My house needs new everything but I’m realistic. Its a rowhouse (1969) and has some kind of funky panellized 4×10 sheeting on it now with thin vertical battens over the seams and around the window openings. It might be a gyp or asbestos based product. Anyhow, that sheathing is over rosin paper over studs. There actually is FG batts in the stud bays.
This siding is petty beat and a little soft in a few spots. I’d like to re-side with 5/8″ marine directly over the old siding and use the existing battens as ventilation channels. Does this sound wise?
I like not having to open the house up by removing the old stuff and dealing with the demo/disposal mess. And it would allow me to do small sections overtime as my spare time permits. Also would give me a second layer of something that may/maynot have insulating qualities. Can this idea be improved upon?
Also, I’d caulk the hell out of the entire skin. Poly-u caulk every crack and crevice and finish with a latex semi-gloss. There’d be the vent crack along the entire bottom of this wall surface as well as along the whole top (directly under the rain gutter).
I’d appreciate any comments.
Replies
It sounds like the veretical battens are only at the seams, or 4 ft, which would be a bit of a stretch for the new siding. Adding battens at every stud might be a better choice.
Do it right, or do it twice.