You may be familiar with wood, vinyl, metal, or brick siding. However, you may have never heard of T1-11 siding. It resembles wood siding on the surface, but T1-11’s composition is different from regular wood, so you may have a slightly different approach when it comes to maintaining this type of siding.

Whether you have never heard of T1-11 siding, plan to build with this siding, or already own a Danville, CA area commercial property built with it, refer to this article as a guide to understanding and maintaining it. This post discusses T1-11 siding, its advantages and disadvantages, and how commercial painters in the Alamo, CA area deal with this type of siding. 

What is T1-11 siding?

T1-11 siding is a type of plywood or wood composite siding used on residential and sometimes commercial buildings. It is characterized by its textured surface, which has a series of parallel grooves or channels milled into the wood, creating a distinctive vertical pattern. These grooves can vary in width and depth, giving the siding a rugged, rustic appearance that can be both decorative and functional.

T1-11 siding comes in two main types:

• Plywood T1-11 siding – This is made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together to form panels. Plywood T1-11 siding is known for its strength and durability, as well as its natural wood grain texture.
• OSB (Oriented Strand Board) T1-11 siding – OSB T1-11 is made from compressed layers of wood strands mixed with adhesives and then pressed into panels. While it is generally more affordable than plywood siding, it may not be as durable in wet conditions unless properly sealed and maintained.

T1-11 siding is popular for its affordability, ease of installation, and the warm, natural look it adds to buildings. However, it requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining and sealing to protect it from moisture, which can lead to warping, rotting, or mold growth. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity of T1-11 siding on any structure.

Commercial painting contractors like Custom Painting, Inc. work with various siding types, including the T1-11. We repair and paint or stain your T1-11 siding to restore its appearance and ultimately extend the life of your Blackhawk, CA area commercial building.

Pros and cons of T1-11 siding

T1-11 siding is a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. But like any building material, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of T1-11 siding:

Pros:

• Affordability – T1-11 siding is generally more affordable than many other siding materials, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners and builders.
• Aesthetic appeal – It offers a natural wood grain appearance that can add a rustic or traditional look to a building. It’s available in various grades and finishes, allowing for customization according to aesthetic preferences.
• Easy installation – This siding can be easier and quicker to install than some other types of siding, which can lower labor costs. Its large panels cover more area with fewer pieces, speeding up the installation process.
• Versatility – T1-11 can be painted or stained in any color, giving property owners flexibility in matching their exterior design scheme.
• Strength and durability – When properly maintained, T1-11 siding can be quite durable and withstand various weather conditions.

Cons

• Maintenance requirements – T1-11 siding requires regular maintenance to prevent deterioration. It needs to be treated for water and termite resistance and may require more frequent repainting or re-staining than other siding options.
• Vulnerability to moisture – If not properly sealed and maintained, T1-11 siding can be susceptible to water damage, leading to warping, rotting, and mold growth.
• Termite risk – Wood siding, including T1-11, can be vulnerable to termite infestation if not properly treated or if maintenance lapses.
• Insulation value – On its own, T1-11 siding does not provide significant insulation value, which might necessitate additional insulation materials to improve energy efficiency.
• Resale value impact – Depending on the market and the condition of the siding, T1-11 can either enhance or detract from a property’s resale value. In areas where maintenance might not have been kept up or the style is not as popular, it could potentially lower the appeal to buyers.

When considering T1-11 siding for a project, weighing these pros and cons about the specific needs and conditions of the property will help make an informed decision. Regular maintenance and proper installation are keys to maximizing the benefits of T1-11 siding while minimizing its drawbacks.

Custom Painting, Inc.’s Services

Plywood-based siding such as T1-11 tends to have many cracks and imperfections, making painting more difficult than other siding types.  While painting T1-11 siding may take time, ensuring a proper coat of paint will make it durable and last longer.

Custom Painting Inc.’s team of painters follow the steps in restoring your T1-11 siding and maintaining its appearance and natural beauty:

1. Inspection and preparation – We inspect the T1-11 siding for damage like cracks and holes. Then, we prepare the surface – cleaning, drying out, making the necessary repairs, sanding, and priming before painting. Additionally, we prepare the work area by covering doors, windows, decks, flower beds, etc. with drop cloths.
2. Caulking – Caulk around all areas that affect the T1-11 siding. Inspect the siding for larger cracks, then fill them with caulk. After applying caulk, smooth it to even out the final appearance of the exterior surface. Allow the caulk to dry completely before proceeding to paint the siding.
3. Color consultation and selection – We discuss with the client the colors to be used for the siding. Our team explores different color options and takes the design aspects of the client’s property as the basis for their color choices. Then, we produce samples and conduct testing to help clients observe how colors change with the existing elements and different lighting conditions. Once all the color options are tested and evaluated, both parties decide on the final color palette.
4. Professional painting or staining – We start painting the cleaned and prepared T1-11 siding through any application methods. However, we use spraying as a preferred method of applying paint. Then they do some necessary touch-ups or detailed paintwork using a brush. Staining is another option if you want to retain the wood-like color and grain of the siding.
5. Quality assurance – Once the project is completed, we provide a written warranty for the completed work. A guarantee indicates that we are 100% confident about our quality of service. Our warranty should cover any defects and errors as a result of our workmanship.

Choose us for your T1-11 siding painting needs!

Repainting your T1-11 siding can protect it against moisture, make it last longer, and restore or even enhance the look of your commercial building. 

With over 40 years of experience in the paint services industry, Custom Painting, Inc. has an extensive knowledge of every type of siding we have dealt with. Understanding T1-11’s composition allows us to apply the best products and use the correct application techniques to maintain its attractive appearance and longevity. 

Contact us!

You can entrust the cleaning, repairing, and painting of your T1-11 siding to us! Our licensed and insured team of painters uses the right tools and correct techniques to restore your T1-11 siding to its original appearance, beauty, and integrity. If your commercial property has T1-11 siding that needs repair or paint, call Custom Painting Inc. at 925-866-9610 or fill out the online estimate request form to get started!