Custom Residential Architects Network

Hi Reid,

I am working on an addition to an existing home in Western PA that was originally clad in vertical cedar siding.  The client has found that the cedar had attracted insects and requires maintenance and has some issues with rot and therefore wanted a composite material for the addition.  I specified Boral TruExterior, due to it's excellent moisture resistance, paintability and environmental qualities.  During installation the carpenter / framer who has used it on several previous projects stated that he really enjoys working with the material and finds it to be the best choice over cement fiber and other wood composites.  This is also my first time using the product and therefore can not address the long term viability.  I attached a couple pictures of the project.  I would touch base with the manufacturer's rep to determine if there were earlier problems that the manufacturer has addressed. Good luck with your project.

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Paul Levine AIA
Owner
Paul J. Levine, Architect
Pittsburgh PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2021 09:33 AM
From: Reid Highley
Subject: Boral siding experiences?

Hello CRAN,

I've got a custom house under construction in central North Carolina and every inch of the exterior is specified to be clad in Boral TruExterior - siding, trim, fascias, everything.  This is my first time using the product and I've heard generally good reviews about its performance until now.  Today I learned that the builder had a nightmare experience with Boral a few years back.  He shared pictures of the project and the siding had buckled, bowed, and twisted itself so badly that the walls were visibly wavy.  He claims they followed the installation and storage instructions to a T.  I talked to the architect who confirmed the same.  The local rep tried to blame the framing, but this is a reputable builder that I have used many times before and I've never had any issues with the quality of their framing.

Does anybody out there have experience with Boral TruExterior, good or bad?  I hate to change course this late in the game, but I also can't run the risk of a similar failure.  Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Reid

--

Reid Highley, AIA 

Owner

CH Architects  |  reid@candharch.com  |  (919) 442-8578

This may just confuse the situation but following is our firm's experience.

I have used a ton of this material in all kinds of conditions, even as lap siding with mitered corners. I have not had a problem with it at all......however, my partner used it as a facia material on a project (attached to a subfacia) and had shrinkage issues on long runs of 1x material. Then only explanation we can come up with is that the something went wrong with the material he used in the manufacturing process.

I cautiously continue to use it but my partner will probably never use it again!

Darryl Bird, AIA
Arcspace Studio

------------------------------
Darryl Bird AIA
Principal
Arcspace Studio
Huntsville AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2021 09:33 AM
From: Reid Highley
Subject: Boral siding experiences?

Hello CRAN,

I've got a custom house under construction in central North Carolina and every inch of the exterior is specified to be clad in Boral TruExterior - siding, trim, fascias, everything.  This is my first time using the product and I've heard generally good reviews about its performance until now.  Today I learned that the builder had a nightmare experience with Boral a few years back.  He shared pictures of the project and the siding had buckled, bowed, and twisted itself so badly that the walls were visibly wavy.  He claims they followed the installation and storage instructions to a T.  I talked to the architect who confirmed the same.  The local rep tried to blame the framing, but this is a reputable builder that I have used many times before and I've never had any issues with the quality of their framing.

Does anybody out there have experience with Boral TruExterior, good or bad?  I hate to change course this late in the game, but I also can't run the risk of a similar failure.  Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Reid

--

Reid Highley, AIA 

Owner

CH Architects  |  reid@candharch.com  |  (919) 442-8578

I have used Boral only on one project, but I have a colleague who had the exact same experience on a project as your partner, Daryll: significant shrinkage causing gaps over the length of the fascia boards.  This was enough for me to decide not to specify the material again.  Apparently your partner's experience was not an anomaly.

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Beth Worell AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Beth A. Worell Architects
Boston MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2021 11:44 AM
From: Darryl Bird
Subject: Boral siding experiences?

This may just confuse the situation but following is our firm's experience.

I have used a ton of this material in all kinds of conditions, even as lap siding with mitered corners. I have not had a problem with it at all......however, my partner used it as a facia material on a project (attached to a subfacia) and had shrinkage issues on long runs of 1x material. Then only explanation we can come up with is that the something went wrong with the material he used in the manufacturing process.

I cautiously continue to use it but my partner will probably never use it again!

Darryl Bird, AIA
Arcspace Studio

------------------------------
Darryl Bird AIA
Principal
Arcspace Studio
Huntsville AL

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2021 09:33 AM
From: Reid Highley
Subject: Boral siding experiences?

Hello CRAN,

I've got a custom house under construction in central North Carolina and every inch of the exterior is specified to be clad in Boral TruExterior - siding, trim, fascias, everything.  This is my first time using the product and I've heard generally good reviews about its performance until now.  Today I learned that the builder had a nightmare experience with Boral a few years back.  He shared pictures of the project and the siding had buckled, bowed, and twisted itself so badly that the walls were visibly wavy.  He claims they followed the installation and storage instructions to a T.  I talked to the architect who confirmed the same.  The local rep tried to blame the framing, but this is a reputable builder that I have used many times before and I've never had any issues with the quality of their framing.

Does anybody out there have experience with Boral TruExterior, good or bad?  I hate to change course this late in the game, but I also can't run the risk of a similar failure.  Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Reid

--

Reid Highley, AIA 

Owner

 

CH Architects  |  reid@candharch.com  |  (919) 442-8578

Reid,

I've specified TruExterior trim extensively for several years now, including siding an entire new home with it. We used their bevel lap siding which has been discontinued due to production yield inefficiencies according to Boral. The home has been completed for over two years now and no problems have been reported. 

I'd do your due diligence and contact your regional Boral rep. to discuss your concerns.

------------------------------
Kenneth Workman AIA
Architectural Design Works Studio
Cincinnati OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2021 09:33 AM
From: Reid Highley
Subject: Boral siding experiences?

Hello CRAN,

I've got a custom house under construction in central North Carolina and every inch of the exterior is specified to be clad in Boral TruExterior - siding, trim, fascias, everything.  This is my first time using the product and I've heard generally good reviews about its performance until now.  Today I learned that the builder had a nightmare experience with Boral a few years back.  He shared pictures of the project and the siding had buckled, bowed, and twisted itself so badly that the walls were visibly wavy.  He claims they followed the installation and storage instructions to a T.  I talked to the architect who confirmed the same.  The local rep tried to blame the framing, but this is a reputable builder that I have used many times before and I've never had any issues with the quality of their framing.

Does anybody out there have experience with Boral TruExterior, good or bad?  I hate to change course this late in the game, but I also can't run the risk of a similar failure.  Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Reid

--

Reid Highley, AIA 

Owner

CH Architects  |  reid@candharch.com  |  (919) 442-8578