Whether you’ve seen it advertised as T1-11 or T-111 siding, this “go-to” familiar siding product is made of wood, giving homes a natural woodgrain appearance. A mainstay when it comes to home construction, it’s easy to work with. Cutting and maneuvering it is simple, making its installation less time-consuming than other siding materials. Its unintimidating nature makes DIY projects both quick and cost-effective.
The problem is that if its high maintenance requirements aren’t strictly followed, it will fail.
What Is T1-11 Siding?
Used for a variety of DIY home construction projects like tool sheds, dog houses, and interior ceilings, and popular in the 1960s through 1980s, this once trendy, cost-effective siding comes in two types: plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). OSB is the more cost-effective option due to its makeup of wood flakes glued and pressed together.
It’s cut into practical panels, often with exterior grooves that make a shiplap or rustic board-and-batten look easy to achieve. It can be painted, stained, cut, and arranged in different ways to create a variety of looks.
If you cover your home with T1-11 siding, and you want to switch up the look of your exterior after a few years, it’s fairly easy with this versatile material.
T1-11 is available in both smooth or rough finishes, and comes in three different thicknesses: 3/8”, 5/8”, and 3/4”.
The Disadvantages of T1-11 Siding
- Moisture intrusion—T1-11 siding may look great, but typically it fails due to moisture damage. When OSB T1-11 gets wet, it swells, expands, and eventually flakes, chips, and rots.
- High maintenance—T1-11 lasts and keeps looking good only if it is well maintained. It needs to be properly installed, painted, stained, and sealed. It must be meticulously tended and kept sealed so it can protect your home from moisture damage. It needs to be stained every 3-5 years.
- Wrong uses—Some homeowners choose to install this siding on their roof and deck, causing problems beginning when it’s installed.
- Absorbent edges—If T1-11 boards come into contact with the ground before installation, its highly absorbent edges may draw in moisture.
- Not eco-friendly—T1-11 adds to the overall carbon footprint of the homes it covers.
- Not fire resistant—The flammability of T1-11 ranks much higher than other siding materials like brick, stone, or fiber cement.
- Easily damaged—This siding tends to rot, warp, corrode, and mold when left untreated. Your home’s curb appeal and value can be negatively impacted as a result.
- Needs frequent repairs—Not only does this siding require high maintenance, but it also has high repair needs. Damage can occur from the weather, woodpeckers, pests, or even fire. If you procrastinate repairing damaged T1-11 siding, additional problems can occur, leaving you with even more to repair. If problems are extensive, siding replacement becomes a better choice than repairs.
- Installation problems—When T1-11 isn’t installed properly, your home may become exposed to additional moisture as gaps or loose panels hinder insulation and produce pockets for dampness to build up—leading to more extensive and costly damage. It should never be installed flush to the ground, as that type of contact may increase moisture buildup in the siding.
Can Hardie Siding Be Installed over T1-11 Siding?
Hardie siding can be installed over T1-11 if it is in good shape. Replace or repair any damaged T1-11, then hire a contractor to put a house wrap over it before installing Hardie siding. HardieWrap moisture barrier will protect your home from water infiltration, mildew, and energy loss.
The Benefits of James Hardie Siding over Wood Siding
While T1-11 is a functional siding, its high maintenance and tendency to attract moisture make it a hassle to care for. Save yourself the trouble of constant upkeep and repairs by choosing easy-to-maintain siding material.
Fiber cement is made of cement, sand, and cellulose. Its makeup endures the elements 24/7 and lasts for years to come. The most popular brand of fiber cement is James Hardie.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is durable, beautiful, and more:
Moisture resistant
While wood siding easily absorbs water, causing wood rot, mold, and other damage, Hardie siding resists water intrusion, protecting your home against damages.
Fire resistant
T1-11 siding is made of layers of wood which can fuel a fire. Noncombustible Hardie siding won’t fuel flames and won’t melt when exposed to high heat.
Low-maintenance
Wood siding requires meticulous high maintenance and repairs, and needs to be replaced sooner than Hardie siding, which is so well made that it needs almost no upkeep over the years. Simply wash your siding twice a year with a garden hose and a medium bristle nylon brush, and it will retain its beauty for years to come.
Long-lasting
Wood siding doesn’t last like Hardie siding, which is known to have a lifespan of up to 50 years.
Durable
While wood tends to wear out, Hardie siding endures weather elements due to its strong makeup.
Eco-friendly
Hardie’s sustainability and locally sourced raw materials make it one of the “greener” siding options available today.
Precision Hardie Siding Installation
Siding has important functions. It not only makes your home exterior look gorgeous, but also protects it from the elements 24/7, and shields it from pests, fire, and water intrusion. While your siding material choice is vital to its performance, equally important is how meticulously it’s installed. Siding installation isn’t a DIY job, and shouldn’t be entrusted to just any contractor.
At Lifetime Exteriors, we install your James Hardie siding right the first time, so you get the long-term high performance you deserve from your new exterior. As a James Hardie Preferred contractor, we install your siding according to the manufacturer’s standards and your 30-year warranty is honored as a result.
Learn more about the benefits of James Hardie siding.
