We are about to undertake partial siding replacement on our Eichler due to dryrot and was told by a contractor to go with the Breckenridge 5/8" siding. Our house currently has original 1/2" siding. Along one long wall, we are only replacing half of the siding and when I asked about butting the new 5/8" siding next to the existing 1/2" siding and seeing the difference of thickness at the transition, he mentioned that it would never be noticed. We're not really convinced.
I recall seeing a previous discussion on this board (I looked for an hour but could not find it) about this and someone recommending to use the same siding thickness for this reason. We are pretty picky about aesthetics and details and it would drive us nuts if there was an apparent seam in the middle of the wall. (Of course, we could replace siding on the whole wall...)
Anyone have any thoughts about this?
from eichler siding, you have 2 choices:
super-smooth MDO @ 1/2in... (way smoother than original)
or rough breckenridge @ 5/8in... (a bitmore rough than original)
even with a million coats of paint, our original siding still retains some texture, so you'd likely notice the texture (or lack of) difference with MDO with the before the thickness difference with the breckenridge (and if you want to, you can knock down some of the rougher texture of the b-ridge with a sander)... plus 5/8 will meet modern codes better, methinks. the b-ridge is easy to work with, hides nail holes well (because of the texture), but you will need to fill the voids with caulk and prime well (neither are hard).
I recently replaced the dry-rotted siding on my 1958 Eichler and went with the 1/2" MDO because I was replacing only some of it and it matched the thickness of my existing siding. Like you, I wasn't convinced that the 5/8" would "not be noticeable". I have a place at my front entry where the siding runs to the interior and the window is set into one of the grooves making it disappear. A difference in the siding thickness would have been obvious.
With regards to the differences in texture, I feel that the MDO is a lot closer in appearance to my existing siding than the Breckenridge. I suggest getting samples so you can make your own comparisons. With regards to meeting code requirements, be sure to verify with your local building officials what would be acceptable.
With regards to the differences in texture, I feel that the MDO is a lot closer in appearance to my existing siding than the Breckenridge. I suggest getting samples so you can make your own comparisons. With regards to meeting code requirements, be sure to verify with your local building officials what would be acceptable.
Having just replaced all my siding with Breckinridge I just wanted to point out that while raw, unpainted Breckenridge is very textured (it almost looks "hairy") once it's primed and painted it's much closer in texture to the original. My wife was adamantly against Breckenridge when she first saw the unpainted panels but now that it has the finished paint job she loves it. Also, the MDO, as my painter pointed out, has a very slick paper surface and I really think that paint will not "grab" as well on the MDO surface.
-Andrew
I have some extra MDO Thinline paneling from a recent project. They are in excellent condition. (6) 4’ x10’ Thinline panels custom milled by Eichler Siding. I am asking $60 each, a significant savings and a custom size at 4’ x 10’. More information on the specs is available at the Eichler Siding website. I am in San Mateo and need you to pick up. Give a call if interested, 650 345-4304. Melissa
we're actually in *need* of some 4X10s, but in breckenridge... the vendor is presently out of stock... :(
(3) more left --I just finished an exterior siding project on my Eichler. I am selling (3) 4’ x10’ Thinline MDO panels custom milled by Eichler Siding. They are in excellent shape. I am asking $60 each, a significant savings off the $100 per price from manufacturer and a custom size at 4’ x 10’. Specs are available at http://www.eichlersiding.com. Please contact Melissa at 345-4304. You need to arrange pick-up. Thank you!
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