If you want to change the look of the exterior of your home, you may be considering vinyl siding. If you already have clapboard installed, is it okay to put the vinyl siding over top of it?
You can install vinyl siding directly over clapboard without any problem. As long as you prepare the clapboard in advance by cleaning it and getting rid of any potential problems that could lead to issues under the vinyl siding, you can install the vinyl siding directly over it.
Another option that you may want to consider is using some rigid foam or some other type of insulated foam that goes over the clapboard and under the vinyl siding. This is a common practice, but it also has some problems associated with it as we will discuss in the following sections.
Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Clapboard? (How To)
Clapboard was, at one time, a very popular type of siding in the building industry. It is still used in some parts of the United States and around the world, but it is not as popular as it was at one time.
That being said, clapboard is still a very beautiful type of siding if it is cared for properly and cleaned on a regular basis. Putting vinyl over it is going to change the look of the home entirely, but it is one option that you can use to cover the wood quickly and easily.
When working with the exterior of the home and putting vinyl siding up, it is important to remember to work safely. This is true because you will be working on ladders, and it is very easy to work unsafely when you are doing so.
You should also wear safety glasses and gloves when installing vinyl siding over clapboard. Doing so will help to protect your eyes and hands from any mishaps that could occur if they were not properly protected.
If you are going to be using any type of power tool, make sure that you have the guards in place. It is easy to get ahead of yourself and rush when you are cutting vinyl siding because it is so easy to cut. Don’t lose a finger as a result.
Finally, be cautious when using a utility knife or anything that would put your fingers in close proximity to a very sharp blade. Never bet your fingers, so to speak, and always keep your hands in an area where you can easily see them.
At this point, we will consider some of the potential problems associated with putting vinyl siding over clapboard. We will then look into the method of doing so so you can do it and be happy with the end product.
Should You Put Vinyl Siding Over Clapboard?
Although it is easy to put vinyl siding over clapboard, there are some potential problems that you need to watch out for. These problems can occur very quickly and easily, so knowing that they are there in advance can help you to avoid the problem.
1. Hidden Damage – There may be a wide variety of issues with the clapboard and some of them are difficult to see. Deterioration and rot could be hiding behind the clapboard and it may also be happening with the clapboard itself.
In addition, there may be mold that is growing under the clapboard or on the surface of the clapboard. If you simply put the vinyl siding over the clapboard without caring for these issues in advance, it is not going to be long before additional problems occur.
2. Thickness – When you add a layer of vinyl siding over top of clapboard, you are essentially adding about an inch to the wall. This is something to consider because you will be adding that inch around the openings of the home as well, the doors and the windows.
If you already have a problem where the windows are inset, is going to be more pronounced once the vinyl siding is installed. It can be unattractive if it is not done properly.
This problem even gets worse if you add any type of rigid foam or other insulation under the vinyl siding. Since you are extending the vinyl siding another half inch or more off of the home, it can make it difficult to have a seamless look for the windows.
3. Weather – Before you put any vinyl siding over the clapboard, you need to consider the possibility that the weather is going to be a problem. The easiest way to address this ahead of time is to use some type of vapor barrier, and Tyvek is a nice option.
When you apply a moisture barrier between the clapboard and the vinyl siding, you are essentially protecting the clapboard from any type of damage from rot or mold. It’s something that should be considered for this job before you get started.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Vinyl Siding Over Clapboard?
Now that you are ready to install vinyl siding over clapboard, you need to gather your equipment and tools so that you can get started. What will you need?
Pressure Washer – It will be necessary to clean the clapboard and the pressure washer will get the job done right.
Power Saw – If you are using the power saw to cut vinyl siding, use a fine-tooth blade and install it backward.
Utility Knife – Another way to cut vinyl siding is by scoring it with a utility knife using a straight edge. You can then bend the vinyl siding at the score mark and snap it.
Tin Snips – Yet another way to trim vinyl siding.
Tape Measures – Have a large tape measure and a small tape measure available for this job.
T-square – This will give you the tool you need to mark the vinyl siding at a 90° angle
Level – This is a tool that you will use for a variety of reasons. It can be used to get you started on the right foot by having the first piece level but it can also be used as a straight edge.
PPE – Make sure that you have your PPE available, including safety glasses, all-purpose gloves, long sleeves, the proper footwear, and a respirator.
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Vinyl Siding Over Clapboard?
There are a number of things you should do to prepare for placing vinyl siding over clapboard. Here are a few important things to consider.
Clean – It is very important to clean the clapboard thoroughly. This is more than simply spraying it down with a garden hose, you should use a pressure washer and potentially some chemicals to get it as clean as possible.
Any dirt or mold that exists on or under the clapboard must be cared for before you put the vinyl in place. Otherwise, you are just covering over the problem and it will come back to haunt you.
Repair – If there are any rotten boards, loose boards, or problems with trim, they need to be repaired before the job takes place. Essentially, the clapboard is going to be the solid basis that allows you to install the vinyl in place. Repairing the problem now will keep it from growing behind the vinyl and being an even bigger problem.
Caulking – If there is any old caulking around the doors and windows, it should be scraped at this point. After you install the vinyl, you will be putting new caulking in place.
Bushes and Trees – Take some time to tie back the bushes and trees and get them away from the work area. This will allow you to work on the project unimpeded and keep you from causing damage to the landscaping.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 20, 2022.
How To Put Vinyl Siding Over Clapboard
Now that you are ready to begin the vinyl siding installation, here are the steps necessary to do it properly.
Install the First Piece – The first piece of vinyl that will go on the wall is the starter piece. It is important that it is both level and free of any issues because it will set the pace for the rest of the vinyl that is installed.
Nail the Pieces Properly – You need to allow for contraction and expansion of the vinyl siding. Make sure that you don’t nail through the vinyl to hold it in place. Use the elongated slots for nailing and nail in the center without making it overly tight.
Cut the Vinyl – You need to cut the vinyl siding with a utility knife, tin snips, or a power saw. If you are going to use a power saw, use a fine tooth blade installed backward to keep the vinyl from chipping.
Install around Openings – When you get to the openings, install the special pieces to close things in and to make the job look seamless.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 20, 2022.
If you have clapboard on your home, you can install vinyl siding over it without a problem. As long as you clean and repair the clapboard in advance, you can do the job and be happy with the look.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 20, 2022.