Spring is just around the corner, bringing the rainy season with it. As you begin your spring cleaning, make sure to add a siding inspection to your to-do list. If you live in Austin and haven’t replaced your siding yet, chances are it’s Masonite siding. It’s important to understand that Masonite, also known as hardboard siding, is made from wood fibers and resin. This composition can absorb moisture if the paint or protective coating is damaged or worn down. Over time, trapped moisture can cause damages like swelling, warping, and even rotting. Most importantly, Masonite is now a discontinued product, making repairs difficult and the need for replacements to more durable materials like James Hardie fiber cement siding more prevalent. If you notice any of these issues, you’ll likely need to find a siding replacement company to replace your damaged Masonite siding.

To avoid the need for a quick search of “Siding replacement near me,” it’s essential to regularly check your siding for cracks or signs of peeling paint. Repainting or resealing can significantly extend the lifespan of your siding, helping maintain your home’s exterior for years. While wear and tear from harsh weather is inevitable, as one of the top siding contractors in Austin, TX, we’ve seen how improper cleaning can lead to lasting damage to Masonite siding.

If you’re considering residential siding installation or siding replacement in the future, some care now can buy you time before you need a full replacement.

Here’s how to properly clean and maintain your siding

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

1. Dry Brush Off Dirt

Use a soft-bristle brush or broom to gently remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs from the surface. Be careful not to scratch the siding.

2. Prepare Cleaning Solution

Mix a mild detergent (such as dish soap) with warm water in a bucket. For tougher stains or mildew, add a cup of white vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the Masonite.

3. Test in a Small Area

Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire surface, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause damage or discoloration.

4. Wash the Siding

Use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in the soapy water to gently scrub the siding. Work in small sections to prevent the soap from sitting too long. Apply more pressure for tougher dirt, but avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After cleaning each section, rinse the siding with a garden hose to remove all soap residue. Always rinse from top to bottom to avoid streaks.

6. Use a Pressure Washer (Optional)

If you’re using a pressure washer, set it to the lowest setting (around 1,200–1,500 psi). Keep the nozzle 3–4 feet away from the surface, holding it at a 45-degree angle and pointing downward to avoid water getting behind the siding.

7. Dry the Siding

Use a soft, clean towel or cloth to gently pat down the cleaned areas, or let the siding air dry. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

8. Repeat if Necessary

For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. A mixture of water and bleach (1:1) can help, but be cautious, as bleach can be harsh on both the siding and surrounding landscaping.

Client Testimonials

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Larisa Von Schimmelmann
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They did an awesome job! They replaced the siding and what was damaged inside when they opened the siding: studs, insulation and the cable that was wrapped around the house. They replaced the doors (now we actually have the doors that are working great and looking amazing). They painted the whole house, doors, cleaned up around the house. The communication was great and the team was hardworking.
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Chelsea Walker
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"Genuine Texas Exteriors did an AMAZING job on our new metal roof and siding. The finished product looks incredible, and the quality exceeded our expectations. The team was trustworthy, easy to work with, and always kept the lines of communication open throughout the project. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable roofing and siding contractor!"
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Gene Grottke
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Excellent service and professional. Mike is very informative about Malarkey shingles and how the install will be done. The workers were very nice and did great work on the installation. The cleanup was amazing. There is a lot of mess from removing and installing a roof. Boy, my wife and I were shocked to see how good a job they did cleaning up. Some of our flower beds looked better after their cleanup than before.The cost of this project was very competitive. Would recommend Genuine Texas Exteriors to anyone for the quality of product, workmanship, and customer service.
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Korrie Bartels
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Michael and his team did an amazing job! We recently had all of our siding replaced on our 30+ year old house that still had it's original siding. They were upfront with pricing, easy to work with, and extremely professional. His contractors were thorough and efficient - completing the job ahead of schedule. Most of all, I liked that Genuine Texas Exteriors doesn't line item every little thing and drive the cost up - they included everything you needed to have a watertight, good looking home.
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Jules Kabamba
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Genuine Texas Interiors, arrived early and were able to inspect the roof due to storm damage and repaired the damage efficiently and quickly. Job well done!
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Drew Glapa
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We had a great experience with Genuine Texas Exteriors. Sam and Michael were both fantastic to work with throughout the entire project. They were responsive, professional, and took the time to answer questions and address concerns along the way. The installation crew was polite, hardworking, and did excellent work. They kept the job site clean and were respectful of our property. What really stood out was their willingness to work with me on several special requests related to critter prevention and some unique details around our home's exterior. They were flexible, listened to what I was trying to accomplish, and made sure those concerns were addressed. Overall, we're very happy with the quality of the work and the customer service. I would definitely recommend Genuine Texas Exteriors to anyone looking for siding or exterior home improvements.
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Sally Stermer
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10 stars! Michael and Sam are THE BEST people I've ever worked with for contracted work!! The entire experience was AMAZING from start to finish! We had our terrible vinyl siding replaced with beautiful James Hardy siding, and we could not be happier 💜 Michael was organized, accommodating, and communicated well so we knew what to expect. His amazing team found a leak in one of our pipes while working, and he even had a plumbing referral that I will use for life. Sam was so sweet and helped us immensely with visualizing different color schemes for our house. Thanks to Michael, Sam, the siding crew, and the painting crew for their PHENOMENAL efforts!! 🙏💜
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doug wyatt
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Used Michael and his crew for a new metal roof, new gutters, and new siding on a 4800 sq. foot house. A+ all the way through. Spoke to a ton of roofers, but Michael's approach differed in that he focused on education - both issues with the roof, and how his crews approach install. He used a drone, and was able to clearly identify problematic areas, and offer solutions to prevent those issues from creating additional problems in the future (non-existent flashing, pitch, etc). When the crew wrapped, Michael did a walk through with me, in which we both identified a few small areas that needed to be fixed, and his crew was back out, putting on the finishing touches within days. Speaking of which, shout out to the roofing crew, who has long drives in and out of Austin every day to do one of the toughest jobs there is - you guys are BEASTS! Eric & his crew did a great job with the siding and painting, as well. You might think this premium level of service and product comes at an extremely high price tag, but I found their prices to be very fair, and they were actually much cheaper than some of the bigger names out there. Can't recommend Michael and his crew enough. It's hard to find communicative, dependable, hard working trades, who aren't charging you the "Austin" tax, and these guys are the real deal.
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RoseMary Martinez
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I would definitely recommend Genuine Texas Exteriors. This company goes out of their way to make sure you are satisfied with their work. From beginning to end you feel taken care of. They replaced all of our siding and did an excellent job. This company never makes you feel like you are just a number, they make you feel like they care about your house and they take pride in their workmanship.
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Yezan Abu Kuppeh
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I recently used Texas Genuine exteriors to replace the siding on a portion of my house. They were flexible with the pricing, Michael and Sam were great with communications, they were responsive and always on time, I also never felt pressured or got the nagging salesman vibe from them throughout my option weighing process. The final product was great and the crew that did the work were respectful and communicated the options with me and made sure that what i wanted got implemented.

