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  • INSULATION
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InspectAPedia ® Home

EXTERIORS of buildings

ADHESIVES, EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
AGE of a BUILDING - how to determine
ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings
ANIMAL ODORS IN buildings
ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID
ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE

BARK SIDE UP on DECKS & STEPS
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE
BRICK FOUNDATIONS & WALLS
BRICK STRUCTURAL WALL Loose Bulged
BRICK WALL THERMAL EXPANSION CRACKS
BRICK VENEER WALL Loose, Bulged
BRICK WALL DRAINAGE WEEP HOLES
BOOKSTORE - EXTERIORS
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
BUILDING SETTLEMENT

CARPENTER ANTS
CARPENTER BEES
CATCH BASINS
CAULK GUN TYPES, CHOICES
CAULKS & SEALANTS, EXTERIOR
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
COLUMNS & POSTS, DEFECTS
CONTAINER HOUSING
CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
CONNECTORS, FASTENERS, TIES
CRAWL SPACES

DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION
DECK CONSTRUCTION BEST PRACTICES
DECK COLLAPSE Case Study
DECK FINISHES COATINGS PRESERVATIVES
DECK FLASHING LEAKS, ROT Case Study

DEFINITIONS of ENGINEERED WOOD OSB LVL etc
DRYWELLS, FRENCH DRAINS for FLAT SITES

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
EIFS & STUCCO EXTERIORS
EXTERIOR WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES

FLASHING MEMBRANES PEEL & STICK
FLASHING for METAL ROOFS
FLASHING ROOF WALL DETAILS
FLASHING ROOF-WALL SNAFU
FLASHING SIDING DETAILS
FLASHING WALL DETAILS
FLASHING WINDOW DETAILS
FLASHING WOOD ROOF DETAILS
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FROST HEAVES, FOUNDATION, SLAB
FOOTING & FOUNDATION DRAINS
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
FRENCH DRAINS

GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
GLUES ADHESIVES, EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
GRADING, DRAINAGE & SITE WORK
GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams
HOUSE PARTS, DEFINITIONS
HOUSEWRAP / SHEATHING WRAP
HOUSEWRAP INSTALLATION DETAILS
HOUSEWRAP PRODUCT CHOICES
HOUSEWRAP at SILLS, SOLES, TOP PLATES
HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET

ICE DAM PREVENTION
INSECT INFESTATION / DAMAGE

KIT HOMES, Aladdin, Sears, Wards, Others

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEAD TEST KIT for HOME USE
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LOG HOME GUIDE
LIGHTNING PROTECTION

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PRIORITIES
METAL LATH, PLASTER & STUCCO
MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS
MOISTURE CALCULATIONS
MOISTURE PROBLEMS: CAUSE & CURE
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
OIL TANKS

PAINT & STAIN GUIDE, EXTERIOR
PAINT & STAIN LIFE CHART
PAINT & STAIN SELECTION & PROCEDURES
PAINT ANALYSIS, DIAGNOSTIC USES
PAINT ANALYSIS, TYPICAL COSTS
PAINT FAILURE ANALYSIS LAB PHOTOS
PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
PAINT FAILURE DICTIONARY
PAINT LAB SAMPLE PREPARATION
PAINT SURFACE PREPARATION
PAINTING MISTAKES
PORCHES & Sunrooms
PORCH CONSTRUCTION & SCREENING

RAILINGS, DECK & PORCH
RAILINGS, STAIRWAY
RETAINING WALL DESIGNS, TYPES, DAMAGE
RETAINING WALL GUARD RAILINGS

ROOF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF DORMER TYPES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
ROT, FUNGUS, INSECT DAMAGE
ROT RESISTANT LUMBER
ROT, TIMBER FRAME
ROT, TIMBER ASSESSMENT

