What should I replace Masonite siding with?

You should replace Masonite siding, which was hardboard siding known for swelling and rotting, with more durable modern options like fiber cement, engineered wood, or vinyl siding. The best replacement is James Hardie HardiePlank fiber cement siding, which is considered the premium replacement because it is rot-proof, fire resistant, insect proof, holds paint well, and lasts 30 to 50 years, though it costs more at 10 to 18 dollars per square foot installed. Another excellent replacement is LP SmartSide engineered wood siding, which is made from treated wood strands with wax and resin, is lighter than Hardie, easier to install, costs less at 8 to 14 dollars installed, and has a 50-year warranty and resists rot better than old Masonite. For budget-friendly replacement, vinyl siding is good, costing 6 to 12 dollars installed, never needs painting, resists moisture, but has less premium look. Engineered wood like KWP or CanExel is also popular in Canada. When replacing Masonite siding, you should remove all old siding, inspect sheathing for rot and mold, replace any damaged sheathing, install house wrap, and then install new siding with proper flashing and caulking. Many homeowners replace Masonite siding due to class-action lawsuits that provided compensation. Choose replacement based on budget, climate, and desired look, with HardiePlank for longevity and LP SmartSide for wood look at lower cost, both far superior to original Masonite hardboard siding.

You should replace Masonite siding with LP SmartSide engineered wood siding, James Hardie fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, or real wood siding, depending on budget, desired look, and durability, with LP SmartSide being most direct wood-like replacement and Hardie Board being most durable. Masonite siding is hardboard siding made from wood fibers and resin, popular in 1980s and 1990s but prone to moisture swelling, rot, and delamination when water penetrates, leading to class action lawsuits, so replacement is recommended when damaged. Best replacement is LP SmartSide, engineered wood siding made from wood strands with SmartGuard process adding wax and zinc borate for moisture, rot, and termite resistance, looks like wood, costs 6 to 10 dollars per square foot installed, lighter than fiber cement, with 50-year warranty, considered upgrade from Masonite with similar wood appearance but much better durability. James Hardie fiber cement siding is most durable replacement, made from cement, sand, cellulose, fireproof, rot-proof, termite-proof, costs 8 to 12 dollars per square foot installed, needs painting every 10 to 15 years, heavy but very long lasting 50 years. Vinyl siding is budget replacement, costs 3 to 7 dollars per square foot, low maintenance, never needs painting, but looks less like wood and can crack. Real wood siding like cedar is premium natural look but high maintenance. So replace Masonite siding with LP SmartSide for wood look and durability, or Hardie Board for maximum durability, or vinyl for low cost and low maintenance, with LP SmartSide being closest direct replacement.