Can I Put Vinyl Siding Over My Existing Wood Siding?

Hey there! I‘m Lillie, a home improvement expert here to provide you with a super detailed guide on installing vinyl siding over your existing wood siding. I know this is a big project, but I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to do it right.

Why Consider Vinyl Over Wood Siding?

There‘s some great reasons to consider vinyl siding if your current wood siding is looking worn:

• Low maintenance. Vinyl never needs to be painted or stained! It retains its color and withstands weather beautifully.

• Durability. Vinyl siding can last 50 years or more. It resists dents, cracks, and other damage better than wood.

• Energy efficiency. Vinyl siding adds an insulating layer and prevents drafts better than old wood siding. This can lower your energy bills!

• Appearance. Vinyl comes in various styles and colors, letting you update and customize the look of your home.

• Cost. Vinyl siding installation costs approximately $6,000 to $12,000 on average for a standard two-story home. Very affordable compared to other siding options.

• Resale value. Fresh new siding can increase your home‘s value significantly when it comes time to sell.

Evaluating the Condition of Your Existing Wood Siding

Before starting any project, it‘s really important to thoroughly examine the current state of your wood siding. Look for:

• Rot, soft/crumbling spots, mossy areas or other wood decay
• Warping or buckling of siding boards
• Large cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• Holes or gaps that need to be filled
• Peeling paint or obvious signs of moisture damage
• Evidence of pests like termites or carpenter ants

Make notes on areas that need to be repaired or replaced. Use a pressure washer to clean the siding, then make fixes like:

• Patching holes/gaps with exterior wood filler
• Replacing any rotten, crumbling, or badly warped boards
• Scraping off peeling paint and applying primer to exposed wood
• Sealing all joints, seams and around windows/doors with caulk

This prep work ensures a smooth, sealed surface for the vinyl siding to adhere to.

How About Adding Some Insulation?

If your wood siding lacks insulation, you may want to consider adding some before the vinyl siding goes up. Here are your options:

• Rigid foam panels – Cut to size and adhere directly to wood siding with construction adhesive.
• Batts/rolls – Must remove siding and install between studs before reapplying siding.
• Blown-in cellulose – Can be added by drilling holes into walls and blowing insulation into cavities.

Insulation helps lower energy costs and provides extra cushion between old and new siding. Follow your local building codes for required R-values.

Time to Apply the Weather Resistant Barrier

A weather resistant barrier (also called house wrap) is crucial for moisture protection. Here are the steps for installing it:

• Start at the bottom of the wall and unroll the house wrap horizontally.
• Overlap each row by at least 6 inches as you move up the wall.
• Use weather resistant tape to seal seams and edges.
• Fasten the house wrap every 12-18 inches with recommended fasteners.
• Trim wrap around windows, doors, and openings and seal edges with tape.

This complete moisture barrier will keep your walls protected and dry behind the new siding.

Furring Strips Give Vinyl Siding the Perfect Base

Furring strips may sound funny, but they serve an important purpose – creating an even base for the vinyl siding. Here‘s how to add them:

1. Using pressure treated 1×3 or 1×4 lumber, cut furring strips to match the height of each wall section.

2. Space the strips vertically approximately 8-12 inches apart.

3. Attach furring strips over the house wrap using galvanized screws or nails driven into the wall studs or sheathing underneath.

4. Keep the strips perfectly vertical so any moisture can run down behind them.

Starting with the Starter Strip

The starter strip is the first piece of vinyl siding installed along the base of the wall. Be sure to:

• Use manufacturer‘s specified starter strip matched to thickness of the siding.
• Position starter strip level with the bottom end of the furring strips.
• Anchor securely into framing using galvanized nails spaced no more than 16 inches apart.

This starter strip will ensure the first row of siding overlaps and interlocks properly.

Hanging the Vinyl Siding Panels

You‘re so close to the fun part! Use these tips when installing the vinyl siding:

• Slide bottom of panel into starter strip, then position against furring strips.

• Nail through the center slot every 8-12 inches, leaving 1/4 inch between nail head and panel to allow for expansion and contraction.

• Overlap each panel by one full width to achieve proper drainage. Lock panels tightly together.

• Cut panels as needed to fit under windows or around other obstructions. Use tin snips for clean cuts.

• Leave 1/4 inch gap at the top of each panel before starting the next row.

Work methodically across and up the walls, making sure to keep the bottom edge of panels consistent from row to row. Take your time and ensure even overlaps and spacing.

Accessorizing with Trim Pieces

No siding job is complete without the right trim and accessories:

• J-channel – Install where siding meets rooflines and at edges or openings.

• F-channel – Used at foundation line or where vertical siding transitions to horizontal.

• Corner posts – Anchor over siding at inside and outside corners for a finished edge.

• Undersill trim – Placed beneath windows and seals lower edge of siding.

• Soffit & fascia – Covers under eaves and gives roof edges a polished look.

Refer to the manufacturer‘s instructions for trim profiles and proper installation. Take care caulking all seams between trim pieces and siding.

Hiring a Professional Siding Installer

Installing vinyl siding is definitely a DIY possibility, but for most homeowners, hiring a professional siding company is money well spent. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Proper materials & tools – Contractors supply the right siding products, fasteners, lifts and cutting tools.

• Problem solving skills – Pro installers can diagnose and remedy any underlying issues with walls, structure, etc.

• Training & expertise – Siding contractors have completed manufacturer certification training on proper installation methods.

• Efficiency – Seasoned siding pros can complete the project faster and easier than a DIY homeowner.

• Warranties – You‘ll get product and workmanship warranties from reputable siding companies.

Though a vinyl siding retrofit project can be DIY‘d, hiring pros ensures it‘s done right the first time. Get at least 3 pro bids to find the best value.

What‘s the Cost for Vinyl Over Wood Siding?

For a typical 1500-2000 sq ft two-story home, expect to pay in the range of:

• Low end: $6,000
• Average cost: $10,000
• High end: $15,000

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average vinyl siding installation cost comes to around $10 per sq ft.

The total price is impacted by:

• Size of the home
• Amount of prep work needed on existing siding
• Type/quality of vinyl siding product selected
• Complexity of project
• Professional vs DIY
• Additional costs like insulation or structural repairs

I‘d recommend getting 3-4 written estimates before making your siding contractor selection. This lets you compare fair apples-to-apples pricing.

Maintaining Your New Vinyl Siding

Caring for vinyl siding is much easier than wood! Just follow these tips:

• Use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent mixed with water to gently wash siding when dirty. Never use harsh chemicals.
• Inspect siding after severe storms and repair any damage immediately.
• Recaulk around trim pieces, joints, or penetrations if caulk appears cracked or worn.
• Keep bushes and trees trimmed back from touching siding.
• When power washing, use a wide-angle tip and keep pressure below 1500 PSI. Work top to bottom.

With proper care and maintenance, quality vinyl siding will provide decades of protection and enhance your home‘s appearance.

If your existing wood siding has seen better days, installing new vinyl siding over top is an affordable way to give your home a fresh new look with very little maintenance required. Start by thoroughly inspecting and repairing any problem areas with the wood siding, then add weather barriers and furring strips to create a smooth base.

Work methodically to hang the vinyl siding properly and use trim and accessories for a polished finish. While an ambitious DIY project, hiring professional siding installers ensures it‘s done right the first time. With the right prep and process, you can confidently install low-maintenance, durable vinyl siding over your outdated wood siding.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow DIYers and homeowners like yourself with siding projects or other home improvements.