Replies

1. 
   Upraiser | Sep 01, 2003 04:10am | #1

   Check out some the T1-11 style Hardi Board material, it would be my choice over a wood T1-11 panel.  Its a cement and wood fiber product, holds paint better than wood, it is a bit more money, but easier to paint and maintain.  Most lumber yards should have it.

   The 2"clearance for wood would likely be okay, however it has been my experience that soil, weeds, grass etc. can fill in the area in a few years.

   Moisture is another potential probem with wood that close to the ground, assuming you live in a place with some rain.  You end up with dry rot and termites.

   Curt

2. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 01, 2003 05:09am | #2

   I used T-111 on my garage in 1985.  After just a few years it started to rot.  After about 10 there were fungi growing out of it in places.  There are no trees shading the building, just one side that faced north.  When it was newly installed it was primed and painted with normal house paint.

   In some places code would not allow siding to be that close to the ground because of rot.  8" clearance is typical code minimum where they exist.

   I would not recommend T-111 for any exterior use.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 01, 2003 09:59pm | #3

   Termites will build dirt "tunnels" from the ground up concrete to at least 3 feet. I've seen them. I also agree that T1-11 needs to be kept well above ground. The bottom wicks in moisture and like all plywood, the wood rots and delaminates. The glue is fine, the wood is rotted.

1. 
   Jeff | Sep 02, 2003 01:44am | #4

   Any idea on how well Pressure Treated ply holds up in the long run?

   It shouldn't rot?

   Jeff

1. 
   IMERC | Sep 02, 2003 07:21am | #5

   More often than not seen it delaminate and the plies ripple when it dries out. 

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

1. 
   Jeff | Sep 02, 2003 02:30pm | #6

   Thank you

   The bottom sheets of plywood on my ouside walls of my shop are Pressure treated.

   Guess I'll see what happens.

   Jeff

2. 
   johnnyd | Sep 02, 2003 09:26pm | #7

   There are 2 grades of treated plywood fairly commonly available: .4 and .6.  Has to do with the pressure and amount of chemical forced into the plywood during treatment.  Usually have to special order .6 but .4 is available at my local HD & Menards.

   .4 is rated for "ground contact",  .6 is rated for below grade.  This will be clearly indicated on the grade stamps.  .6 treated plywood and structural lumber is what is used for wood basements. 

   I did the plumbing in a house that was built with a wood basement 25 years ago and recently had a look at the plywood...still looked good.

1. 
   Jeff | Sep 03, 2003 02:20am | #8

   Johnny

   Good to know, I forgot about that.

   My shop is already built, so I'll have to wait and see what happens.

   Jeff