Helpful Tips

  • Avoid wire brushes or abrasive scrubbing pads, as they can scratch or damage your siding.
  • Never use high-pressure settings on a power washer; it can force water behind the siding, leading to long-term damage and the need for siding replacement.
  • Regularly clean your Masonite siding to prevent dirt, mold, and mildew buildup.

By following these steps and maintaining regular care, your Masonite siding can stay in top shape, protecting your home for years to come. We hope this helps ensure your Masonite siding withstands the test of time.

If you need siding installation services or an exterior siding installation in Austin due to issues like warping, swelling, or rotting, we’re here to help. Working with a reliable siding installation company is crucial to ensuring quality, long-lasting results. As one of the leading siding contractors in Austin, TX, we offer everything from smaller chimney siding replacements to full home siding replacements. Whether you’re looking for siding replacement company services or need help with windows and siding replacement, it’s essential to work with a professional team. Reach out to our trusted siding installation company in Austin to get the job done right and protect your home from water damage.

Sincerely,
Genuine Texas Exteriors
(512) 745-5676

siding installation company

Central Texas Siding Services

We service all of Central Texas, including but not limited to: Georgetown, South Austin, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, Bee Cave, North Austin, San Marcos, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Wimberley, Austin, Jonestown, Pflugerville, Buda, Leander, Bastrop, Kyle, Manchaca, Hutto, New Braunfels, Manor, San Antonio, and beyond. Please reach out for all your siding installation, siding replacement, and siding repair needs!

Your Masonite Siding Has a Expiry Date — Is Yours Past It?

Cracked, swollen, or peeling siding isn’t just an eyesore — it’s an open invitation for moisture, pests, and costly structural damage. Don’t wait until the damage spreads. Genuine Texas Exteriors is Central Texas’s trusted siding replacement team, ready to upgrade your home with premium James Hardie fiber cement siding that outlasts and outperforms Masonite in every way. Call us at 512-745-5676 or stop by our Austin office to book your free siding consultation today!

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of your Masonite siding is key to extending its lifespan and protecting your home from costly water damage. With simple steps like cleaning, inspecting, and resealing, you can delay the need for a full replacement and keep your home looking its best. However, if you notice signs of deterioration such as swelling, warping, or rotting, it’s important to act quickly and consult a trusted siding replacement company. At Genuine Texas Exteriors, we specialize in professional siding replacement in Austin, TX, and are here to help you transition to long-lasting, durable materials like James Hardie siding when the time comes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is Masonite Siding Made Of?

Masonite siding is made from wood fibers, wax, and resin, making it durable but prone to moisture damage if not properly sealed or maintained.

How Do I Know If My Masonite Siding Needs To Be Replaced?

Look for signs like warping, swelling, cracking, or soft spots. These usually indicate trapped moisture or rot.

Can I Pressure Wash Masonite Siding?

Yes, but use low pressure (1,200–1,500 psi) and keep the nozzle angled downward at least 3–4 feet away to avoid forcing water behind the siding.

What’s The Best Alternative To Masonite Siding?

James Hardie fiber cement siding is a popular, more durable replacement option due to its resistance to moisture, pests, and fire.

How Often Should I Clean Or Inspect My Masonite Siding?

Inspect and clean your siding at least once or twice a year—especially after heavy rain or storms—to catch issues early and extend its lifespan.

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