I'm looking at two quotes for new vinyl siding on my house, which was built in 1984. The first quote is $39k and includes removing the old faux stucco boards, rewrapping the house, and adding aluminum soffit and fascia. The second quote is $20k and proposes putting the vinyl siding directly over the existing stucco. I'm aware that removing the old siding is generally the better option, but is the additional $19k worth it? Plus, is rewrapping the house necessary in this case?
2 Answers
You can technically install vinyl siding over existing lap siding as long as you put down insulation first to even it out. However, if you do this, make sure you don't nail it too tightly to avoid showing the bumps of the old siding. A good installer should be able to bend metal trim to make it look seamless around the windows and doors, which helps with aesthetics as the new siding can stick out more than the old.
It really boils down to what you want to achieve. If you're just looking to cover things up and don't care about potential hidden issues, you could go ahead and slap that vinyl over the old stuff. However, if you're looking to maintain your home's longevity, I think it's a good idea to take the time to remove the old layer. It lets you inspect any underlying problems and properly seal everything before putting on the new siding. It might seem like a lot, but addressing issues now could save you headaches (and costs) down the road!
Exactly! Putting new siding over old is like skipping your annual check-up. You might avoid bad news for now, but it could come back to bite you later.
I feel the same way but that price tag is tough to swallow. Appreciate the insight!