I have just purchased a house in South Florida, its just a little old bungelow really, built in 1926. I couldn’t wait to repair and replace some of the really bad updates, so since the front door was one of the things that bugged me the most that’s where I started….What a can of worms that turned out to be!!! The siding was half eaten by termites as well as some of the studs, and the damage seems to move at least half way down the side of the house as well as the front. Here’s my dilema, The siding is 91/2 in dade county pine, which of course is not available any longer. Home owners are not allowed to visit any of the lumber companies in the area, which leaves me to the dreaded, lowes and HD. Is there any way to make something else work for the wide lap siding, and what material could I use to recreate the look so I could blend in the old and the new. Also is there a way to insulate while I have the siding off…of course there is nothing in between the lap siding and plaster except tar paper…this is exactly why my mother told me single women shouldn’t own houses…guess I have biten off more than I can chew. Seriously I think I can do the work if I can just find what I need to do it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Vickie
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

The crew discusses finding rot when remodeling, challenges installing custom shower panels, and how to prevent subs and suppliers from sabotaging builds.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
vickie... your money is good at teh lumber yards.. someone must be pullin your leg ..
have you looked at some of the Fibercement products ?
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
The lumber yards are clearly marked Wholesale Only or Contractors Only....sure isn't what I am used to in my home town in Michigan. I have looked into the fiber cement products, which look great, but am unsure as whether I can get it wide enough to match existing siding, and the weight is a concern, since it may be me and a girlfriend doing the job...I love that it is insect proof, and it sounds as if it holds paint alot longer than wood. I guess what I am saying is if I have to start over and do it all, I would certainly use that, but as always I am on a tight budget and if possible would like to make it all look good for at least a 4 to 5 years until I can save up for a major residing. We were doing some remodeling at the Inn I work at, it is a house built in 1902, and was resided using the cement siding, the contractor told me that although it is kind of a pain to cut ( diamond blade and lots of dust ) he thinks it is a great product for Florida ( he laughed when I said I found termite damage, he said this is Florida...no big surprise), and the siding that I have seen was not lap siding but looked like a 1 by 6...surprisingly good looking though. Thanks for your input, my search continues...... Vickie
if it's painted.. you could use Georgia Pacific PrimeTrim.. 1x10.. (3/4 x 9.5" ).. very decay resistant.. likes paint... one of the big boxes should be able to get it.. or just ignore the signs and mosey on in to the real lumber yardsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore