Masonite Siding – Common Problems and When to Replace

What is Masonite Siding?

Masonite is a type of hardboard invented by William H. Mason, who patented the process for making it in 1926. “Masonite” is technically just the name of this particular brand of hardboard, although it is still commonly used to refer to hardboard in general. Masonite and other hardboards are engineered woods created from highly compressed wood fibers. Masonite is commonly used in construction because it is cheap, easy to work with, and relatively strong. However, there are issues with Masonite siding which make it ill-suited for exterior siding, such as it being susceptible to moisture, mold and mildew.

How Was Masonite Siding Made?

Masonite is made by disintegrating wood chips in a high-pressure steam chamber, after which they are depressurized through a small opening before being pressure-molded into shape. Unlike many other types of manufactured boards, it does not use any additional formaldehyde-based resins to bond the fibers together, rather relying on the original structure of the wood’s cells to bond the material. The end result is a uniform sheet of compressed wood fibers that is denser, stronger, and cheaper than normal wood.

Common Masonite Problems

Although Masonite has many uses in construction, it doesn’t do well as a siding material. Exterior siding will be exposed to the outside for years on end, and as it is made from wood fibers, Masonite suffers from the same problems as other wood products when exposed to the elements.

• Moisture Damage: Masonite absorbs water, which causes it to expand, resulting in swelling and blistering on the boards.
• Rot and Mildew: Dampness can lead to infestations of mildew or even toxic mold, and the boards can rot away entirely in humid NC conditions.
• Buckling: Due to the length and weight of the boards, constant loads can cause them to buckle and warp over time.
• Maintenance Heavy: Masonite requires constant painting and caulking to prevent water from reaching the untreated surface.

The $1 Billion Lawsuit: In 1994, a massive class-action lawsuit was filed against the Masonite Corporation because of a manufacturing defect that made siding manufactured in the 80s and 90s especially prone to rot. In 2001, the Masonite Corporation stopped selling siding altogether.

Why Choose Odyssey for Your Siding Journey?

With over 10,000 projects completed, we are Raleigh’s go-to home remodeling company. Our team is highly trained and instilled with core principles to treat each customer like family, communicate openly, and always be honest and fair.

Unsure if you have Masonite siding or if it needs to be replaced? If you would like more information, contact us today. Let us help you protect and beautify your home.