On Aug 17, 9:41 am, RicodJour wrote:
On Aug 16, 10:38 pm, Paulaner wrote:



Here in Maryland I have a 1700 ft2 1977 rancher that needs new siding.
We have decided to use pre-stained cedar shakes on the front of the
house (which is also about 40% recycled brick). We are thinking
about using hardiplank on the sides (~26') and back (~72').

Picture of front: http://mysite.verizon.net/paulaner/139.JPG

We currently have 3/8" pressboard siding panels (?), and behind that
is light blue rigid foam labeled "Total Wall Insulation Systems". The
foam is about 5/8" thick for a total thickness of 1". The windows and
doorframes extend about 1" out from the current exterior wall.

Picture of window frame:http://mysite.verizon.net/paulaner/011.JPG

The old pressboard siding has quite a few soft spots in various edges
and personally I think it should be removed before we start the new
siding. I don't want to spend extra money if it's not needed, but I
want to make sure we have a quality job that we don't have to worry
about 20+ years from now. Additionally I want to be certain that I
don't lose any insulation, and would be happy to improve that where
possible.

We are hearing different options from the contractors that have bid
the job. One wants to pull the old siding and foam out, install OSB
and tyvek, then cedar shakes or hardiplank. One says they can nail
the new shakes / hardiplank to the existing pressboard, patching any
soft areas as they go.

I'm a reasonably adept (inside the house) DIY guy. What I am thinking
is to remove the pressboard panels, leave the blue foam installation,
nail up ½" OSB, staple the recommended felt and then nail the cedar
shakes. Depending on the about of time that takes, I may pay someone
to do the hardiplank the same way.

What would you do?

Any recomendations are appreciated. Thanks.

You could go several different ways, and it all depends on the
existing condition of the T-1-11 (that's what type of siding you
have). Hardiplank can be nailed over the T-1-11, you can pull the
T-1-11 and install the Hardiplank directly over the foam (you have to
be more careful about over-driving nails and such with that method),
or you strip the walls down to whatever's underneath the foam and
start fresh.

I don't know why you'd want to remove the foam insulation,
particularly with energy costs being what they are.* You probably
should do a Forensic Siding Autopsy to determine what exactly you're
up against. Remove one sheet of the T-1-11 in the worst condition and
disassemble the wall checking for rot, mold and other signs of
deterioration. That should give you enough information so you can
determine how to proceed.

R

* Any guesses on how much a cord of wood will go up this year to take
advantage of all of the other rising fuel costs?

Right now, wood's about $55 a face cord around here. It's not too bad.