residing process. If it is not removed, it will continue to deteriorate and cause future problems. Most siding companies mislead customers by claiming they can install new siding over defective panel siding. Some also claim they can kill any and all current and future toxic fungal growth by treating the surface of panel siding with a fungicide, bottom edge sealant, or borax rod treatment. However, most panel siding problems, such as dry-rot and toxic fungus growth, lay underneath the surface of panel siding and cannot be detected or eliminated without removing all of the panel siding. In addition, most new siding warranties will be voided if you install new siding over defective panel siding. They have limitations that explicitly exclude failure due to defects in the underlying structural sheathing, framing, or substrate (the material you're siding is nailed to).
Consequences: If you apply siding over composite T1-11 and later decide to sell your house, you may need to disclose this information to your realtor and any potential buyers. Failure to disclose this could result in future liabilities for all parties involved.
Acceptable Replacement Methods: There are two safe and acceptable ways to replace defective composite T1-11 panel siding. The first way is to simply remove it and replace it with a quality real wood panel T1-11. The second way is to remove it, install new sheathing, install new moisture barrier, and install new horizontal lap siding instead of T1-11.
Note from A Cut Above: The reason we are bringing this information to your attention is so you can make an informed decision about composite T1-11. We see too many unsuspecting homeowners make decisions based on false information and bad advice. We are adamant about removing composite T1-11 because our experience has made us aware of all the serious consequences involved with leaving it on. This imperative information is probably why more people have trusted us to replace their composite T1-11 than any other company in the Portland area.
EIFS Issues
What is EIFS (synthetic stucco)?
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Read these articles in which A Cut Above Exteriors owner Mark Tiffee answers questions about EIFS and EIFS replacement:
- Mark Tiffee Discusses EIFS with the Oregonian
- Replacing Synthetic Stucco With Peace of Mind - Professional Remodeler
EIFS is short for Exterior Insulation and Finish System. EIFS is different than traditional hard coat stucco. EIFS utilizes a thick insulation board installed on top of your plywood wall sheathing before the surface finish is applied. Most problems are a result of moisture getting behind or trapped in the EIFS. The foam insulation board acts like a sponge and traps water against your plywood sheathing. Eventually, with enough moisture you can experience thousands of dollars in dry-rot and structural damage.
What to do if your house has EIFS (synthetic stucco)
If your house is sided with EIFS you should contact an experienced EIFS inspector immediately. Make sure the inspector you hire is independent and does not own an EIFS repair and/or replacement company. A good inspection will typically cost $600 to $3,000 depending on the size of your home and the extent of your problems.
After your inspection is complete, you should contact us for a free estimate so you can determine if you should repair or replace your EIFS. We do not endorse any inspectors, but we know the following four companies are experienced EIFS inspection companies.
- Independent Building Inspections, Portland, Oregon
503-646-5376, tobi@iibii.com - Western Architectural, Portland, Oregon
503-297-0665, info@westernarchitectural.com - EIFS & Stucco Consultants, Wilsonville, Oregon
503-682-4008, info@eifsconsultants.com - Forensic Waterproofing Consultants, Portland, Oregon
503-772-1114, matt@forensicwp.net
Related Web Sites
These are useful links if you want to research defective siding, EIFS, or file a claim. They also have pictures, FAQ's, and other useful information.
EIFS Information @ Kinsella Communications
Louisiana-Pacific Class Action Suit
Masonite Omniwood Class Action Suit
Stimson Forestex Class Action Suit
