Hardboard siding is basically sawdust and glue which if kept sealed properly should last a long time. The problem is most homeowners don't keep up on their paint and caulk as much as they should. Cracks form in the caulk, the Builder's painter misses some bottom edges, the sprinkler system has some heads hitting the house, the paint weathers and cracks open, and before you know it, water is being sucked in. The siding starts to swell and then rot.
It's always best to get in front of the problem, then to let it become worse. If you're siding is just starting to swell, installing cedar trim so the bottom edge overhangs the siding by 1/2", beveling the top edge at a 45 degree angle, sealing the top edge with caulk, priming, and painting the entire home can greatly extend the life of the siding. Unfortunately, if the siding is too far gone, the only proper solution is to replace the rotted panels. The picture below is of a panel that is too far rotted and it needs to be replaced.
If you are going to replace the panels, I highly recommend upgrading by installing concrete fiberboard panels. The only thing that will damage them is a baseball bat and you won't have to keep painting your house every 4-6 years.
For more useful tips, go to: www.Omaha-Home-Inspection.com.
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