Can You Put New Siding Over Old Wood Siding?
Thinking about sprucing up your home’s exterior, but you’re not sure if you should tear down that old wood siding or just slap some new siding right over it?
Honestly, it’s a tough call.
On one hand, completely replacing the siding gives you a clean slate and a guarantee of a durable, long-lasting exterior.
On the other hand, overlaying new siding over the old can seem like a convenient, cost-effective solution… but what if it’s just a recipe for disaster down the line?
In this quick post, we’ll help you decide if you should put new siding over old wood siding.
Can You Put New Siding Over Old Wood Siding?
The short answer is yes, you can put new siding over old wood siding.
But hold on, it’s not as simple as just going for it. There are a few things you need to check first.
Your old wood siding needs to be in great shape – no rot, no mold, and no major damage. Plus, it should be pretty flat and even so the new siding has a nice surface to stick to.
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If you’ve got those boxes checked, then you might be able to save some time and money by putting new siding right over the old stuff.
But don’t get too excited yet – there’s more to think about before you make your decision.
Things To Consider Before Putting New Siding
Here are a few things you should consider before making a decision:
#1 Condition Of Old Siding
Before you even think about putting new siding over the old stuff, you gotta make sure the wood underneath is solid.
Any signs of rot, mold, or damage? Those need to be dealt with first.
If your old siding is falling apart, putting new siding over it is just asking for trouble. You could end up with moisture getting trapped and causing even more damage.
So, before you do anything, take a good, hard look at your old siding.
Check for any hidden problems too, like bugs or structural issues.
If you find any damaged spots, you’ll need to fix those up before you even think about putting on new siding.
#2 Moisture Barriers
If you’re going to put new siding over old, you need to think about moisture. You don’t want water getting trapped between the old and new siding – that’s a recipe for mold and rot.
So, you’ll need to put in a moisture barrier.
Think of it like a raincoat for your house. It keeps water from sneaking in and causing trouble.
Without this barrier, you could be setting yourself up for some serious problems down the road.
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#3 New Siding Material
The type of new siding you pick is super important for making sure this project goes smoothly.
Some types, like vinyl, can work well over old wood siding if everything’s in good shape and you’ve got that moisture barrier in place.
But here’s a heads up: some siding manufacturers might not be too happy if you install their product over old siding. In fact, they might even say your warranty is no good if you do.
So, it’s a good idea to talk with a pro about what kind of siding will work best for your situation.
#4 Wall Thickness
Here’s something you might not have thought about: putting new siding over old is going to make your walls thicker. No big deal, right? Well, it can be.
You might find that your windows and doors don’t fit quite right anymore.
You might even need to adjust them or get new ones to match your thicker walls.
So, think about how this change might affect the look of your house and maybe even how well it keeps the heat in or out.
#5 Aesthetic And Structural Concerns
Sure, putting new siding over old might save you some cash now, but think about the long-term.
Will it make your house look a bit off?
Could it affect how much your home is worth?
And what about when you need to do repairs or maintenance in the future?
It might make things trickier. So, you’ve got to weigh whether saving some money now is worth any potential headaches down the road.
#6 Permits And Local Building Codes
Before you get too carried away with your siding plans, you need to check in with the people at your local building department.
Some areas may have rules about siding – they might say you can layer it, or they might tell you that you have to take the old stuff off first.
You need to comply with these regulations. It’s not just about following the rules (which is important!), it’s also about making sure your home is safe and up to standards.
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#7 Void Warranties
Here’s something that’s easy to forget about: warranties.
Some siding companies might say their warranty is no good if you put their siding over old siding.
That means if something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
So, make sure you read the fine print on your new siding and maybe even give the manufacturer a call to see how your installation plans might affect your coverage.
When To Remove Old Wood Siding Before Installing New
While putting new siding over old can work in some situations, there are times when you really should just tear off the old wood siding before putting up the new one.
You might need to take off the old siding first if:
- The old siding is rotting, moldy, or seriously damaged
- You’re worried about hidden problems like bugs or water damage
- Your local building codes say you have to remove the old siding
- You want your home to be as energy efficient and good-looking as possible
- The new siding you picked isn’t meant to be installed over old siding
- You want to keep the full warranty on your new siding
Wrapping Up
Deciding whether to put new siding over old wood siding is a big deal.
It might save you some money and time upfront, but it also comes with some risks and things to think about for the future.
You’ve got to really look at your old siding, think about moisture issues, consider how it’ll change your walls, and make sure you’re following all the rules. And don’t forget about those warranties!
Talk to a pro, do your homework, and think about what’s best for your home in the long run.
FAQs
Should You Put Vinyl Siding Over Wood Siding?
Yes, you can put vinyl siding over wood siding as long as the wood is in good shape. Just make sure it’s clean, smooth, and free from any damage like rot.
Can You Put New Siding Over Old Siding On A Mobile Home?
Yes, you can install new siding over old siding on a mobile home, but then again, it’s important to ensure the existing siding is in good condition.
You might need to add a moisture barrier or some insulation before putting the new siding on.