SEARS KIT HOUSES
SHEATHING, Gypsum board
Sheathing Celotex Homasote & Other
SHEATHING, OSB
SHEATHING, Plywood
SHEATHING, FOIL FACED - VENTS
SIDING TYPES, INSTALLATION, DEFECTS
SIDING, ALUMINUM
SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT
SIDING ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES on WALLS
SIDING ASPHALT SHINGLE or SHEET
SIDING DAMAGE by SPLASHBACK
SIDING EIFS & STUCCO
SIDING, FIBER CEMENT
SIDING HARDBOARD
SIDING STEEL
SIDING VINYL
SIDING, WOOD PRODUCT CHOICES
SIDING, WOOD INSTALLATION
SIDING WOOD, FAILURES OVER FOAM BOARD
SIDING WOOD, FLASHING DETAILS
SIDING WOOD SHINGLE INSTALLATION
SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
SOUND CONTROL in buildings
STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
STAINS on & in BUILDINGS, CAUSES & CURES
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAINS on/near CHIMNEYS
STAINS on ROOFS
STAINS on STONE
STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS
STONE CLEANING METHODS
STONE VENEER WALLS
STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION
STUCCO WAll FAILURES DUE TO WEATHER
STUCCO WALL METHODS & INSTALLATION
STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION
STUCCO PAINT FAILURES
SURFACE GRADING, SITE DRAINAGE

TERMITES
TEST KITS for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLE TESTS
Thermal Expansion Cracking of Brick
THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS
THERMAL IMAGING, THERMOGRAPHY
THERMAL IMAGING MOLD SCANS
THERMAL MASS in BUILDINGS
TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING
TRIM, EXTERIOR CHOICES, INSTALLATION

VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in buildings
VENTILATION in BUILDINGS
VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO
VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS
Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs

WALL CONSTRUCTION BARRIER vs CAVITY
WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR BUILDING
WATER ENTRY in buildings
WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING
WINDOWS & DOORS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING

More Information

Winter conditions make tracing water leaks & rot easy (C) Daniel Friedman Exteriors of Buildings
Drainage, Drives, Grading, Gutters, Landscaping, Paint, Patios, Siding, Trim, Walks: Install, inspect, troubleshoot, repair
     

  • EXTERIORS of buildings - How to Detect,Diagnose & Repair Building Exterior Defects, Failures, Leaks, & Other Problems
  • Questions & Answers about troubleshooting, installing, repairing, & maintaining the exteriors of buildings
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • EXTERIORS of buildings - home
  • AGE of a BUILDING
  • ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS
  • ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings
  • ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID
  • BRICK WALL DRAINAGE WEEP HOLES
  • CATCH BASINS
  • DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION
  • DRYWELL DESIGN & USES
  • CAULKS & SEALANTS, EXTERIOR
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
  • DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION
  • DRYWELLS, FRENCH DRAINS for FLAT SITES
  • EIFS & STUCCO EXTERIORS
  • EXTERIOR WALL & SIDING FINISHES
  • FLASHING on BUILDINGS
  • FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
  • GRADING, DRAINAGE & SITE WORK - home
  • GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS - home
  • HOUSEWRAP / SHEATHING WRAP
  • ICE DAM PREVENTION
  • INSECT INFESTATION / DAMAGE
  • LIGHTNING PROTECTION
  • MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS - home
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
  • PAINT & STAIN GUIDE, EXTERIOR
  • PAINT & STAIN LIFE CHART
  • PAINT & STAIN SELECTION & PROCEDURES
  • PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
  • RETAINING WALL DESIGNS, TYPES, DAMAGE
  • ROOFING DIAGNOSIS INSPECTION & REPAIR
  • SIDING TYPES, INSTALLATION, DEFECTS
  • SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
  • STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS
  • STONE VENEER WALLS
  • STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PROBING
  • STUCCO WALL METHODS & INSTALLATION
  • TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING
  • TRIM, EXTERIOR CHOICES, INSTALLATION
  • VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION
  • WALL / WINDOW LEAK DIAGNOSIS
  • WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
  • WATER ENTRY in buildings - home
  • WINDOWS & DOORS - home
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Building exteriors & building sites: these articles explain how to find, diagnose, and repair building exterior defects on residential and most commercial buildings, including chimneys, decks, drives, exterior paint and stain, gutters, patios, rot, mold, or termite damage, exterior stairs and railings, wall siding and trim, windows, doors, & walks. From choosing an adhesive to water entry & winterizing a building we explain how to diagnose & cure troubles on the building exterior. This website explains to find, diagnose, repair & prevent building exterior building & building site defects for most building types and properties.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Guide to Diagnosing & Repairing Building Exterior Defects, Failures, Leaks, & Other Problems

