DuraTemp wood siding introduces a stylish and timeless finish to your home’s exterior. It’s a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s both aesthetically appealing and durable.
If you are interested in installing DuraTemp wood siding in your home, before buying it, you should familiarize yourself with some of the common problems it’s associated with.
In the guide below, we will discuss the common issues property owners have had with DuraTemp siding to help you make an informed purchase.
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1. It will Swell If Constantly Exposed to Water
One of the reasons people go for vinyl siding with a wooden finish is to avoid moisture problems. DuraTemp mentions that its siding is coated with a water-resistant phenolic resin.
Though true, this coating will eventually wear out and so will the paint. Also, cracks will develop with time. As the surface of this siding becomes more open, water will penetrate and cause the wood to swell.
This isn’t something that will happen overnight. It may take months or years. But it’s something that’s expected to happen eventually. The chances are even higher if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall.
Swelling of DuraTemp siding can be prevented by ensuring the surfaces are coated with enough paint. Even if you will have to paint your siding after two or three years. This will help keep moisture at bay.
2. The Particle Board is Vulnerable to Delamination
This is another problem that is also caused by moisture exposure. When DuraTemp siding is exposed to moisture, it creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi development.
The fungi, in turn, eat up the wood thus breaking down its cellular structure. That’s when the wood starts to delaminate. Delamination may manifest itself in the form of bubbles or lumps on the surface.
The particle board can be glued back to the wood siding. However, it will still look worn out. The good news is that delamination of DuraTemp siding can be prevented by regularly painting the surface.
3. It’s Expensive
This is a problem that many people have complained about. There is no doubt that DuraTemp is a quality wood siding product.
However, when you look at its price tag, it’s way more expensive than other alternatives, which share similar features.
If you shop around for wood sidings, you will realize that DuraTemp costs more than many other options. There isn’t anything homeowners can do about the price.
It’s up to you to compare the features against the cost and determine if it’s a suitable option. Nonetheless, if you are installing siding on a budget, you should consider other affordable solutions.
4. It Needs a Lot of Maintenance
The ugly truth is that not all of us are DIY enthusiasts. If you are the kind of homeowner who doesn’t like engaging in home maintenance projects, you will have a hard time with DuraTemp siding. Unlike other materials, wood siding needs regular inspections and maintenance.
For instance, it needs to be repainted every three to seven years. And the reason isn’t to only create a moisture barrier.
But the paint on DuraTemp starts to fade when exposed to sunlight and other elements. Therefore, if you want it to look good, you have no other option but to re-paint it.
5. You won’t Always Find It at a Nearby Hardware Store
DuraTemp isn’t widely available in many areas. You may not easily find it at a nearby Home Depot store or any hardware store for that matter. On their official website, however, you can find stores that stock it by using their ‘where to buy’ feature.
The unavailability of DuraTemp siding can be problematic for those who are working with tight deadlines.
6. Insect Damage
The other problem you may encounter with DuraTemp siding is an insect infestation. This isn’t an issue that only affects DuraTemp but it’s common in all wood sidings.
If you live in an area prone to insect infestations, they can find their way into your wood siding. Insects that love to feed on wood include termites and wood-boring beetles.
Insect damage can lead to premature wear of the DuraTemp siding. However, if the protective coat is still intact, you don’t have to worry about insect damage.
Is DuraTemp Siding Any Good?
It would be unfair to only talk about DuraTemp siding problems, yet there are a couple of good things about this product you should know of. DuraTemp siding stands out in the following ways;
• The Natural Wood Finish Looks Amazing
Manufacturers have tried for years to imitate the wooden finish on vinyl sidings. But they have been unsuccessful. Because it’s made out of real wood, DuraTemp siding looks natural and sophisticated.
Roseburg has done a marvelous job of creating a siding product that will make your home stand out in the entire neighborhood.
You can also get this siding in several colors and textures. Also, the surface is easy to paint. So, you can get a custom finish that best suits your preferences.
• It’s Safe and Free of Chemicals
Unlike other materials, DuraTemp is made strictly from a natural resource. It’s free of chemicals such as formaldehyde which is very common in plastic sidings.
These chemicals can off-gas into your home and lead to chronic health complications. But that’s not the case with DuraTemp. It is 100% safe.
• It’s Lightweight
Transporting siding can be challenging if the material is too heavy. However, DuraTemp is quite lightweight. This makes transportation easy. This feature also makes DuraTemp siding easy to work with.
• It Comes with a Lengthy Warranty
DuraTemp has a 50-year warranty against cracks, rot, and mold. That’s a relatively long warranty and makes it an excellent option for property owners.
• It Has a Water-Resistant Layer
DuraTemp has a water-resistant phenolic glue on the surface that keeps it safe from moisture. Even though this layer doesn’t last forever, it does a good job of preventing moisture damage.
Is It Easy to Install DuraTemp Siding?
The installation process of DuraTemp is the same as with other siding products. I wouldn’t refer to the installation process as challenging, but it requires a set of skills that not every homeowner may possess.
Therefore, if you are not a DIY enthusiast, you may find installing DuraTemp a bit challenging.
These siding panels can be installed vertically or horizontally. You must leave gaps measuring 1/8 inch between the panels.
These gaps create sufficient room for expansion and contraction. You should also use anti-rust nails on this wood siding.
You can read more about how to install DuraTemp siding from Roseburg’s manual. Ensure that you follow all their recommendations to avoid voiding the warranty.
