LESLIE: Now, we’re going to chat with Doc in Colorado Springs, who has got a wood paneling question. I’m going to do it, Doc. What’s up, Doc? (Tom chuckles)
LESLIE: (overlapping voices) I couldn’t resist, I know.
DOC: (chuckling) (overlapping voices) You know, I’ve never heard that before.
LESLIE: (overlapping voices) I know.
TOM: (overlapping voices) I bet. (chuckles)
LESLIE: I’m sure. I’m sorry.
DOC: No, no, no. That’s OK. Hey, I bought a foreclosure and I’m living in it. It’s a fixer-upper and there were woodpeckers that have just decimated the siding. And as I’m starting to take it off, there’s not a lot of damage underneath but I see that the Tyvek or the vapor barrier…
TOM: OK.
DOC: … is a little degraded and – what I’m looking – I don’t really know. Can you piece that in? Because I’m not replacing all the pieces and I’ve never done the siding so I’m just trying to get some tips on these things.
TOM: Yeah, if it’s damaged, you definitely can piece in some sort of same material on top of it. If it is Tyvek, there’s a special tape that’s used to make the joints where the material comes together, so there’s no reason you can’t do that. You don’t have to completely put new moisture barrier on the entire outside of the house, Doc.
DOC: OK. And what about the paneling? These are the 4×8 sheets. The house is about 25 years old.
TOM: Is it the sheathing or the siding?
DOC: Well, I call it – it looks like – I mean, it’s a 4×8 sheet.
TOM: OK. I think you’re talking about sheathing underneath. What’s the problem with that? Is it deteriorated?
DOC: The woodpeckers pecked holes in it so then the water has degraded it.
TOM: A minor issue. If you’re putting the vapor barrier back on top of that, you don’t have to worry about it. Those sheets can take a few holes and not affect the structural integrity. Just make sure you have a good water-tight seal. So put new vapor barrier over the top of things – over the top of the sheathing, side it and you’ll be good to go.
DOC: OK. Thanks a lot.
TOM: You’re welcome, Doc. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
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