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My brother wants to strip off the clapboards and put vinyl siding on hbis house. With the sheathing exposed, they got the idea to add house wrap for drafts. The contractor told him it was a bad idea, trapping moisture in the house. Since the house has existing fiberglass insulation, I told him my first inclination is to agree with the contractor and that he should caulk the windows.
Since I use alot of the advice given here, I thought I would check with you folks. The house is 50+ years old in Wisconsin.
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Dear Jeff,
I think your bother got hooked up with a low ball contractor. Hate to promote vinyl, but if that's the plan, do it right. Striping existing and installing a complete underlayment is essential before residing. Most vinyl guys aren't into it.
Vinyl siding does not block water intrusion. It jiggles loosely on the wall and wind blows right through it. So much rain goes through that the hooks have drainage holes. Underlayment catches the blow by and keeps the house dry. All the windows need expert detailing to make the whole system work.
Does the house have moisture problems causing siding trouble? These could be internal issues such as a damp basement. The first step toward avoiding trapped moisture is to shut off the source of the water.
Dryly, Fred
*Thanks FredL,I tried to talk them out of vinyl but they want to minimize maintenance. I'll tell my brother to try another contractor or two. I tried to think of all the moisture problems that there could be, and he doesn't seem to have any. I think it's a case of no maintenance on the existing clapboards and drafts.