Wind damaged vinyl siding (C) Daniel FriedmanBuilding exterior troubleshooting from A to Z: seelinks listed at Related Topics or scroll down to see detailed articles on building exterior component inspection, diagnosis, and repair. chimneys, vinyl siding, hardboard siding, synthetic stucco, lightning protection, paint failures, oil storage tanks, roof leaks, slate roofing, asphalt shingle roofing, and septic systems. This includes explanation of causes of building exterior defects, how to spot them, how to repair them, and how to prevent them.

Building exterior troubleshooting topics explained include attic condensation, chimneys, environmental hazards, vinyl siding defects, masonite or other hardboard siding, exterior paint failures, lightning protection, above ground and buried oil tanks, septic systems, termites, and structural rot. proper use of vapor barriers,

We explain how to identify, diagnose, repair or prevent building defects and environmental hazards associated with building exteriors, site conditions and the building envelope. Links on this page direct the reader either directly into an in-depth article on the topic or to our collection of such articles.

A Quick Photo Guide to Building Architectural Styles

The illustrations of building architectural types shown below are provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a regular contributor to InspectAPedia.com. (Click to enlarge).

Early Classic Revival Architecture (C) Carson Dunlop Associates Greek Revival Architecture (C) Carson Dunlop AssociatesAdam Architecture (C) Carson Dunlop Associates

See ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID for our quick photo/image guide to residential building architectural styles, building types, roof shapes and types, window types

Building Exterior Problems: Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair

