What Are the Dangers of Building With Old Wood Siding?

Moisture Damage

One of the more common problems or dangers associated with old wood siding is damage caused by moisture. Wood siding must contain some type of primer or sealant that creates a protective barrier on top of the wood. When the wood lacks any protection, water settles into the cracks and crevices. Rain and snow cause water damage that leaves the wood looking cracked, dry and brittle. Water damage may also lead to problems with fungus, mold or mildew. When you use the siding on your own home, the mold or mildew may spread to other pieces. Any type of water damage reduces the lifetime of the wood siding.

When working with old wood siding, you may run into problems with sizing. On older homes, especially those made by hand, the siding has different sizes that do not match the standard sizes used today. You also risk finding areas where the homeowner patched problems himself, such as using smaller pieces and filling in gaps. The problem is compounded by any shrinking or expanding caused by natural elements.

Using salvaged wood siding is dangerous because of any leftover construction materials left in the siding. When you buy siding from a home improvement store or lumberyard, the wood is completely free from nails and screws. Old wood siding may contain rusty nails and poking yourself with one can lead to tetanus. Depending on when the builder created the home, the siding may feature wood nails or plugs that held the pieces together. Removing the wood plugs is nearly impossible without the proper tools and removing them may result in cracks appearing in the siding.

Building with old wood siding comes with the risk of insect infestation. Bugs like termites living inside the old wood siding can spread to other areas of the house and into other pieces of wood, including newer wood bought for the construction. Before using the old wood, inspect each piece carefully for any signs of insect damage or infestation. If you use a large amount of the siding, you may need a professional inspection.