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

[Lipsey, Ellen]

The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) approved the smooth textured version of Hardiplank clapboards to replace siding on a former rectory that was converted to moderate income housing.  The commission made the decision based on the condition of the existing wood siding (under synthetic siding) and cost and maintenance concerns expressed by the applicant since hardiplank has a reputation for holding paint better than wood clapboards do. If part of a Landmark application involves new construction the BLC has viewed the use of hardiplank as acceptable.

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of David Temple
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2013 11:03 AM
To: Ward Hamilton at Olde Mohawk Historic Preservation; Sullivan, Charles M.
Cc: Listserve MassHistPres
Subject: [MassHistPres] How about Hardiplank? Re: experience with Azek?

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<mailto:ward at wardhamilton.com>>
To: "Sullivan, Charles M." <csullivan at cambridgema.gov<mailto:csullivan at cambridgema.gov>>
Cc: Listserve MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu<mailto: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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