Solve These Common T1-11 Siding Issues with James Hardie

If your Ohio home is covered with T1-11 siding, you probably love the accessibility and affordability of repairs, and of course, your siding’s authentic wood grain appearance.

Unfortunately, when these wood panels are incorrectly cared for, they suffer from severe damage, resulting in mold, rot, and corrosion.

Before your T1-11 siding becomes a victim of moisture penetration, understand the common reasons your T1-11 boards become damaged, and consider the benefits of a durable, long-lasting James Hardie fiber cement siding replacement.

What Is T1-11 Siding?

T1-11 siding (also known as T-111 siding) is wood or wood-based siding. It comes in two options—plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). Typically, OSB is the most cost-effective choice since the panels are made from wood strands glued together with synthetic materials.

T1-11 siding works best when used for small home projects, like tool sheds. However, these panels can also be painted, stained, and cut to achieve dozens of styles, like the board-and-batten look, for your home exterior.

Despite its versatility, T1-11 siding is falling out of popularity. Since the boards are untreated, unless they are frequently painted and sealed, they are left vulnerable to severe damage.

Common Reasons for Damaged T1-11 Siding

Are you concerned your wood-based exterior is deteriorating? Read through these underlying problems that may cause damage or put your T1-11 siding at risk.

Moisture Intrusion

Water damage is the most frequent (and frustrating) problem with T1-11 siding. When the boards get wet, they swell, expand, and eventually flake, corrode, and rot. The edges of T1-11 panels are especially susceptible to water damage and absorb moisture at a rapid pace.

High-Maintenance

T1-11 siding must be painted, stained, and sealed every three to five years to guard against water deterioration. This process is time-consuming, costly, and requires consistency to prevent irreversible damage. Additionally, T1-11 boards are fragile and often need additional repairs from storms, pests, and even fire.

Not Eco-Friendly

OSB siding is made from wood strands that are pressed together with wax and synthetic resin adhesive. Because these materials are not naturally occurring, they add to your home’s carbon footprint.

Flammable

T1-11 siding is not fire-resistant, and the wood-based boards are likely to fuel a fire. Most other siding options, like brick, stone, and fiber cement, offer greater fire protection than plywood or OSB boards.

Appeals to Pests

Since T1-11 siding is made from wood-based materials, it appeals to pests, like woodpeckers, termites, and other insects. These pesky critters may create holes in your wood siding, leaving your home susceptible to water damage.

Installation Issues

When your T1-11 siding isn’t installed correctly, the already vulnerable material becomes even more susceptible to water damage. Poorly secured panels offer gaps that create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and rot, and boards fastened too closely to the ground may soak up standing water and begin to swell, flake, or peel.

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Can You Install James Hardie Siding Over T1-11 Siding?

The short answer? Yes.

T1-11 siding is both the siding and sheathing for your home, meaning there is no additional layer of protection between your home’s interior and exterior. Since James Hardie is installed on top of your home’s sheathing, these boards can be applied directly to your home’s T1-11 exterior.  

However, there are two caveats.

First, your wood-based siding should be free of mold, rot, and other types of water damage before your installation; otherwise, you will lock these problems beneath your fiber cement siding. Your contractor can replace damaged T1-11 boards before your installation begins and will advise you if the T1-11 siding is too far gone and needs replaced.

Second, ensure that your contractor installs a house wrap, like the HardieWrap moisture barrier, between your T1-11 panels and new Hardie siding to prevent water infiltration.

Benefits of Replacing T1-11 Siding with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Homeowners suffering from the frustrating problems caused by fragile T1-11 boards will love the reliable solution Hardie board siding offers. Here are just a few homeowner-approved features of this popular siding option.

Moisture Resistant

While wood-based siding warps, cracks, and buckles when exposed to water, Hardie siding is built to withstand the damaging effects of rain, snow, and hail and will not develop mold or rot.

Low Maintenance

T1-11 boards require constant upkeep to prevent moisture penetration and frequently need to be repaired. Hardie siding rarely requires repairs and maintains its beautiful appearance when cleaned with a garden hose and gentle brush only one to two times per year.

Eco-Friendly

Fiber cement is made from Portland sand, cement, water, and cellulose fibers to create sturdy, low-maintenance boards. Unlike T1-11’s synthetic materials, fiber cement is an eco-friendly product made from naturally occurring elements.

Fireproof

Wood-based products like T1-11 are highly flammable, but Hardie siding will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame or fuel a fire. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes covered with James Hardie’s non-combustible boards.

Pest-Resistant

Unlike wood, fiber cement does not appeal to pests, making Hardie siding resistant against damage from woodpeckers, insects, and other critters.

Durable

James Hardie’s products are Engineered for Climate to withstand the most common weather conditions your Ohio home endures.

Additionally, Hardie siding boards are offered with ColorPlus Technology, a baked-on color that resists fading, to keep your home beautiful for years to come. The composition of fiber cement siding lends itself to long-lasting performance—for up to 50 years!

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Invest in Expert Hardie Siding Installation for Your Ohio Home

When you’re ready to replace fragile, moisture-prone T1-11 boards with dependable, attractive Hardie siding, American Way Exteriors can help.  

As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, you can count on us to adhere to the strict installation guidelines and quality standards set by the James Hardie company to give you complete assurance in your industry-leading warranty.

Learn more about our James Hardie siding installation services and discover our tried-and-true plan to solve your home exterior issues permanently.