Installing Vinyl Siding Over Wood Shingles
For houses that are situated in colder and wetter climates, wooden shingles have been a primary part of the house’s structure in keeping moisture and water away from your walls. Installing vinyl siding has become an increasingly popular alternative as the centuries went by, and more materials have been used for sidings and roofings.
One of these materials is vinyl siding which is getting increasingly prevalent in the market. Homeowners have been comparing both wooden shingles and vinyl sidings since both of these materials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl siding remains a popular choice because it is cost-effective, easy to install, and highly resistant to rot, moisture, and damage caused by organic growth.
However, placing vinyl sidings over wooden shingles will take a considerable amount of energy, planning, and effort. Before we can conclude on which one you should be using for your home, we have to first weigh-in on the factors and benefits of each material.
Installing New Siding Over Old Siding
While you can place a new layer of sidings over your old layer, there are some factors that you have to take into account before doing so. You can place vinyl sidings over wooden shingles. However, homeowners should leave repairs and replacements to experienced professionals.
One of the factors is that wood should be in good condition and is not suffering from rot, fungal growths, and termites. This is also an indication that your home’s ventilation is not properly venting out excess moisture.
Should I remove the older layer of siding?
The option to remove the older layer of sidings is still there, but most homeowners find it cheaper to leave the old layer and install a new layer over it. Moreover, having a new layer means that there is a thick barrier separating your house’s interiors from the exterior which can create more insulation.
Having more insulation means that you can save on energy bills while retaining heat and, with the proper ventilation, remove excess moisture from your home. If your wooden siding is uneven, you can install a foam board to create a level surface before installing new siding.
Right Conditions for Installing Vinyl Siding Over Wood Shingles
Wood must be in good condition – If you are planning to have a new layer over your wooden sidings, it’s best to make sure that your sidings are in pristine condition. It’s best if your wooden sidings do not have rot, mold, mildews, and mosses. If you notice any stained, damaged, or misaligned boards, replace them before installing new siding. It is also best to remove any windows and doors to mitigate damage.
Moreover, you can re-install your windows and doors so that they will not look out-of-place. Furring and Foam Board – Vinyl siding performs best when installed over a flat, even surface. If your existing wood siding is lapped and creates an uneven exterior, install vertical furring strips at 16-inch intervals and cover them with foam board to create a smooth, stable foundation for the new siding. This will make sure that your layer is flat before installing your material.
Use 1×2 or 1×4 lumber for furring strips, and choose moisture-resistant materials to help prevent rot and water damage. Secure the strips firmly to the existing siding with appropriate fasteners. Moreover, you have to also take into account the thickness of your walls since adding another layer will retain more heat and moisture.
For warmer climates, this can cause discomfort if your walls are too thick. In colder climates, a lack of proper ventilation can allow moisture to build up inside your home.
More Conditions
Homeowners also need to keep a close eye on their leveling of their sidings since the older layer might protrude out and cause damage if left unchecked. Most experienced and licensed siding professionals recommend removing old siding before installing a new layer. Existing siding can conceal mold, mildew, rot, and other forms of damage that may continue to spread and compromise the new installation.
It’s best to address the problem head-on first or by replacing the older layer with a new set of materials. However, if we’re talking about placing vinyl sidings over wooden sidings, then it is possible since vinyl is resistant to the effects of rotting and water damage. Homeowners have to also adjust their windows and doors as re-siding can make your doors and windows appear a bit ‘off’.
If you’re still on the fence on whether you should place vinyl sidings over your wooden shingles, then it’s best to have a siding and roofing contractor to inspect your siding and the supporting structures of your home first before making any final decisions. Moreover, it’s also good to weigh-in on the advantages and disadvantages of both the materials.