  • NewAGE of a BUILDING - how to determine How to Determine the Age of a Building from Visual or Documentary Clues
  • ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID, photo/image guide to residential building architectural styles, building types, building component identification, dormer shapes, roof shapes and types, window types, etc.
  • ASBESTOS CEMENT & FIBER CEMENT ROOFING, also see SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT
  • Abatibi Siding Class Action Lawsuit Claims hardboard siding failure description & contact information for attorneys
  • ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE and Ice Dam Leaks - Detection and Correcting Venting and Condensation Problems in buildings
  • BARK SIDE UP on DECKS & STEPS - how to place deck boards, stair treads, trim boards, so that cupping does not present a problem; also avoiding shelling damage to deck boards and trim.
  • Boise Cascade Siding Class Action Lawsuit Claims hardboard siding failure description & contact information for attorneys
  • Cement Asbestos Siding Shingles how to identify and repair, sources of replacement fiber cement shingles
  • Chimneys fire hazards, heating flues, woodstoves, coal stoves, & fireplaces: chimney inspection, defects, safety concerns, repair methods
  • Deck & Porch Construction Guide - Deck & Porch construction details for safe, durable structures. Also see DECK COLLAPSE Case Study and DECK FLASHING LEAKS, ROT Case Study
  • EIFS: SIDING EIFS & STUCCO building wall cladding installation defects, leaks, damage, class actions - links list
  • Environmental hazards: allergens, EMF, lead paint, lead in water, leaks, moisture, venting, mold-contamination, MVOCs, radon, toxic gases
  • Hardboard siding Boise Cascade, Georgia Pacific, Masonite, etc: siding failures, inspections, class actions
  • ICE DAM PREVENTION - what causes ice to dam up along roof edges and valleys, and later to leak into buildings? How to prevent ice dam formation and ice dam leak damage
  • PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION - extensive library of how-to articles on diagnosing and preventing paint problems on buildings and in art conservation
  • Photograph of - alligatoring paint Diagnose, fix, or prevent peeling paint & all other types of paint failures on building exteriors, alligatoring cracking peeling paint, diagnosis, repair, types of paint failure, causes, paint failure references, diagnostic checklist, paint failure prevention
  • PAINT / STAIN SELECTION & PROCEDURES discusses choosing the right paint and procedures for painting building exteriors
  • PAINT SURFACE PREPARATION and PAINTING MISTAKES describe how to get a good paint job on buildings.
  • Lightning Protection & Lightning Strike Risk Assessment, Protection System Information & Services what are the chances of my home being struck by lightning? how to prevent lightning strike damage at homes, lightning arrestor system inspections.
  • Log Home Inspection & Repair Guide - how to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems on log houses; how to identify and determine the age of different types of log homes: traditional log homes, manufactured log homes, slab-sided log homes, and alternative log homes using concrete logs and fiberglass logs.
  • Masonite Siding Claims - hardboard siding failure, class action, settlement, claims advice
  • MOBILE HOME INSPECTION GUIDE- a mobile home, manufactured home, and trailer inspection guide
  • Oil Storage Tank Information Website
  • Photograph of - leaky oil tank: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
    Oil Tanks Above Ground, UL Standards, guidance for home owners, buyers, and inspectors
  • Plant Disease and Insect Clinic NC Coop. Extension
  • PORCH CONSTRUCTION & SCREENING - detailed guide to best construction practices
  • Roofing & Flashing
    GO TO Roofing Information Failures, Defects, Inspection, Repair for owners and buyers
  • ROT, FUNGUS, TERMITES - how to inspect for, find, repair, & prevent damage from wood destroying insects
  • Septic System Information Website
  • GO TO The Septic Information Website - Extensive, Detailed Consumer and Industry Information on Septic System Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Repairs, Alternative Designs for on-site waste disposal
    • Sewage and Septic backup contamination in buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources
  • SIDING TYPES, INSTALLATION, DEFECTS - how to identify types of building siding; siding characteristics, materials
  • SIDING EIFS & STUCCO - traditional stucco, three-coat stucco, stucco recipes, thin coat stucco, EIFS systems installation, inspection, diagnosis, repair suggestions
  • Stairs and Railings: A Checklist for Stair, Railing, Landing Safety Inspections
  • STONE CLEANING METHODS - guide to contaminants affect stone or masonry surfaces, cleaning & prevention advice
  • SHEATHING, FOIL FACED - VENTS - are vent strips needed on exterior walls where foil faced building insulating sheathing is installed?
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS - how to diagnose the cause of various building stains, what do they mean about building condition? what do stains mean about building energy efficiency and heating or cooling costs?
  • STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS what causes stair or ramp falls and injuries? how do we inspect and correct stair, railing, guardrail, and ramp safety problems?
  • SKYLIGHT LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR how to find the cause of leaks in rooftop skylights and other sloped glazing
  • SLOPED GLAZING DETAILS describes best practices for installing skylights and other sloped glazing, avoiding skylight leaks
  • STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION - choices of insulation and support for stucco over foam insulation over masonry walls
  • STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS & DEFECTS - building framing, foundations, structures: types of defects, causes, cures, prevention; foundation lean, bulge, bow, crack; framing sag, rot, crack; roof structures; trusses;
  • Termites/Rot: Rot, fungus, Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powder Post Beetles, & other Wood Destroying Organisms
    •   Insects & Foam Insulation
    •   Mold in Foam Insulation
  • THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS - table of coefficients of linear expansion of common building materials in response to changes in temperature explains many building leaks and failures
  • VERTICAL GLAZING DETAILS describes best construction practices for installing vertical fixed glass windows on buildings
  • WATER ENTRY in buildings - this large topic is broken down into types of water entry & moisture problems, water and moisture sources or leaks, and cures for building leaks, basement or crawl space water entry.
  • WET BASEMENT PREVENTION - an easy to read guide for preventing wet basements by attention to multiple best construction practices, including the basics of foundation d & roofing, poor site drainage, bentonite clay for basement waterproofing, foundation membranes to prevent leakage, foundation drain tiles, proper backfill, and proper finish grading
  • WINDOWS & DOORS - types of windows and doors used on buildings; common trouble spots, maintenance, repair, installation of new or replacement windows or doors - see example articles listed below andlinks listed at Related Topics .

