Where do I start? I am considering having vinyl siding put on my 30 yr old house, Currenlty working with my third contractor/roofer to solve a leak whre the NE walls meets on my tri-level.
The concern I have with the vinyl is water. I have the water absorbant siding (hardboard – another name for pressed paper). Behind the siding is 1/2″ clotex which is another black coated paper product. Any recommendations as to water protection?
Replies
sounds like a flashing problem...not a siding problem.
tear it back...flash correctly....can't say how to as I'm not there looking at it....then re-side.
But you're right vinyl isn't "waterproof".....no siding is....is even meant to be.
Water's gonna get back there..the trick is keeping it from inside the house and giving it a place to drain and a chance to dry.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Benn,
Jeff is right about the flashing, siding leaking. Vinyl does leak but unlike most sidings it has a built-in drainage system because it is hollow in the back. The most important thing is to have whoever does the work solve the leak problem you are having now.
I no longer recommend installing vinyl siding over existing siding (except in the case of asbestos siding). The hardboard siding should be removed and all the flashing details inspected. A water resistant housewrap or tar paper (overlaped minimum of 5" horizontally and 12" vertically) should be installed and well detailed with the flashings. Then the new vinyl can go on.
You aren't going to get a good job for an inexpensive price. 75% of the work will be removing the old siding and doing the prep work. Only 25% will be installing the siding. A lot of people think of vinyl as a cheap job - that's only because many installers bid on price (and homeowners look at the bottom line).
You may want to check with some professional wholesale suppliers of roofing and siding materials for recommendations on installers. Certianteed also has some sort of Master Installers Program where participants receive 'certification' from the company. You may find installers through them.
Mike