Installing Vinyl Siding on an Existing Home? Answers to Questions Homeowners Commonly Ask
Posted on: 29 July 2021
Share
Age and exposure to the elements can make even the most carefully maintained home begin to look tired and worn. While a fresh coat of paint or stain can help to make a home look better, these options are temporary and must be repeated regularly to prevent surface deterioration and help the home continue to be attractive to view.
Homeowners who have grown tired of having to apply paint or stain to their home's exterior walls every few years may be considering the installation of vinyl siding as a more permanent solution. If you are a homeowner who would like to know more about vinyl siding, this information can help you decide whether it is right for your situation.
Can vinyl be installed over my existing siding material?
The answer to this question depends upon the type of siding already on your home. In general, vinyl siding can be installed over wood siding, including wooden clapboards, panels, shakes, and shingles, as long as they are in reasonably good condition. Vinyl siding can also usually be installed over lap or panel siding made of compressed materials if it is stable and not too deteriorated. However, if the home's existing siding is steel or aluminum, it will need to be removed before new vinyl siding can be installed.
How is vinyl siding attached to the existing siding?
To install vinyl siding over existing siding, installation contractors must first install a system of wood supports called furring strips to support the new siding and give it a pleasing, level appearance. If the home does not have a moisture barrier in place under the existing siding, the installer may recommend wrapping the home with a protective house wrap product before installing the new vinyl siding. Once the furring strips are in place, the vinyl siding is attached using premade fasteners and starter strips designed to hold it firmly in place on each wall.
Are adjustments made for windows and door frames?
When installing new vinyl siding over an existing siding product, it is usually necessary to alter window and door frames to accommodate the new thickness, plus any house wrap or insulation that may have been used behind it. Wood trim boards used for this purpose are wrapped in vinyl and then flashed to prevent leaks after they are reinstalled around existing windows and doors.
Vinyl siding continues to increase in popularity for both existing and new construction homes. To learn more or get answers to specific questions, contact a vinyl siding installation contractor in your area.