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Rotted sidingby Professor Gene Wengert Q.
Our climate in Chas., SC has all the negatives - heat and humidity and previous owners have done a poor job in breaking ground contact with 'band boards.' Other contributing problems include minimal overhangs and poor flashing. Any suggestions on salvaging existing siding would be greatly appreciated as well as suggestions for treating replacement siding. A.
Second, in order for wood to decay, it must be wet. (Oxygen and warm temperatures are required as well.) The way to keep wood dry is to use adequate overhang, avoid bushes near the siding that will prevent drying after the rain, don't have sprinklers hit the siding, and keep the wood away from the ground. Further, any coating (clear, stain, or paint) must be waterproof. Coat the siding with an appropriate coating--I am sure that you have seen such coatings advertised on TV. Follow label directions, especially with respect to safety items. Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Click on Wood Doctor Archives to peruse past answers. If you would like to obtain a copy of "The Wood Doctor's Rx", visit the Wood Education and Resource Center Web site for more information. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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