Types of Pressed Wood Siding
Nothing affects the image of a house more than the exterior siding. There are many types of siding today, such as stucco, stone veneer, cement fiber, wood clapboard, brick, brick veneer, cedar shingle and seamless steel siding. When it comes to wood siding, the greatest advantage is the broad range of choices you have for the house exterior appearance. One of the wood siding options is a pressed wood siding, with pressed wood being material made from wood veneers, particles or wood fibers joined together by adhesive under heat and pressure.
Hardboard Siding
Hardboard is a type of fiberboard, similar to a particleboard but much stronger and harder because it is made out of highly compressed wood fibers. This type of siding is made from wood fibers, wax and resins, both in board and panel sheet applications, and has become popular due to its visible features. Its external textures are designed to mimic lumber siding.
Masonite Siding
An invention of William H. Mason, Masonite entered into mass production in 1929, but its popularity has deteriorated over time. Today it is used entirely by hobbyists. The manufacturing process of Masonite is unique, since no adhesive is used, unlike in the majority of pressed wood products. Only the method of pressing and heating of the boards formed by blasting wood chips with steam in order to produce long fibers is used. The important fact is that Masonite was found to be quite susceptible to climate influences. It comes as no surprise that manufacturers lost a class action suit brought by homeowners who have used Masonite --- the jury found Masonite siding to be defective. This product, also known as Marsonite, was referred to as Isorel in Europe, and despite its proven defects, those long fibers give Masonite density and stability. Unlike similar products of this type, Masonite is made entirely out of natural materials, not formaldehyde-based resins, to bind fibers.
Plywood Siding
Plywood siding is produced when the wooden layers are glued together in a manner that allows adjacent plies to stand at right angles to each other in relation to the wood grain. For different applications an array of various types exists, including softwood, hardwood, special-purpose, decorative and tropical plywood. This type of pressed wood siding is very widespread due to the fact it requires a minimum of carpentry and applies to all architectural types. If properly maintained, it can last up to three decades or even more. Most importantly, since it is produced from four tree species, it offers many designs from which to choose.
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Writer Bio
Jensen Johansson has been a freelance writer since 2006. He writes for various print and online publications, specializing in health and wellness, history, science and craft-related topics. Johansson holds Master of Science degrees in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering, both from the University of Miami.
Photo Credits
- old wood siding with ferns image by BONNIE C. MARQUETTE from Fotolia.com
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