Cedar Siding Rot in Twin Cities Homes

Cedar and engineered-wood (LP/hardboard) siding is widespread on 1990s Twin Cities metro homes, and it has a predictable failure pattern that a careful inspection is built to catch.

Where it fails

Moisture wicks in at butt joints, nail heads, the bottom course, and anywhere the siding is too close to grade or to a roof line. Once the protective finish fails, the substrate swells, softens, and rots — often from the back side, so the front can look passable while the board is compromised.

What we check

We probe suspect areas, check ground and roof clearance, inspect the bottom course and trim, and look for the paint and sealant failure that precedes rot. Infrared and moisture meters help confirm concealed moisture behind siding that still looks intact.

Why it is a five-figure issue if missed

Localized rot becomes a full re-side once it spreads behind the envelope. Catching it during the inspection — while it is still a negotiation item — is the difference between a credit and a major post-closing project.

A 1990s Twin Cities metro signature defect

Whole neighborhoods of 1990s Hennepin and Ramsey counties homes were built with engineered-wood siding that is now at the age where back-side moisture damage shows up. Because the face can look acceptable while the board is compromised, this is exactly the kind of defect a careful, probe-and-meter inspection exists to catch before it becomes a full re-side.

Keep reading

All buyer-education articles · Knowledge center · Full home inspection