Paulownia Siding Problems

Have you heard of any quality issues with clapboard siding from a species of wood called paulownia.

Paulownia siding problems.

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. Two years later mold started appearing on surface.

During quick processing there is not danger of splitting or chipping. Kiln drying takes 36 to 60 hours depending on dry kiln configuration horsepower and dimension of lumber. Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust no further health reactions have been associated with paulownia. It is easy to plane sand saw rip route and carve.

I think it s a good option for trimming exteriors when pvc is not in the budget. Still need to seal all cut edges though. Paulownia air dries in 30 to 60 days without cupping warping cracking or splitting. A locust or grasshopper might chew its leaves but it grows so fast that doesn t matter.

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. Paulownia is a highly competitive invasive ornamental tree that grows rapidly. It easily absorbs glue paint and stains. And paulownia right now doesn t seem to have any disease or insect problems.

This pre primed glued up siding was installed on our house in 2007. Produces clusters of light purple fragrant flowers in the spring. Paulownia has machining and woodworking characteristics similar to red cedar and is not affected by humidity and moisture. Paulownia is resistant to decay and rotting provided it is not in permanent contact with the ground.

The specific gravity of paulownia ranges between 0 23 to 0 30 23 to 30 of the density of water. Paulownia tree wood is somewhat brittle. It s much softer than the finger joint primed pine. Paulownia has a natural resistance to termites.

See the articles wood allergies and toxicity and wood dust safety for more information. Strength paulownia has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any wood. Small to medium tree that reaches a height of 30 60 ft. Paulownia trimboard siding paulownia is easy to work using hand or machine tools.