T111 vs metal barn siding

[Chris Donoghue]

I hired a contractor to repair an exterior wall.

Old aluminum siding had been under dirt and moisture got in wall.

I have regraded appropriately outside.

Contractor will remove a few layers of old aluminum siding, repair base plate and studs, reinsulate wall, add sheathing and water barrier... Then they suggested T111 siding. I had asked for metal barn siding, but they say they don't think they can attach it enough to guarantee it's water proof. (Which i don't understand how they can't... But...)

Should i find someone that will do what i want, or is T111 adequate enough and i should stop worrying about it's bad reputation?

I will keep it 4 inches above grade (pea gravel).

I know i will need to paint T111 every couple of years.

Here in Michigan we will get snow that will sit against it.

Thoughts?

 

[Sparky617]

I would use Hardi-panel T1-11 not wood if I were doing it in T1-11. Get it 6" off of the grade regardless.

 

[PJB12]

Hi Chris,
T1-11 absorbs water like a thirsty sponge. It also takes up water from the humid air. It comes in plywood and OSB versions. Both are damaged by water, the OSB being slightly less durable.

If you have water splashing, snow piling, wet dirt bouncing up; T1-11 might not be wise for the long term. (My garage is t1-11 and I'm constantly repairing spongy & rotted siding- even 5 or more feet off the ground (humidity).

LP Smart Side is a more water resistant panel that looks like T1-11. The cost is comparable. The maintenance is less. It needs staining or painting less frequently and uses less solid color stain or paint than T1-11. (I suggest solid color stain instead of paint if you use T1-11.)

Paul

 

[Chris Donoghue]

Hi Chris,
T1-11 absorbs water like a thirsty sponge. It also takes up water from the humid air. It comes in plywood and OSB versions. Both are damaged by water, the OSB being slightly less durable.

If you have water splashing, snow piling, wet dirt bouncing up; T1-11 might not be wise for the long term. (My garage is t1-11 and I'm constantly repairing spongy & rotted siding- even 5 or more feet off the ground (humidity).

LP Smart Side is a more water resistant panel that looks like T1-11. The cost is comparable. The maintenance is less. It needs staining or painting less frequently and uses less solid color stain or paint than T1-11. (I suggest solid color stain instead of paint if you use T1-11.)

Paul

Greatly appreciate that, I'll look that up

 

[PJB12]

Chris,

If you use Hardie, T1-11 or Smart Side or maybe even plywood, I recommend solid color stain instead of paint. It won't ever peel and lasts a very long time before fading away peacefully. The downside is that it doesn't come in semi-gloss for the trim.

Paul

 

[Chris Donoghue]

Chris,

If you use Hardie, T1-11 or Smart Side or maybe even plywood, I recommend solid color stain instead of paint. It won't ever peel and lasts a very long time before fading away peacefully. The downside is that it doesn't come in semi-gloss for the trim.

Paul

Good advice, thank you

 

[Sparky617]

Regarding Hardi-Panel, latex paint is fine. My house is Hardi-plank and I've painted it with Sherwin Williams satin latex paint and it holds up very well. I've never had any peeling on my siding. The satin cleans better than the flat sheen. I just repainted last year, the last paint job lasted since about 2007 if I remember correctly it was well over 12 years.

 

[PJB12]

Greatly appreciate that, I'll look that up

Regarding solid color stain-
It occurred to me that my side fence was painted with solid color stain in Wedgewood blue 31 years ago & my picket fences were painted with solid color stain in white 24 years ago. They still look fine despite rain, snow, hail and lots of sunlight. I guess the stuff works well.

 

[Snoonyb]

Stain materials, 24 & 31yrs ago were likely oil based, which Sherwin-Williams carries.

 

[PJB12]

Stain materials, 24 & 31yrs ago were likely oil based, which Sherwin-Williams carries.

The ones I mentioned in #8 are water based. I've still got the leftovers.

 

[Snoonyb]

I mentioned oil based, because they are far more durable, what I was using then, and still prefer.