Guide to Inspecting, Diagnosing, Repairing Skylights, Windows & Doors

See WINDOWS & DOORS for our complete list of articles on building skylights, doors and windows, including the topics listed just below.

Steel casement windows with lead putty glazing (C) Daniel Friedman

  • WINDOWS & DOORS articles on window selection, installation, efficiency, leaks, diagnosis, and repair
    • SKYLIGHT LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - how to avoid leaks, rot, damage at skylights
    • SLOPED GLAZING DETAILS- proper installation details for sloped windows and skylights
    • SITE BUILT DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS - is it worth building your own window frame and installing insulated glass? Sometimes.
    • VERTICAL GLAZING DETAILS - proper installation details for vertical fixed glass windows to avoid leaks, rot, condensation, heat loss
    • WINDOW / DOOR ENERGY EFFICIENT, DOE U.S. Department of energy detailed recommendations for energy savings at windows and doors - supplemented by leaks to articles with additional "how to" details
    • WINDOW LEAKS INTO BASEMENT - the good, bad, and ugly of leaks into basements at basement windows: diagnosis and cure

Synthetic Stucco, EIFS Siding Products, Failures, Litigation, Services

Photograph of EIFS synthetic stucco building interior.


EIFS is an abbreviation for "Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems" or "barrier", a synthetic stucco material which is usually applied over a system of solid foam insulation board and synthetic fabrics to form a stucco building exterior surface.

There have been substantial building failures and costly damage at many EIFS covered buildings, primarily because the EIFS-covered building exterior may leak into the building walls but the foam insulation used beneath this stucco method may not allow moisture to escape from building cavities.

See SIDING EIFS & STUCCO for details about this topic. Readers should also see STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION.

Hardboard, Composite, List of "Masonite"-type Siding Failures & Claims Information, Hardboard Siding Failure Diagnosis, Repair, Proper Installation

Photograph of deteriorated hardboard siding.

Hardboard, Composite, "Masonite"-type Siding: failure and leak inspection, siding repair, siding litigation, hardboard siding class action lawsuits and settlements are listed here

Hardboard siding failure, inspection, diagnosis, repair, and warranty claim links are given just below. For full information on hardboard siding, see SIDING HARDBOARD.

  • Abatibi-Price Hardboard Siding Failures
  • ABTCO hardboard Siding Failures & Claims: see www.abtcoclaims.com.
  • Boise Cascade Hardboard Siding Failures: examples and documentation. Mail claim to: Boise Cascade Corporation, Timber & Wood Products Division, Attn: Tana Rasmussen, P.O. Box 62, Boise, ID 83707, 208/384-6162; A Boise Cascade hardboard siding claim needs to include six photos, one of each side of the building & two close-ups that show the problems.
  • Forestex Hardboard Siding Failures & Claims: Contact Stimson Corporation, 520 S.W. Yamhill, Suite 325, Portland, Oregon, 97204-1319.
  • Georgia Pacific Hardboard Siding Failures & Claims: last date for filing claims under the settlement was August 18, 1998.
  • Louisiana Pacific Siding Failures: A class action settlement ended on December 31, 2002. Claims: contact Louisiana Pacific Corporation's product warranty department 877-677-6722 for LP siding installed before January 1996 or call 800-450-6106 for LP installed after January 1996,including Smart System® Products by Louisiana Pacific
  • Masonite® hardboard siding failures: On January 15, 1998, the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, granted final approval to a Settlement in the lawsuit known as Naef v. Masonite, CV-94-4033. The Settlement provided a program for eligible claimants to recover the costs associated with damage caused by the installation and incorporation of Masonite Hardboard Siding. The deadline to file a claim has passed. For more information call 800-330-2722. Also see www.masoniteclaims.com
  • Masonite OmniWood Siding claims: On January 6, 1999, the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, granted final approval to a settlement in the lawsuit known as Cosby v. Masonite, CV-98-2446. The Settlement provided a program for eligible claimants to recover the costs associated with damage caused by the installation and incorporation of Masonite Omniwood Siding. The deadline to file a claim has passed. For more information call 800-256-6990. Omniwood® is a registered trademark of Masonite Corporation. Also see www.masoniteclaims.com
  • Shakertown Panel Siding Failures: some writers report Shakertown panel siding failures on product manufactured before 1992. Shakertown manufactures premium Western Red Cedar shingles for residential and commercial siding applications, available throughout the United States and Canada. See shakertown.com
  • Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding claims: see www.weyerclaims.com
  • Wolverine DuraPress® siding: this product is now sold as Weatherboard® by Certainteed - see certainteed.com
  • Siding Links to other websites and articles: EIFS, Georgia Pacific Siding, Louisiana Pacific Siding, Masonite and other Hardboard Siding failures, Siding Book

