Paulownia Siding Problems

This pre primed glued up siding was installed on our house in 2007.

Paulownia siding problems.

Kiln drying takes 36 to 60 hours depending on dry kiln configuration horsepower and dimension of lumber. Paulownia is resistant to decay and rotting provided it is not in permanent contact with the ground. Paulownia trimboard siding paulownia is easy to work using hand or machine tools. Paulownia is a highly competitive invasive ornamental tree that grows rapidly.

It s much softer than the finger joint primed pine. During quick processing there is not danger of splitting or chipping. Maybe i get something different that we call paulownia but what my supplier sells as paulownia is a finger joint primed cedar board available in 1x and 5 4x. It may go under the brand name of duraprime or e prime.

Paulownia has machining and woodworking characteristics similar to red cedar and is not affected by humidity and moisture. Still need to seal all cut edges though. The specific gravity of paulownia ranges between 0 23 to 0 30 23 to 30 of the density of water. I think it s a good option for trimming exteriors when pvc is not in the budget.

Paulownia air dries in 30 to 60 days without cupping warping cracking or splitting. Strength modus of rupture mor psi of paulownia is 5740. They often droop as well requiring removal to allow. The branches are susceptible to wind damage and can easily crack or break off completely at the crotch.

Produces clusters of light purple fragrant flowers in the spring. Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust no further health reactions have been associated with paulownia. See the articles wood allergies and toxicity and wood dust safety for more information. Paulownia is almost 1 3 the weight of oak 44 lbs p cubic ft and half the weight of pine 30 lbs p cubic ft.

Strength paulownia has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any wood. It is easy to plane sand saw rip route and carve. Small to medium tree that reaches a height of 30 60 ft. Paulownia tree wood is somewhat brittle.

It easily absorbs glue paint and stains. Paulownia wood machines and works well it is very dimensionally stable and is not subject to warping cupping or splitting even when exposed to outdoor elements. And paulownia right now doesn t seem to have any disease or insect problems. Two years later mold started appearing on surface.