FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Vinyl siding over tar paper?

cmbb | Posted in General Discussion on July 9, 2006 04:19am

Gentlemen; A friend told me not to put vinyl siding over tar paper. 

 At some point in time I will probably be putting vinyl in place of the masonite hardboard siding that is presently on the house. I would prefer to not have to take off the tar paper also.  Which is best? Remove masonite AND tar paper or Will I be ok to put vinyl over the tarpaper? This is in the northeast, Maine.

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    JonBlakemore | Jul 09, 2006 04:24am | #1

    What was his basis for saying this?

    Personally I would install tar paper and put whatever exterior finish you want. I have never heard of issues with vinyl & tar paper.

     

    Jon Blakemore

    RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

  2. BUIC | Jul 09, 2006 04:36am | #2

      1. If the original siding "system" used tar paper.

      2. and the house has no moisture, mold, rot issues.

      3. I'd be staying with tar paper.

      Keep it simple...Buic

  3. Stilletto | Jul 09, 2006 05:09am | #3

    We do it alot around here,  I do it mostly on remodels. Once in a while on new construction. 

    Ice and water shield even gets siding over it,  alot of the times we run our dry in materials up the walls then shingle over it when we get there.

    Can't you hear the violin playing your song.

  4. gordsco | Jul 09, 2006 06:27am | #4

    Tarpaper will shed water and last almost forever if you keep it out of the sun.

    Much better than Tyvek IMO, but I do not want to discuss...

    Vinyl siding over TP is done and has been done for decades.

    Your friend is a tradesman speaking from a personal experience?

    May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

    Gord

                            

     

     

  5. woodroe | Jul 09, 2006 06:37am | #5

    Yes to tar paper, but tar paper isn't what it used to be. 15# felt is neither felt or 15# anymore. We use "Grade D" paper. Two layers, made for side walls.

    1. davidmeiland | Jul 09, 2006 06:48am | #6

      Yeah, now they call it #15 instead of 15#, and it weighs about 13# per square. But it's still asphalt saturated rag felt.

      I took a nailed-on deck ledger off a house a couple of days ago. About 20 years old and the T1-11 siding was completely soft. There was 15# felt behind the T1-11 and the framing was in near-perfect condition. With Tyvek there I would have expected some framing damage.

  6. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 08:05am | #7

    some vynal mfgrs say no to felt...

    check with yours to be safe..

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. VinceCarbone | Jul 09, 2006 01:45pm | #8

      I got to go with Imerc on this,

      the mfdrs tell you that the heat build up behind the vynal with tar paper can warp the product, some also say in high heat areas the tar itself can bleed through and stain the vynal.   Vince Carbone

      Riverside Builders Franklin NY ICQ #47917652

      1. cmbb | Jul 09, 2006 02:01pm | #9

        Thanks guys!

         He is a very good part time carpenter. His reasoning is possible staining and heat buildup.  Being in Maine I cant imagine heat would be to big a factor. But i will check with the manufacturer and go with their recommendations.

         

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 03:28pm | #10

          everytime the sun hits it you will get heat build up..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        2. User avater
          MarkH | Jul 09, 2006 03:32pm | #11

          I have no knowledge of this, but I would have a concern about staining.  In reality, it's probably OK. 

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 03:35pm | #12

            are you saying staining is okay????Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          2. User avater
            MarkH | Jul 09, 2006 03:48pm | #13

            Staining is not OK. I think it is only a remote possibility.

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 03:56pm | #14

            chemical interaction and heat and it will stain...

            sometime it spots or marbles.. other times it grays or looks like mold.....

            it's a mfgr's call if you can put felt under it..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          4. User avater
            MarkH | Jul 09, 2006 04:04pm | #15

            Would you use fanfold over tarpaper, or tyvek, or skip the tarpaper alltogether?

          5. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 04:16pm | #16

            felt would be 1st choice if I can have it..

            don't like Tyveck...

            not familiar with fanfold...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          6. User avater
            MarkH | Jul 09, 2006 04:20pm | #17

            Fanfold is that thin foam sheet that comes folded up. They put it on everything here, new or old, that gets vinyl.  Must be a midwestern thing.

          7. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 04:21pm | #18

            backer board or leveler....

            I'll take that over tyvek...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          8. edwardh1 | Jul 09, 2006 04:27pm | #20

            Try Hardie plank- looks like wood- does not look like Vinyl which of course looks like ....vinyl

    2. User avater
      BillHartmann | Jul 09, 2006 04:35pm | #21

      "some vynal mfgrs say no to felt.."But it is ok to use felt with VINYL siding <VBG>.[ps I have to use google to verify the spelling]http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/installation/faqs/"A: Your main goal in preparing the walls of the structure is to ensure a flat, even surface. On any project, remember to install flashing before starting to apply siding.New Construction :
      Before you begin installing vinyl siding in a new construction project, VSI recommends the following: * Apply a weather-protective barrier, such as house wrap or felt paper.
      * Check local building codes for additional requirements.
      * Place drywall inside the house, on the floor of the room where it's going to be applied, to allow for floor-plate compression, which, if not addressed, can result in buckled siding where the floor meets the wall.Residing :
      Before you begin construction on a residing project, VSI recommends the following: * Nail down loose boards on existing siding and replace rotten ones.
      * Scrape off loose caulk and re-caulk around windows, doors, and other areas to prevent moisture penetration.
      * Remove all protrusions such as gutters, downspouts, and light fixtures.
      * Check all walls for evenness and install furring strips where necessary.For more information, refer to page 16 of VSI's installation guide.
      http://www.vinylsiding.org/publications/Installation_Manual_english.pdf "

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 04:45pm | #22

        didn't make sense to me...

        but it's felt anyways then...

        "not my house" syndrome????Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Jul 09, 2006 06:15pm | #23

        what spellin' would that be...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  7. User avater
    dryhter | Jul 09, 2006 04:27pm | #19

    If the tarpaper is directly behind the siding eventually at the weep holes there will be visable staining from tar paper residue, but it washes off just looks bad.

    DAVE

    1. cmbb | Jul 10, 2006 03:54am | #24

      Thanks guys! Seems to be a mix of answers!

      I have thought of using Hardie type siding. but the cost is quite a bit more and with one daughter in College and a a son headed to college this fall..... The money pit will probably get vinyl siding.

      For some reason? When they built this raised ranch , they used 3 layers of felt per course. Which means at every overlap there are 6 layers of paper. It does seem to be a thicker  felt  than what is presently made. This was built in early 70's.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Electric House Made With Cross-Laminated Timber

Integrating cross-laminated timber, wood-fiber insulation, panelized construction, and a solar-tile roof for Passive-House performance.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 569: Bath Fan Installs, Sunroom Trim, and Basement Control Layers
  • Podcast 569: Members-only Aftershow — Rob Yagid’s Addition
  • Fine Homebuilding – July 2023, Issue #316
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #316 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 316 - July
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in