Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 5/3/2007

Question
I am considering buying a house on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii built in 1990. The siding is Masonite. It looks very good but I am concerned about  problems since I am aware of the class action suits against the manufacturers for this product. Would you buy a Masonite sided house? Thanks.

Answer
Fred,

As a matter of fact, I did once buy a Masonite-sided house, in Mobile, Alabama.  

Masonite can hold up if installed properly, but it requires a higher level of diligent maintenance than other exterior materials:
(1) It must be a minimum of 8" above any ground surface, including mulches, etc.
(2) The paint finish must be maintained, especially around nails and cut ends and edges.  This includes caulking at corners, openings, etc.
(3) Landscape plantings must be kept away from the siding.  
(4) Rainsplash (from eaves) must be managed so as not to cause excessive/prolonged wetting of the siding.

If there are installation flaws then failure is more likely.

If it has held up well since 1990, and you have had the house inspected by a good local home inspector or engineer/architect (looking particularly for water infiltration issues), then the Masonite would not be a deal breaker for me.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

--Steve Major