wrote in message
...
I own a brick rancher with wood trim, and am planning to install
siding for the fascia and soffit. I also want to put siding on
gables. House is 40+ years old; the wood soffit and fascia are in
pretty good shape. My questions concern whether -- in a case like
this -- the "one-by" soffit are generally *removed*, or whether the
siding is "simply" installed over the wood. So, queries a


(1) Should soffit be removed and completely *replaced* by a quality
siding? *Or* should (most) everything be left in place, and the
siding overlaid?


(2) If the best answer is to leave the wood in place, should the wood
be refinished [like primed and painted], or at least some Waterseal or
Spar Urethane be put on the wood before "siding it in"?


If the new everything is properly installed and flashed no water will ever
get to the wood underneath.

In old construction most people leave the existing and simply cover it.

It is highly advised to cover any existing clapboard or other wood siding
with the 1/4" foam backer board before installing the new siding. This
provides a smooth flat surface for the siding and is well worth the cost. I
have done it with and without and will never do it again without.. If you
take the time to tape the joints is also provides a windbreak and has some
limited R-value.

Colbyt