LESLIE: David in North Carolina is getting ready to take on a siding question. What can we do for you?
DAVID: I have got a project I’m going to take on myself and it is a – I’ve got an older house. The rear part of the house was put up with cement blocks and the front part of the house is – has the wood-lath siding.
TOM: OK.
DAVID: And I’m going to – I’m planning on putting vinyl siding over the whole thing.
TOM: This is the first time you’ve ever considered installing vinyl siding, Dave?
DAVID: I’ve messed with it a little bit before on some small projects but – yeah.
TOM: OK. Because it takes a little bit of finesse, a little bit of experience to get it to lay right and look proper.
DAVID: Right.
TOM: So, OK. Well, good. So how can we help?
DAVID: Well, as far as with the block part of the house, obviously, I don’t think I’m going to be able to nail the siding right up to the block. I’ve got to – I think I’m probably going to have to fur it out. Would that be correct?
TOM: That’s a good question, David. And the Vinyl Siding Institute actually recommends that when you are applying vinyl siding over concrete-block walls, that you do use a furring strip of at least ¾-inch thick. So that would be the correct way to do it.
DAVID: OK.
TOM: Because this is going to be a new project for you, you might want to take a look at their installation manual. It’s quite detailed, well done and it is available online. If you simply Google “vinyl siding installation manual,” I’m sure you’ll find it. And it comes, again, from the Vinyl Siding Institute of America, which is an organization that’s supported by all the vinyl-siding manufacturers. So, good, independent expert advice.
DAVID: OK. And what about as far as any additional insulation? I know they make that kind of a fan fold-type insulation where it opens up accordion-style.
TOM: Yeah. There is a backer board that’s available for vinyl siding but it adds so little in terms of insulation that I don’t think it’s worth it.
DAVID: OK. What about maybe doing some kind of a vapor barrier? Would that help at all?
TOM: Well, a vapor barrier is clearly a good idea but – like a Tyvek or a product like that.
DAVID: Right. OK. Alright. Well, I appreciate your advice.
TOM: You’re welcome, David. Good luck with that project. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
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