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composition siding

Composition Siding: LP and others

February 9, 2009 by David Helm · Leave a Comment 

David Helm

There has been a lot of controversy regarding composition wood fiber siding. Many brands of this type of siding by different manufacturers are known to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration. Failure is typically visible in the form of swelling, cracking and delamination, especially at the bottom edges. Class action lawsuits have been filed or are being filed against most manufacturers of this material. 

There are different levels of deterioration that may appear on this siding; everything from very minor, beginning stages of delamination all the way to major, where the siding is dramatically deteriorated and needs replacement.
For the less seriously damaged siding, some manufacturers (Louisiana Pacific) recommend a repair process where affected areas are sealed with “Permanizer Plus”, a flexible primer made by Pittsburgh Paint, followed by two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. This sealant must be applied to the bottom edges using a brush. The face of the siding can be sprayed. The “Permanizer Plus” sealer isn’t required for edges that aren’t swollen, cracked or deteriorated, but the acrylic latex should still be brushed on these edges.
 

 

The following photos show siding in the early stages of this deterioration.  These can all be treated with the “Permanizer Plus” product.  The important thing to note if you happen to won a house with this type siding is that regular maintenance is absolutely necessary.  If you are buying a house with this siding, be sure that your inspector looks long and hard at the condition.

Minor delamination

Minor delamination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delamination

Delamination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following photo shows LP siding inentification.  You have to look closely.  The knot in the pattern shows an L and  P in the creases.

LP logo in knot

LP logo in knot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


For more information, visit:

 

 

Pittsburgh Paints, PRIMERS -THE FOUNDATION FOR A TOP QUALITY JOB
Failing LP Siding Help Page

Thanks for reading.

David Helm, Bellingham home inspector

http://www.helmhomeinspections.com  

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