Many wood-based composite products are now available as a wall cladding or siding both in new construction and renovations. This siding category includes wood laminates such as plywood panels and hardboards. Hardboard is a composite of wood fibers bonded with resins formed into a particular pattern or shape under heat and pressure. It comes in numerous styles such as lap siding, shingles, or panel forms.  It can also have many different surface finishes from smooth to a heavy texture to simulate wood grain or even stucco. It is typically primed or pre-finished in the factory with a base color.

Considerations
The HouseMaster Technical Staff reports that a common concern with many hardboard products is that they are subject to moisture damage – either due to inherent product deficiencies or improper installation. Unsealed cut edges, overdriven nail heads and inadequate finish coatings all contribute to the absorption of moisture that can cause the material to swell and/or deteriorate. Proper installation and maintenance are critical to the functional life of this material. Once deterioration or decay occurs, it cannot be corrected other than by replacing the materials. All composite and hardboard siding systems should be thoroughly inspected on a regular basis. If the manufacturer of the product is known, it may be advisable to check with them on specific product concerns

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