Note: Some construction writers are of the opinion that Fiber cement building siding, originated by James Hardie Products (HardiePlank®) is a more durable alternative to hardboard siding. Other fiber cement siding product lines include Maxi-Panel, Maxi-Plank, Cemplank, & FortaFiber.

Vapor Barriers on and in buildings; needed behind vinyl siding

Vinyl Siding Failures, Diagnosis, Repair, Proper Installation

Photograph of - damaged vinyl siding

Vinyl siding used as building exterior wall cladding has its own installation requirements, inspection methods (which should look for failure-related installation errors such as improper detailing of J-channel around windows, as well as its own reporting and repair requirements.

  • Vinyl Siding - Main Web Page on Vinyl Siding, includes review & comments about moisture & vapor barriers
  • Vapor Barriers - discusses the Need For and Role of Vapor Barriers Beneath Vinyl Siding

...


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions & answers or comments about troubleshooting, installing, repairing, & maintaining the exteriors of buildings.

Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below.

Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Carson, Dunlop &
Associates Ltd., TorontoCarson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
    • Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
    • Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
    • Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
      Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
  • "The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors", Sharon C. Park, AIA, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief16.htm
  • "From Asbestos to Zinc, Gutters", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/gutters.htm
  • Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, CSSB, U.S.: Sumas, WA 98295-1178, Tel: 604-820-7700, In Canada: Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau #2 - 7101 Horne Street, Mission, BC V2V 7A2 Tel: (604) 820-7700, E-mail: info@cedarbureau.com , website: http://www.cedarbureau.org/
  • Forest Products Laboratory, US FPL, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, Tel: (608) 231-9200, Email: mailroom_forest_products_laboratory@fs.fed.us608-231-9200, website: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/
  • "Re-Siding, for more than a face-lift, choose the right type", Mack Phillips, Popular Science Magazine, September1977, web search 8/5/11, original source http://books.google.com.mx/ books?id=agEAAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA118&ots= hkL03MHZZ1&dq=Masonite%20color%20lok%20 siding%20warranty&hl=en&pg=PA118#v=onepage&q&f=false
    This article included a table comparing the original costs and properties of popular exterior siding materials [1977 prices]

