What is Hardboard Siding?
Why Hardboard Siding is a Bad Choice for Your Washington Home?
If you are researching what is hardboard siding or thinking about the condition of your home’s exterior, you are likely seeking the best, longest-lasting solution for your property. At Builders Service Company, we have seen firsthand the damage and headaches caused by hardboard siding across Washington state. With over fifty years in the roofing, siding, and window industry, we can confidently say that hardboard and pressboard products are not options we recommend, install, or repair. Instead, we specialize in permanent solutions and full replacements that protect your home for generations.
A Closer Look at Engineered Wood and Its Trouble in the Pacific Northwest
Let’s start with the basics: what is hardboard siding? Sometimes called press board or simply hardboard, this material is made from wood fibers, resins, and adhesives pressed together into panels or boards. Originally, hardboard siding products were marketed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional wood siding. Manufacturers promised an attractive wood-grain look that could be painted any color. For a while, it seemed to catch on, especially under brand names like Masonite hardboard.
Unfortunately, the reality for homeowners in Washington was very different. When looking at siding hardboard may appear budget-friendly at first, its true cost becomes apparent over time. The Pacific Northwest is home to frequent rainfall, seasonal moisture, and humidity levels that put any home exterior to the test. Hardboard siding, which lacks robust moisture resistance, simply cannot compete in these conditions.
The Risks and Downside of Hardboard/Pressboard Siding
The problems with hardboard go beyond routine maintenance. Homeowners learned quickly that these siding boards are vulnerable to swelling, warping, and delamination. Once moisture gets beneath the paint or into the seams, hardboard siding absorbs water—leading to rot, blistering, and even soft spots where the wood fibers disintegrate. Pressboard siding and Masonite hardboard products suffer all the same issues, and once damage starts, it tends to spread fast.
You can spot failing hardboard siding by looking for bulged sections, warped edges, or paint that peels off in strips. Over time, this kind of damage leaves your home exposed to further issues, including fungus, mold, and insect activity. Attempting to repair these panels or boards rarely produces lasting results. In fact, most repairs are only temporary and cover up much bigger underlying issues.
Does Builders Service Company Work With Hardboard Wood Siding?
After decades repairing and evaluating home exteriors, we have made it our policy not to install, service, or repair hardboard siding on Washington homes. Our goal is always to protect your investment for the long term, not just offer a quick patch or bandage. In most cases, full siding replacement is the only real solution when it comes to failing hardboard, pressboard, or older engineered wood siding.
Modern engineered wood, fiber cement, and advanced vinyl siding products have been engineered from the ground up to resist moisture, pests, and sun damage. Unlike hardboard alternatives, today’s top siding choices last for decades with simple upkeep and do not succumb to the rapid decay caused by rain or snow.
Does Your Siding Have Damage? Your Best Choice: Full Siding Replacement
If your home currently has hardboard siding—or if you are noticing moisture-related damage, swelling, or softness on your home’s exterior—now is the best time to consult with Builders Service Company about replacement options. We do not recommend trying to patch or maintain hardboard, as the underlying boards will only continue to degrade. Instead, we can provide a full exterior assessment and help you select a replacement siding product that adds curb appeal, value, and lasting protection to your home.
We offer a wide selection of siding materials specifically chosen to perform in our Washington climate. Our team’s workmanship ensures every inch of your new siding is properly sealed, weatherproofed, and backed by our decades of experience. If you notice damage hardboard, or improperly installed hardboard, call our team for help! Replacing hardboard is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Contact Builders Service Company for Replacing Hardboard Siding the Right Way
Our expert siding contractors have helped homeowners move past the short lifespan and constant maintenance of hardboard siding. We understand how to safely remove failing boards and install a fresh exterior engineered for lasting performance. Whether you are looking at engineered wood, fiber cement, or a modern vinyl option, we will provide a solution you no longer need to worry about.
Ready to upgrade? Call Builders Service Company, your first choice for replacement or remodel services for your siding. We offer no-pressure consultations to discover why so many Washington homeowners trust us to protect their investments. Stop fighting your hardboard siding. Replace it—and enjoy your home for years to come.
