[MassHistPres] How about Hardiplank? Re: experience with Azek?

[David Temple]

I've been reading the Azek comments with interest -- how do y'all feel about Hardiplank, which contractors have been using instead of wood clapboards on deteriorated 19th century houses?  In some cases, the Medfield Historical Commission has reluctantly acceded to Hardiplank and lifted demo delays; otherwise the builders would likely have waited us out and then demolished the houses we wanted saved.

I personally do not find Hardiplank as offensive as some other commission members, and from what I've been able to research on line, Hardiplank has seemed to age well in the 20 years it's been available. I've come to think of it as a reasonable replica which requires less maintenance than wood, at least for the first 20 years, and way better than vinyl.  When I Googled "Hardiplank sucks" (a search term that often yields useful results), there were relatively few complaints, most of which involved the installation process.

Comments?
 
In your reply, please include my original message. AOL users please note!

David Temple 
David F. Temple, Inc. 
300 South Street 
Medfield, MA 02052 
508-359-2915 




>________________________________
> From: Ward Hamilton at Olde Mohawk Historic Preservation <ward at wardhamilton.com>
>To: "Sullivan, Charles M." <csullivan at cambridgema.gov> 
>Cc: Listserve MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> 
>Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2013 8:35 AM
>Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] experience with Azek?
> 
>
>In the limited instances where wood-meets-earth, or water (window sills),
>composites may appear to be an attractive alternative, but should be
>considered with caution.  The new stair riser or fascia plate will not
>show signs of degradation but it will conceal what's happening to wooden
>structural members behind them.  So, when it fails, be prepared for
>wholesale failure of the system.  ("Gee, the stairs looked great ... who
>knew the stringers were rotted?")
>
>PVC composites, like AZEK, are an attempt to cut corners and remove
>maintenance and upkeep from the equation.  Consider recommending the use
>of Spanish cedar, teak, poplar, oak, and other hardwoods in these limited
>applications.  You may be surprised how close the price is to the
>composite materials.
>
>Like many issues confronting HDCs, this one can be attributed to a lack of
>informed sources.  The building owner is making application and typically
>knows only as much as the contractor has told them.  AZEK is widely
>available and spends a tremendous amount of money "educating" would-be
>consumers through marketing.
>
>Consider the Secretary of the Interior's position on the subject:
>
>"If repair by stabilization, consolidation, and conservation proves
>inadequate, the next level of intervention involves the limited
>replacement in kind of extensively deteriorated or missing parts of
>features when there are surviving prototypes (for example, brackets,
>dentils, steps, plaster, or portions of slate or tile roofing). The
>replacement material needs to match the old both physically and visually,
>i.e., wood with wood, etc. Thus, with the exception of hidden structural
>reinforcement and new mechanical system components, substitute materials
>are not appropriate in the treatment Preservation."    Standards for
>Preservation and Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings
>(http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/preserve/preserve_approach.htm)
>
>
>Ward Hamilton
>
>OLDE MOHAWK HISTORIC PRESERVATION INC
>877.622.8973 online at OldeMohawk.com
>Slate Roofing | Masonry | Restoration
>
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