Installing Vinyl Siding Over Existing Siding

Even though most reputable contractors will never install siding over existing siding there are knuckleheads out there that will say you can do it and it s not a problem.

Installing vinyl siding over existing siding.

If you decide to install vinyl siding yourself without the help of a contractor it s important to be as prepared as possible and to have a clear idea of what the installation process involves. Any imperfections in the wall will almost always show up in the siding. Furred existing siding furred existing siding should be covered with insulated sheeting or the spaces between the furring strips should be filled in with insulated sheeting equal in thickness to the furring strips. This type of siding can be placed over some existing siding but most will not be good.

It s no wonder why. Just like vinyl siding you ll need to ensure the siding surface is completely flat either by the old siding or by adding slats to the wall. The manufacturers specifically say that to install their product over existing siding is to void the warranty. See step 1 below to get started.

Vinyl siding needs no maintenance and is rot uv and insect resistant source. A current trend in home remodeling is doing away with wood siding and installing vinyl siding on the exterior of homes. With other siding types fiber cement engineered wood etc. Many homeowners choose vinyl siding because it is relatively inexpensive easy for a do it yourselfer to install resists insects and rot and never needs.

Surprisingly many vinyl siding manufacturers state that it s perfectly acceptable to install their product over old siding. Feirer the bonus of installing vinyl into wood siding is that you can simply hammer the nails into the existing surface. Generally the best idea is to remove any existing siding from your exterior walls before installing the vinyl siding. This goes for fiber cement hardwood and masonite siding.

Installing vinyl siding can help to reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do to the outside of your house. This will provide an even wall surface for the siding and help avoid any waviness. Why siding over existing siding is a bad move. While covering lap siding with vinyl is an option for some siding other varieties of lap siding can t be covered by vinyl.