Siding Over Masonite

fxdfast

I gotta job where aluminium siding was placed over fiber board siding. I am assuming masonite (that is what it looks like). The house was built around the mid-60's. I do not know the history of previous siding. However, the stuff under the AL looks like what I know to be Masonite (does anyone know when they started making that crap). The Masonite??? is in excellent shape with no rot or delam. Under the Masonite material is blackboard, which is also in excellent shape. I am thinking about going the way of the AL siding contractor and going up right on top of the Masonite (after removing the AL Siding). This would be a tremendous time saver. Also the homeowner is on a tight budget(read small margin for me here). I believe that he does not want to uncover any unknowns (whistling through the graveyard so to speak). What do you guys think, could I go back up over the Masonite type material or do I need to go all the way to the blackboard.

I installed new windows which required me to cut the aluminium and masonite back to expose the nail apron on the old windows. If I go back up over the old stuff (masonite) I was thinking about just firring in some vinyl or primed and painted wood to build up the area where I cut back to expose the nail apron.

Patrick

Strip a house with masonite and your back will never let you do it again. As long as there are no soft spots there is really no problem. just make sure you use a backer board and steel nails not aluminum

Home Serve

I second this! Is the masonite siding like lap siding? or flat? if lap use good quality fan fold and you are ready to go. If flat go right on top of it. Waterproof around windows if needed if you see where water can get in when taking off alum. It's a bummer to come back.
Dave

Patrick

I know people bitch about masonite siding as being crap, but 9 times out of the 10 the masonite houses that I vinyl are in perfect condition and dont seem to be as deteriorated as other types of siding. seems to hold paint well too. If you do strip it make sure you tack on not only extra to strip but extra for the dump fee its like off loading cement

fxdfast

Yeah, that was what I was thinking. Fan fold with a fur out for the windows and doors. I hear ya' on Masonite being ok. You are right, if very correctly installed. The problem is, if it gets a little bit wet, it may as well be made from graham crackers. I guess I was talking from the standpoint of long term durability, and ease of correct problems. Although it even has its good points in those areas. However, it cost LP bigggg time. Thanks again for the advice......fxdfast