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Aluminum Siding

dmt | Posted in General Discussion on July 7, 2004 09:49am

I live in a neighborhood of about 300 homes, 299 of which are either brick or natural wood siding. One (mine) is covered in aluminum siding. Based on information provided by neighbors, the wood siding on my house is either redwood or cypress — the only woods used by the builder. The original owner had a son-in-law who went into the siding business and the father-in-law was his first customer.

I am wondering if it is possible (not so expensive that I need to take out a second mortgage) to remove the siding, patch the staple holes and then re-stain the wood. The soffits and other trim would also need to be replaced.

Has anyone done this, and if so, was the cost reasonable?

 

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Replies

  1. csnow | Jul 07, 2004 10:40pm | #1

    A lot of aluminum and vinyl is coming off in my area.  The condition of the underlying structure is difficult to predict.  In many cases, the tin men would hatchet off window cornices, window sills, water tables, or anything that projected into their way.  You may find related water damage beneath, and restoring these things can take some work.  You will likely find a lot of split or otherwise damaged shingles or claps from nailing up the aluminum. 

    Also, odds are the alum siding went up when the wood siding needed painting, or other maintenance.  Unless it was never painted, it would take a lot to get it back to 'stain grade'.  Probably lead paint under there too.  Sometimes it's easier to replace the wood siding than restore it. Not trying to discourage, but it's good to be realistic about such things.

    The aluminum does have some scrap value.  You might get a couple hundred for it at the scrapyard.

    1. User avater
      dmt | Jul 08, 2004 12:16am | #2

      Thanks for the input. The wood is vertical T&G. I have peeled some siding away in a inconspicuous area and the wood looks fine. The house was built in 1964 and covered with siding in about 1971, so I would hope the rest of the wood is still OK. Redwood and cypress seem to be long lasting.

  2. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jul 08, 2004 12:39am | #3

    I can't provide much info for your project, just loads of encouragement.  I turn down jobs because of the aluminum stuff, and most houses that have it have had it for many years, and it shows; it doesn't weather abuse or paint well. 

    I'm glad you're taking the initiative to restore the house to its previous glory.  There might be some work and sweat involved, but it will be worth it when you're done.  Your neighbors and house will all thank you when you're finished, and I firmly believe the house will be worth more.  Shed the stuff and send it to Miller to make beer cans.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!
    1. DanH | Jul 08, 2004 01:44am | #4

      About all you can do is try it. A lot depends on how brittle the siding was, since if it was fairly brittle then it likely split a lot when they nailed up the tin. A lot also depends on your tolerance for pain -- you're talking a fairly big job regardless.

      But if you're up to it (and the siding gods are with you) it can be a worthwhile and even satisfying job.

      It might be a good idea to try it one side at a time (at least to start with), vs tearing it all off at once. You can probably keep the house looking fairly neat that way, and if the siding turns out to be in bad shape you can replace just the one side with Hardi or some such and end up not looking too bad.

      Don't forget to recycle the aluminum for $$.

  3. edwardh1 | Jul 09, 2004 04:59am | #5

    Wood is a 4 letter word.

    put on hardie plank

    quit painting scraping caulking and replacing wood

  4. seeyou | Jul 09, 2004 01:51pm | #6

    Look closely at the windows. Usually the sill horns and any other detail that made installation of the aluminum slow got butched. Uncover a window and save the pieces if you can. See what got whacked off of it before making your decision. Good Luck.

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