On Sat, 28 Jun 2014 05:51:59 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

Hi Julie,

BTW, T1-11 comes in at least two patterns, that is, the widths of the
bands that make up the design. When I wanted a matching sheet to
replace one that had cracked, HDepot didn't have that pattern but Lowes
did, or vice versa. If they hadn't had it, I would have looked at
lumber yards And I got exactly the same pattern.

IIRC, I had earlier needed a piece to rebuild the small privacy fence
around the small front patio. I definitiely wanted that to match since
it adjoined my next door neighbor's fence and there are matching fences
all down the street. I found it at the first store I went to, but I
think they didn't have it 10 years later. I think that means they
changed suppliers, and all I had to do was find someone who used the
same supplier. which turned out to be Lowes. Hmmm Actually neither
Lowes nor HD existed when I bought my house or 10 years later, but that
doesn't change the story

We have a 400 foot building that we refer to as the back house.
the painter noticed several pieces of siding that were rotting
on the back house. We knew of two but there were three more pieces.
whoever built this building just slapped the siding up over the
2 x 4's which is likely why it is rotting.

It is standard practice to install T-111 siding directly to the studs. It
serves dual functions as structural sheathing and siding.

The most likely scenarios I can think of for the rot a

1. The siding is too close to the ground. It should be at least 6" from
the ground, or moisture and splashback from the ground will wick up the
bottom of the sheets causing them to rot at the bottom.

2. There should be metal "z-flashing" anywhere you have a horizontal seam
between sheets. This typically occurs on gable ends where you have siding
in the triangular area in the gable above the normal siding. Without the
flashing, water can run down the wall into the horizontal seam and inside
the wall. The flashing ensures that any water that finds it's way into
the seam is directed to the exterior of the building.

I agree with you, but FTR, my house doesn't have the flashing and there
hasn't been any water damage, probably not even that one sheet (out of 6
similar ones) mentioned above. Maybe it has to do with which way the
wind blows here or the trees that might stop the wind at the gable end
of the house, or lots of other things, so I'm not saying that z-flashing
shouldn't be installled**, just that one should not assume its absence
is the problem. She should try to go quickly, but slow enough to figure
out the actual problem.

**I didnt' know about Z-flashing until I read this post, so all I know
is what I read in this post.

......

Our siding is applied directly to the studs as yours is. 10 years later,
stained with a semi-opaque stain every five years, and no sign of rot.

Mine's 35 years old and in good condition except where,. during bad
years, I didn't restatin it often enough.


Take care,

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com