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
    Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
  • Allen, Edward and Joseph Iano. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Fourth Edition. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. pg. 91 [LVL lumber]
  • Analysis of Modern Paints, Thomas J.S. Learner, Research in Conservation, 2004 ISBN 0-89236-779-2 [Chemistry of modern paints, overview of analytical methods, pyrolysis-gas chromatography signatures of basic modern paints and their constituents, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for paint analysis, direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry, and analysis in practice - technical reference useful for forensic paint science, focused on art works -DF]
  • APA - The Engineered Wood Association, 7011 So. 19th St., PO Box 11700, Tacoma WA 98411-0700, Tel: 253-565-7265. APA provides an HDO/MDO Plywood Product Guide that offers details about these products., provides an HDO/MDO Plywood Product Guide that offers details about these products. Product support help desk: 253-620-7400. Email the APA at help@apawood.org. Web search 09/13/2010, original source: http://www.pacificwoodlaminates.com/img/PDFs/PlywoodGuide.pdf
  • Art, Biology, and Conservation: Biodeterioration in Works of Art, Robert J. Koestler et als. Eds., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003, ISBN 1-58839-107-8
  • Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text **
  • Certainteed Weatherboard fiber cement siding and trim products - see certainteed.com/ or see certainteed.com/resources/sidingandtrimspecsheet.pdf
  • Dream Porches and Sunrooms, Designing the Perfect Retreat [purchase at Amazon.com], Michael Snow, Collings Design, 2006, 176pp. ISBN 0-06-084728-x $35.00 U.S. or $46.50 Canada.
  • Understanding Ventilation, John Bower, The Healthy House Institute, ISBN 0-9637156-5-8, 1995 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text. Mr. Bower has retired from the field but his book continues to be important]
  • Dampness in buildings, Diagnosis, Treatment, Instruments, T.A. Oxley & E.G. Gobert, ISBN 0-408-01463-6, Butterworths, 1983-1987 [General building science-DF]
  • Certainteed Weatherboard fiber cement siding and trim products - see certainteed.com/ or see certainteed.com/resources/sidingandtrimspecsheet.pdf
  • "Flashing: the plain solution to leaky walls", Thomas E. Remmele, Manager, Technical Services, Sto Corporation, Building Standards, November/December 1999 p. 21-25.
  • Laminated Veneer Lumber, Overview of the Product, Manufacturing, Market, Department of Forest Products Marketing, wood-Based Panels Technology, Finland [PDF] web search 09/14/2010, original source: http://www.hochstrate.de/micha/finnland/reports/replvl.html
  • "Moisture Control in buildings: Putting Building Science in Green Building," Alex Wilson, Environmental Building News, Vol. 12. No. 5. [Good tutorial, "Moisture 101" outlining the physics of moisture movement in buildings and a good but incomplete list of general suggestions for moisture control - inadequate attention given to exterior conditions such as roof and surface drainage defects which are among the most-common sources of building moisture and water entry.--DJF]
  • Masonite Woodruf® Roofing or Masonite OmniWood® Siding Lawsuit Settlement Notice - PDF file
  • Paint Handbook: testing, selection, application, troubleshooting, surface preparation, etc., Guy E. Weismantel, Ed., McGraw Hill Book Company, 1981, ISBN-10: 0070690618, ISBN-13: 978-0070690615, [Excellent but a bit obsolete paint theory and practice, also a bit light on field investigation methods, out of print, available used-DF]
    How to select and apply the right paint or coating for any surface. The first major reference to help you choose the correct paint or other finish to do the job best on a particular surface exposed to a particular environment. Experts in the field give full advice on testing surface preparation, application, corrosion prevention, and troubleshooting. The handbook covers wood, metal, composites, and masonry, as well as marine applications and roof coatings. A ``must'' working tool for contractors, architects, engineers, specification writers, and paint dealers.
  • Paint and Surface Coatings, Theory and Practice, R. Lambourne & T.A. Strivens, Ed., Woodhead Publishing Ltd., William Andrew Publishing, 1999 ISBN 1-85573-348 X & 1-884207-73-1 [This is perhaps the leading reference on modern paints and coatings, but is a difficult text to obtain, and is a bit short on field investigation methods - DF]
    Provides a comprehensive reference source for all those in the paint industry, paint manufacturers and raw materials suppliers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and industrial paint users. R. Lambourne was in the Research Department at ICI Paints Division and the Industrial Colloid Advisory Group, Birstol University, UK.
