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Residing and insulating an 1880’s farmhouse

ElleCatskills | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 28, 2018 10:32am

(Not sure I picked the right forum)

Hi, first post. We just bought a 4K sq.ft. farmhouse in the Catskills and are about to start major renovations. It’s a wood frame house with traditional lapboard siding, no sheathing or insulation and single pane windows. We’ve already ordered the new windows and decided to go with HardiePlank for the siding.

We know you can’t just install HardiePlank over old siding, but can you sheath (OSB Zipboard & tape) over the existing siding and then install the HardiePlank? The siding tested positive for lead paint in a couple spots and we’d rather not disturb it if we don’t have to. We are going to gut the inside of the hosue as well so we’ll still be able to add insulation when we do that. It will save us a huge chunk of money if we don’t need to remove the old siding (and lead paint).

Anyone ever do this? Have thoughts on it?

Thanks!

 

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Replies

  1. catmandeux | Oct 28, 2018 12:08pm | #1

    Sheathing should be attached directly to the framing.  If you need sheathing for structural purposes, the existing siding has to be removed.

    If you just want a smooth surface to hang the new siding, apply strapping over the existing siding.

    1. DanH | Oct 28, 2018 01:54pm | #2

      Strapping gives you the opportunity to insert a layer of foam behind the new siding.

      1. ElleCatskills | Oct 28, 2018 03:32pm | #3

        What exactly is 'strapping'? I'm guessing vertical strips of wood like 1x3 to use as nailers.

        Hardieplank requires a flat surface with a vapor barrier or he warranty is void. I wonder if this would meet the requirements?

        1. ElleCatskills | Oct 28, 2018 03:38pm | #4

          OK, I googled - it's what Iwould have called furring strips. Should have guessed that. This sounds like a good approach, I'll have to see if it meets HardiePlank's requiremens for warranty.

  2. florida | Oct 29, 2018 07:47am | #5

    Hardi is a great choice but needs to be installed over a solid surface. Check with your  state but typically homeowners have a different set of lead abatement rules than contractors. You'll need a new vapor barrier between the Hardi and sheathing as well. I'd also use solid, 5/4 PVC trim around the windows and corners.

  3. MattMillham | Nov 09, 2018 10:53am | #6

    Pictures?

    Hi ElleCatskills,

    This is Matt Millham, an associate editor at Fine Homebuilding. Do you have pictures of the house? I'd like to use your question in our Ask the Experts department. If you could send photos and question directly to [email protected], we can get you squared away. Thanks, and have a great day! 

    1. calvin | Nov 11, 2018 01:38pm | #7

      Matt

      sorry to say I cannot contact Elle to let her know your question.  I used to be able to see an email address of a registered poster, but no longer.  Same goes for the user message button, that works here no more either.  As a supposed moderator here I have pleaded with FHB to make this a viable forum again and that has fallen upon deaf ears as well.    

      So, if you have any pull, please try to do something.  If nothing else, please ask an expert and get back to us.

      thanks

      1. MattMillham | Nov 15, 2018 10:38am | #8

        Thanks, Calvin

        I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, I've asked an expert to weigh in on this. Should have an answer soon.

        Best regards,

        Matt 

        1. calvin | Nov 16, 2018 06:52am | #9

          Matt

          best of luck.......

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