I looked for FHB articles on new siding over old clapboard and found nothing. My biggest concern is around the windows and doors and how to extend the trim work out so that it sill looks OK and doesn’t leak. The house was built in 1927 and I want to retain the original look but go to a low maintenance siding. I’m in Michigan so I like to add a little foamboard for insulation at the same time if possible.
Would I be better off tearing off the original clap board? Can anyone direct me to a good ‘how to’ on preferred method?
Thanks in advance
Grant
Replies
Horsefeathers!
I should explain that "horsefeathers" is the traditional way to side over old siding. It's actually two different techniques: In one new siding with a rectangular cross-section is applied to the old, maintaining the pitch of the original. In the other, bevel siding is applied upside down to produce a smooth surface, then new siding applied over that.
But of course neither technique is particularly worthwhile with manufactured siding.
One thing to consider before making a decision about a technique is what's under the existing siding. If there is some sort of sheathing behind it then stripping the old off probably makes the most sense (if you want the best job). If there's no sheathing, though, you may want to leave the current siding in place (vs having to install new sheathing, and have the walls opened up in the process).
Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be! --Miguel de Cervantes
I've never used horsefeathers on re-siding, although I can see how it would work.
We used to use them on re-roofs, installing asphalt shingles over cedar.
I don't know where to get them anymore.
What kind of siding are you planning on using?
When I put the vinyl siding on my home, 20-some years ago, I stripped the old, cracked clapboards off. I then installed new housewrap, re-flashed the windows and doors, nailed on a layer of 1/2" foamboard, and sided over that.
Its much easier to side over a nice, smooth surface.
I can only think of one kind of siding that covers old claps half decently and that is vinyl. They have all sorts of trims for the windows etc and instruction manuals.
If you are thinking of any other kind of siding, You probably need to be planning to remove the claps.
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I think I'd rather resheath with osb over the claps than remove them. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Quote of the day: "...can't be done, it will take too long, not enough pipeline capacity, yada yada but yet they don't apply the same skepticism to their own "solutions" such as wind and biofuels"
Most times, claps come off easy. It's scary what's underneath sometimes. Rot, delaminated ply, - on old houses, the nails are rusted out sometimes etc. Huge gaps and rat holes are sometimes found. Disintegrated tarpaper etc. I like to start over and remove all the garbage.
They come of so easy it would be a dead heat whether you or I are done first, but I know whose would be the better job.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks gents - I'd say this post is a wrap. Well spoken all.
Heck, we haven't even gotten started yet! Haven't discussed, eg, the merits of screwing on the siding. Haven't argued tar paper vs housewrap. No one's chimed in to say you're a fool to use anything other than fiber-cement.
Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be! --Miguel de Cervantes
You are just aching to start sumthin'?
We haven't had a good siding fight in months.
Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be! --Miguel de Cervantes
How do you want to start?