Restoration Questions and Answers

Below are some recent technical "restoration" questions received by the Connecticut Trust. We asked our experts to reply.

Q:What do you think about sandblasting on clapboard?

A:Sandblasting wood is even more detrimental to wood than power washing. It blows the soft pith out of the grain lines taking away some of the rot resistancy from the wood and leaving a washboard effect.

Q: What do you know about 'Hardiplank'? The product's press release states it is low maintenance, like vinyl, with all the beauty and character of wood. Takes paint well and resists fungus and mildew. Lasts three to four times as long as wood. Cited as environmentally friendly. Certain Local Historic Districts in Connecticut do not allow it.

A:Cement board siding is the new version of asbestos slate siding without the asbestos. It holds paint well and is durable. I do not recommend it be used on historic houses or direct additions to a house. I have used it on reproduction carriage houses and other outbuildings. Many users make the mistake of buying the product with an embossed wood grain. It should be used with the same smooth face as a wood clapboard. As to the claim it will last longer than wood, I've seen a lot of 150 to 200 year old clapboard still in restorable condition. The jury is still out on cement board. -

Bob Yapp, Community Preservation Specialist, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana

Do you have a preservation question? 

First consult the agencies, organizations and publications listed under Restoration Tools.  These include a variety of helpful online tools from the Preservation Briefs prepared by the National Park Service to Old House Journal.  If you can't find an answer to your specific question then contact us.

General Inquries - contact@cttrust.org
Circuit Riders - circuitrider@cttrust.org