Trim Question

[JohnC]

This is a 2009 house with James Hardie Cement Siding. The exterior trim is puffy at many edges from water penetration. Does anyone the correct name of this product? It appears to be some sort of junk fiberboard.

Thanks,

John Callan

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[John Kogel]

It appears to be "MDF". Modified dung fiber. []

[ericwlewis]

the first picture looks like the "OSB" crap I see much of around Indy.

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The second does look like MDF. Do they really use that somewhere?

[charlieb]

Both are MDF and yep they use that stuff down in the wet south all the time.

John, I like the acronym translation.

[Nolan Kienitz]

John's verbiage is good.

I just call it "composite siding".

[Richard Moore]

From one manufacturer of moldings...

MDF can be manufactured with special adhesives suitable for exterior applications including brick moulding, mouldings around doors and windows, exterior window sills, column facings, gable vents and louvers, soffit trim and other exterior trim. (my bold)

Or, as a builder, you can save a bunch of money by using regular, interior grade MDF moldings as long as you're willing to skip town before it gets wet.

[Brandon Whitmore]

I just call it "composite compost siding".

Nolan, I fixed it for you.

[David Meiland]

There is "MedEx" MDF for exterior use. I've had my hands on it once and soaked a piece in the sink for a few weeks. Minor edge swelling (less than 1/32" on a 3/4" piece) but I don't know what would happen after years.

I consider the term "MedEx" to be generic, i.e. there was/is probably more than one manufacturer of similar product, but here's a current one, and note that it says not OK for exterior trim.

http://www.sierrapine.com/index.php?pid=68

[hausdok]

There is "MedEx" MDF for exterior use. I've had my hands on it once and soaked a piece in the sink for a few weeks. Minor edge swelling (less than 1/32" on a 3/4" piece) but I don't know what would happen after years.

I consider the term "MedEx" to be generic, i.e. there was/is probably more than one manufacturer of similar product, but here's a current one, and note that it says not OK for exterior trim.

http://www.sierrapine.com/index.php?pid=68

Hi David,

I wouldn't waste any energy trying to convince folks from other parts of the country that any form of OSB is anything more than landfill material. There's just too much misinformation out there about the product. Until it gets more widespread use and has been around in those other areas as long as we've seen it around here, they aren't likely to change their minds.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[David Meiland]

Hey, not trying to persuade anyone of anything.

OSB and MDF are very different, but they both fall apart in the wet pretty quick.