Expert: Dave Johnson - 7/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to replace some siding that seems to have rotted along the base of our back porch. It is Masonite brand siding, and apparantly it wasn't very good (I read about the lawsuits).

I have some left over for replacing the damaged ones, but was wondering how to install it against cement and how to keep it from rotting (if possible).

There was calking along the bottom, where the board meets the cement porch, but I don't know what kind to use. I was also told that the siding shouldn't be touching the porch anyway. Our siding along the bottom is about a foot off the ground, but our porch is a foot above ground and that is where it is against the cement.

Can you tell me how to properly install this, what type of calking to use, and anything else I need to know?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi KC,
I know you  won't want to hear this, but ideally changing the siding one side at a time,would be best.

Having said that, install the left-over siding and keep it up
at least 6". No caulking will be required.
It sounds to me like you are attaching it to cement? If this is so,
you'll need concrete nails or screws.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.

What did you mean by changing the siding one side at a time. I included a link to pictures below that show the siding & porch and its where they meet at the bottom that I'm concerned about. The siding wasn't attached to the cement. I took the bad siding out, and underneath is black paper (maybe some kind of asphalt felt). If cut the siding in half, it would be 6 in above the porch, but I don't know what to put in place of the missing siding.

The first picture is my replacement. The second is another rotted piece that I haven't changed yet; notice the calking at the bottom of this one (it's painted though). It will be a pain because it is a long board and only the part sitting on the porch is rotted. I will have to take the whole thing off just to cut that small portion.

The pictures are at http://tinypic.com/4dujlpoo  ...I know allexperts.com has an upload feature but it stated "By uploading, you give AllExperts.com and its affiliates the right to publish, reproduce and distribute this image."

Answer
Hi KC,
O.K. I see, I thought you had a cement block building...
There is a product made of a cement that is used for siding. One brand
I've used is "Hardy Plank" and it will last indefinitely. It is the same thickness as your Masonite.
Sorry about the mix-up and the delay  (been on vacation)

Dave