You can install vinyl siding over old wood siding but should not try to install new vinyl siding over old vinyl siding.
Installing new siding over old.
There are a few things that you ll need to know when doing this however.
Never install vinyl siding over rotten wood.
Even though most reputable contractors will never install siding over existing siding there are knuckleheads out there that will say you can do it and it s not a problem.
The trim will the windows will be a bit deeper than perhaps you ve seen in the past but that siding can stay just like that.
With other siding types fiber cement engineered wood etc.
The manufacturers specifically say that to install their product over existing siding is to void the warranty.
Just follow the manufacturer s installation instructions.
The first is your moving the siding of the house about 3 4 of an inch outward.
On existing houses old vinyl or metal siding must be removed but.
In new construction it typically is installed over wood wall sheathing wrapped with rigid foam insulation and a moisture barrier.
One major stipulation with the james hardie siding warranty is that it specifically states that if any project is not installed according to the best practices standards the warranty on that material is null and void.
Foam board is however often added in order to help level out the wall when it has certain problems with it.
Surprisingly many vinyl siding manufacturers state that it s perfectly acceptable to install their product over old siding.
Since you need a firm base to install vinyl siding you first need to remove old vinyl and expose the underlying wood.
That s why it s important to make sure that the quote you get includes removal of the old siding.
Why siding over existing siding is a bad move.
It s especially affordable when it placed over existing siding because the labor of removing the old siding is not needed.
In most cases you can put new siding directly on top of old siding without having to remove the old siding first and in addition it will in fact add an addition layer of insulation thereby helping lower your energy bill.