On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 21:41:00 GMT, User Example
wrote:

wrote:
I'm considering residing my garage. It is detached with dimensions of
approximatly 20x26'. Currently it has a masonite type fiberboard
siding. The 4x8 sheets are begining to fail around the bottom edge
due to rain/sprinkler splash.

Can I just cover this up with new siding, or do I need to take it off?

I like the look of hardi plank, but it seems brittle and hard to work
with. Are there any engineered wood products that have similar
durability?

Thinking about acquiring a nail gun for this project. It will
probably get little use afterward. I assume I'll need a framing
nailer. Is that correct?

Suggestions appreciated.

I don't know if it is OK to leave the old stuff on there so I won't even
guess. However, removing it and then insulating the garage walls and
adding a Tyvek vapor barrier might help keep it cooler in these hot
months. It's just a thought.

I have used hardi plank and I don't share your concerns with it. It's
actually easy to work with and has a 50 year warranty. I recommend it
but I would love to hear about better alternatives.

If you don't need a nail gun after this project then consider renting
one. Sometimes the rental prices make it almost worth buying though.
But I do recommend at least looking into it.


I am hoping to avoid the demo work of taking down the existing siding.
Except for a few spots it is structurally sound and holding paint
well. I could Tyvek over it as an improved vapor barrier, There is
no wall insulation. I also remain concerned that the Hardie is more
brittle than wood products (I've seen where a kids skateboard punched
a hole in a sheet of siding), and the backer would seem to help that
issue.

At the speed I generally work I may as well buy the gun as rent.