A Hard Look at
Hardboard Siding
Hardboard is taking its share of
knocks lately. Recent figures show that
its share of the siding market, almost
30% as recently as 1983, had slipped to
20% by 1987 (the last year for which
figures are available).
Vinyl siding in particular has bitten
into hardboard's market niche over the
last decade, winning over homeowners
with its promise of low maintenance.
Plywood and cedar are gaining, too,
while new processed wood products
such as Louisiana-Pacific's OSB-based
Inner Seal are adding to the competitive
pressure.
Why the drooping sales? We asked a
number of builders, distributors,
researchers, building consultants, and
industry representatives from around
the country. Some said that problems
with moisture absorption, poor paint
adhesion, and poor