It is critical that your home inspector thoroughly evaluate the condition of the siding. Often they will identify the manufacturer. Moisture is the enemy of this siding and the majority of damage to the siding will occur where it is exposed to water. Pay special attention to:

• Chimneys
• Lower portions of a two story home
• Any joint or seam that is not well-caulked
• Nail heads driven through the surface of the siding and not caulked
• Any spot where a sprinkler system may spray regularly
• Any location where a gutter may overflow

Jeff’s Note: If an area of the siding is significantly damaged and moist, you need to be aware that there may be mold growing inside the wall. See the mold section of this site for more information.

Possible Associated Costs

It is expensive for a homeowner to buy a home in need of corrective siding:

• The cost to replace the siding on a home varies widely depending on the size of the home and the type of siding selected
• For a standard sized family home, costs are approximately $6000 for vinyl and $10,000 for cement-based siding including painting
• If only a small section of the siding is damaged, partial replacement and repairs are possible and will cost much less

Alternative Options

Since 1997, area builders have moved toward the use of cement-based siding or vinyl siding. Some vinyl siding products are good and some are not. Pay close attention to quality and realize that inferior vinyl siding will not be better than hardboard siding. The cement-based products are outstanding. They hold paint well, they resist fungus, and are extremely durable. Some brands offer fifty-year warranties.

Class Action Lawsuits

Many of the hardboard siding manufacturers are in involved in, or have settled, class action lawsuits to reimburse owners of homes with defective siding. The following is a partial listof these companies. The first four on the list made the siding most commonly used in the Alpharetta area.

• Louisiana Pacific
• Georgia Pacific
• Masonite
• Weyerhaeuser
• Abitibi-Price
• ABT Canada/Canexel
• Boise-Cascade
• Temple-Inland
• Jefferson Smufit
• Stimson
• Celotex

You will find the conditions for settlement qualifications on these companies’ websites. Make sure you check the responses to questions 11(b),(c), and (d) on the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. These questions should disclose the status of any claim by current or previous homeowners.