  • Seeing Through Paintings, Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies, Andrea Kirsh, Rustin S. Levenson, Materials in Fine Arts, 2000 ISBN 99-051835 [ forensic science, technical reference, focused on art works - DF]
  • Sealants, Durability of Building Sealants (RILEM Proceedings), J.C. Beech, A.T. Wolf, Spon Press; illustrated edition (1995), ISBN-10: 0419210709, ISBN-13: 978-0419210702
    This book presents the papers given at the RILEM Seminar held at the Building Research Establishment, Garston, UK in October 1994. The book provides an opportunity for researchers to review up-to-date progress towards the achievement of the objectives of the standardisation of laboratory techniques of sealants in the variety of service conditions to which they are exposed.
  • Soiling and Cleaning of Building Facades (RILEM Report), L.G.W. Verhoef (Editor), Routledge; 1 edition (November 3, 1988), ISBN-10: 0412306700, USBN-13: 978-0412306709
    The report of a comprehensive investigation by RILEM which examines all aspects of the cleaning of facades, subject to soiling by both biological and non-biological agencies. The contributors are international authorities working in this field giving essential advice to all those who need to know how to approach the problems connected with the soiling and cleaning of building facades.
  • Staining, Prevention of Premature Staining in New buildings, Phil Parnham, Taylor & Francis; 1996, ISBN-10: 0419171304, ISBN-13: 978-0419171300
    The appearance of ugly staining early in a buildings life, ruins an otherwise pleasing appearance, tarnishes the image of the owners and gives rise to costly refurbishment works. In this book Phil Parnham raises a number of questions that should be considered whenever a new building is being designed or built. These are: * why has staining become so prominent; * what causes premature staining; which parts of new buildings are likely to be affected; * how can it be avoided? By using a number of highly illustrated case studies, the author answers these questions and ends by suggesting measures that should be taken by all design and construction professionals to prevent premature staining.
  • Sealants, Durability of Building Sealants (RILEM Proceedings), J.C. Beech, A.T. Wolf, Spon Press; illustrated edition (1995), ISBN-10: 0419210709, ISBN-13: 978-0419210702
    This book presents the papers given at the RILEM Seminar held at the Building Research Establishment, Garston, UK in October 1994. The book provides an opportunity for researchers to review up-to-date progress towards the achievement of the objectives of the standardisation of laboratory techniques of sealants in the variety of service conditions to which they are exposed.
  • Soiling and Cleaning of Building Facades (RILEM Report), L.G.W. Verhoef (Editor), Routledge; 1 edition (November 3, 1988), ISBN-10: 0412306700, USBN-13: 978-0412306709
    The report of a comprehensive investigation by RILEM which examines all aspects of the cleaning of facades, subject to soiling by both biological and non-biological agencies. The contributors are international authorities working in this field giving essential advice to all those who need to know how to approach the problems connected with the soiling and cleaning of building facades.
  • Staining, Prevention of Premature Staining in New buildings, Phil Parnham, Taylor & Francis; 1996, ISBN-10: 0419171304, ISBN-13: 978-0419171300
    The appearance of ugly staining early in a buildings life, ruins an otherwise pleasing appearance, tarnishes the image of the owners and gives rise to costly refurbishment works. In this book Phil Parnham raises a number of questions that should be considered whenever a new building is being designed or built. These are: * why has staining become so prominent; * what causes premature staining; which parts of new buildings are likely to be affected; * how can it be avoided? By using a number of highly illustrated case studies, the author answers these questions and ends by suggesting measures that should be taken by all design and construction professionals to prevent premature staining.
  • Vassar College Architecture, Main Building, James Renwick, Jr., architect, William Harloe, builder, Second Empire style, http://vcencyclopedia.vassar.edu/buildings-grounds/buildings/main-building/
  • Vassar College, Maryann Bruno, Elizabeth A. Daniels, Arcadia 2001 ISBN 0-7385-0454-8
  • Vassar College, The Campus Guide, an Architectural Tour, Karen Van Lengen, Lisa Reilly, Princeton Architectural Press, 2004, ISBN 1-56898-349-2
  • Main to Mudd, and More, Elizabeth A. Daniels Poughkeepsie, NY, 1996.
  • Historical Sketch of Vassar College, Benson Lossing, New York, 1876.
  • Vinyl Chloride Exposure Questionnaire
  • "Siding With Vinyl", Vinyl Siding Institute, a vinyl building products industry association, National Housing Center, 120115th Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20005 - www.vinylsiding.org
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • ...

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