Upgrading your house’s siding has been on your to-do list for a while. It’s time to start making some decisions. First, you need to know: is it possible to install new siding over old siding?
Installing new siding over old siding is likely to make the project more affordable. You would not have to worry about getting rid of the old siding. Plus, it erases the extra labor costs that go with it. But whether it’s feasible or not depends on a few factors. Even so, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.
Keep reading to learn about when you may be a good candidate for installing new siding over old siding or whether you should consider starting fresh.
So, Can You Install New Siding Over Old Siding?
Drum roll, please. Yes… in certain situations. Your house may be a good candidate to install new siding over old if your reason for getting new siding is more cosmetic than functional. But even so, it doesn’t come without some risks.
Additionally, if your old siding is damaged, you may need to tear it down instead of doing a quick repair before putting new siding up. Damage can look like mold, rotting wood, large cracks, warping, bubbling, and uneven surfaces.
What Are The Risks?
If you decide to go ahead with putting new siding over old siding, you need to be aware that it does come with some risks.
While the old siding may look okay, there could be hidden structural damage that can continue to worsen over time. Additionally, when you put new siding over old siding, you run the risk of trapping moisture and having an uneven appearance, among other issues.
How Do You Know If There’s Hidden Structural Damage?
There are a few things you can look for to see if there’s some not-so-obvious damage to your siding. While major cracks, rot, and missing pieces are easy to spot, other warning signs may indicate problems underneath the surface.
Buckling, warping, uneven, or loose siding can indicate that there are some issues underneath the surface. Additionally, if you see peeling or bubbling paint, mildew, staining, and any damp spots, it’s likely that water is getting where it shouldn’t be.
Unfortunately, you can’t always tell what condition your home is in just by looking at the siding. Removing sections of old siding allows your contractor to inspect the sheathing, house wrap, flashing, and other materials underneath. Finding and repairing these problems before installing new siding can help prevent a relatively small issue from becoming a much more expensive repair later.
Conclusion
When in doubt, it’s better to remove the old siding before putting up new siding. While it may cost more money upfront, it may be cheaper in the long run should there be other issues that arise in the old siding.
At AstroUP, we have the largest selection of vinyl siding in the Upper Peninsula. Vinyl siding is not only low maintenance, but it’s also designed to withstand powerful forces of nature (yes, even everything we experience in the UP!). It’s a durable material and can last decades without any issues. When you’re looking for vinyl siding, come pay us a visit at Astro UP in Rock, MI.