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Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood? (How to)

If you are looking for a way to change the appearance of your home, vinyl siding is a great option that can be easy to install. You can install vinyl siding on your own as long as you have the right equipment, prepare well, and follow the proper steps to complete the project. 

You can install vinyl siding on your home. However, if you find that the wood underneath is severely rotted, you should remove it before installing new siding. If you install vinyl siding over rotted wood, you are running the risk of water damage. This could lead to collapsing wood, insect infestation, and more.

Old siding of house

You should ensure that the wood you are installing vinyl siding over is in good condition. If you install vinyl siding over rotted wood, you could eventually experience insect infestation, collapsing wood, rotting drywall, or soggy insulation.

Should You Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood? 

House with siding

You should not install vinyl siding over rotted wood. If you notice rotted wood before you begin your installation, you should take care to have the rotted wood removed. You will compromise the results of your project if you choose to install vinyl siding over rotted wood. 

Remove rotted wood beforehand. If you uncover rotted or damaged wood before you install vinyl siding, you should take the time to remove the rotted wood. You should not install vinyl siding over rotted or damaged wood. You could experience issues like collapsing wood, water damage, or insect infestations if you do.

If you want the results of your project to be long-lasting, you should ensure that the wood underneath your vinyl siding is not rotted or damaged. You will want to remove any wood that could compromise your project. Leaving rotted wood under vinyl siding could lead to more severe issues in the future. 

What Tools Do You Need to Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood?

Tools on the floor

You must ensure you have all the right tools before beginning any DIY project. Your success depends on whether or not you have the right materials. Once you have made sure that all the rotted wood is removed and you have the correct equipment, you can begin installing your vinyl siding.

First, you should have all rotted or damaged wood removed. Once your wood is stable and ready to install vinyl siding, you will need a saw, a measuring tape, a ladder, a prybar, a foam board, a moisture barrier, a hammer, and nails. Having all the right tools will make the installation of your vinyl siding run smoothly.

You should always ensure that you are prepared with all the correct equipment before beginning any DIY project. You do not want to get halfway through a project and realize that you are missing equipment. You are sure to get professional-looking results if you have the right tools ready.

What Preparations Do You Need to Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood?

House with siding

You must prepare your area well before you begin to install vinyl siding. If you want your project to be successful, you should make all the necessary preparations beforehand. Your results will live up to your standards as long as you prepare well.

The first thing you need to do to prepare your wood for the installation of vinyl siding is to remove any rotted or damaged wood. You should not install vinyl siding over rotted or damaged wood. You could risk water damage, insect infestation, soggy insulation, or collapsing wood if you neglect to remove any compromised wood before you begin.

Making careful preparations before you begin a project will make all the difference when it comes to the success of your results. If you want long-lasting and professional-looking vinyl siding, you should make sure that you remove all rotted or damaged wood before you begin to install your vinyl siding.

How to Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood

confused man standing

Once you have gathered all of your tools and you have prepared your area well by ensuring that there is no rotted or damaged wood to be trapped under your vinyl siding, you are ready to begin your installation. You can complete this project independently if you prepare well, have all the right tools, and follow the correct steps.

First, you should remove all rotted or damaged wood. Next, you can install a moisture barrier and soffit fascia siding. You can then install corner posts and j-channel around the doors and windows. Next, measure your walls and cut the vinyl to size. Install the starter strip and begin to nail the panels to the wall spacing them 16 inches apart.

The first thing you need to do is remove all wood that is compromised. Rotted or damaged wood could lead to issues in the future. Avoid those problems by ensuring that all wood under your vinyl is in good condition. 

Next, you can install a moisture barrier to protect the wood from the elements. Install fascia siding, corner posts, and j-channel around the door frames and windows. Then you can measure your walls and cut the vinyl to size.

Install the starter strip, and you can begin installing your vinyl panels. Nail the vinyl to the walls. Space the nails out to be 16 inches apart. Repeat until your wall is covered.

You will be successful if you remove all rotted or damaged wood, follow these steps, prepare well, and gather all the right tools beforehand.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 22, 2022.

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