State Specific Question About: WEST VIRGINIA (WV)

The exterior on my wood-sided building needs repair, maybe replacement. Is it best to install new vinyl siding over the existing siding or should I go to the added expenses of removing all of the wood siding, then install new. The wood siding is missing several boards, and is rotted in many places. This is a 3 story, 12 unit building, so it's fairly large.

Also, what could I expect regarding life expectancy either way?

Thanks!

I suggest that you get some free estimates (3) from professional installers. They will advise you on what is best.

I agree with CTLL, except some contractors may lead you astray with a crazy idea. The common reason to get 3 bids is to compare prices, but you have to dig deeper to understand exactly how they propose to do their work. Ask questions so you really understand. Ask them to write their descriptions of the repairs into the contract if it is not already there. I suggest repairs of any bad areas, then install vinyl siding. Ask them to write into the contract that they will install all materials according to manufacturers specifications. This will help you to understand which contractor may have the crazy idea. Dismiss his crazy idea estimate and go with the lowest estimate of the contractors that have similar proposed work methods.

Great advice Gary G IN, using the words according to manufacturers specifications!! I have been looking for wording like that.

Yes contractors like to give a price and method and then cut corners all over the place and somehow they have no conscience or any idea that their crazy idea will create a problem.

Kathleen,

Poke around and learn what's behind the siding. Many houses have raw plywood or flat boards which make the wall.

Tip: the thicker siding holds up better for minimal extra cost. It also gives straighter, truer lines.

too quick...

We have been replacing all of our wood sided houses that can't be scraped and painted with OSB or plywood plus house wrap and finally cement fiberboard. We follow specific manufacturers instructions and do even the trim boards in cement fiberboard. Once caulked and painted with proper flashing, you are good for years.

If the wood siding can be salvaged and repaired, it may be more cost effective to do this...

Anytime one of my properties needs some exterior TLC I always try to go with vinyl siding as apposed to repainting. Any rot or damage will first be repaired and then we cover the old siding with foam insulation board to give the vinyl a flat surface to lay on. I have never removed old siding to put on new vinyl. In my area here in Nebraska, vinyl is extremely popular, easy to install and looks great for years and years. We use coil stock to wrap all the windows, doors and facia. Aluminum soffits and seamless gutters and the house looks like new and is almost maintenance free.

These last few years I have been using the exact same color of siding, shingles and coil stock on all of my properties to keep things easier for me and to keep repairs and replacements a snap. One color of repair inventory for all properties will be nice.

Menards was offering a bunch of clearance items these last few weeks. I purchased some ceiling fans, lighting and 30 sets of Mainstream decorative shutters of various sizes. Since I bought all 30 sets I was able to negotiate a great price of $5 per set (normally $24 per set). I'll use them this fall to spruce up 2 of my properties.

What Brad said.

Its well worth it to go a step or two higher than the builders grade.

We use a .048 gauge vinyl.

Thanks everyone for all your comments! I like the look of cement/Hardy board, but it doesn't really seem as cost effective compared to vinyl.

That said, how many years can I expect to get from the thicker vinyl? Also, I guess I should have mentioned this property is in the mountains of WV (lots of snow) if that matters with respect to paint vs vinyl vs cement board.