Congratulations! You have researched and concluded that having new vinyl siding installed is a worthwhile investment in not only the future of your home and its curb appeal, but also your comfort and financial well-being. After all, vinyl siding is durable, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is a money saver in terms of future energy bills. Not to mention, once it is installed, you do not have to worry about it again for the near future. Even so, it is not uncommon for homeowners to wonder what should happen to their existing siding—especially if what is already on your house is still in decent shape. You may have even asked yourself, “Can vinyl siding be installed over old siding?” At Siding and More Construction Company, your friendly neighborhood vinyl siding installers, you may be surprised to hear our answer.
Many homeowners might automatically assume that all the old stuff must come off first. And in many situations, that is likely the best option to ensure the longevity of your new siding as well as seamless installation by Siding and More Construction Company. Nevertheless, vinyl siding can be installed over old siding. Let’s look at a few pros and cons of both approaches.
Why Vinyl Siding Is a Modern Standard in Home Improvement
Research shows that upgrading your house siding is one of the best—albeit overlooked—ways to protect your home and, at the same time, make it the envy of the neighborhood. There are plenty of materials to choose from, including wood, aluminum, fiber cement, and vinyl. This is good news for homeowners who appreciate options and want to ensure they select the best product for their home’s unique needs.
That said, not all house siding materials are created equal, and vinyl siding often stands out as the preferred choice—regardless of whether you have a starter home or a luxury estate. Premium vinyl siding is 40 times thicker than paint, so along with the benefits above, you will likely not have to worry about painting it. We also mentioned energy savings, but did you know you are less likely to recoup your investment in a major kitchen or bathroom remodel than you are to get back what you spend on new house siding? It is true. In fact, siding replacement recouped 92.8% of its cost, according to a study by Remodeling Magazine, recently reported by HGTV.com.
With all these benefits in mind, the question becomes how to install your new house siding best. Should the old siding come off first—whether it is wood, aluminum, or even an older vinyl product—or can the new vinyl be installed over it?
Siding replacement recouped 92.8% of its cost, according to a study by Remodeling Magazine, recently reported by HGTV.com.
Pros of Installing Vinyl Siding over Old House Siding
- Cost savings — You are spending enough money as it is on buying new vinyl siding. The total project amount balloons when you factor in the time, labor, and disposal costs required to remove the old siding. This may not be an expense you can take on right now, so any savings along the way may be important to some homeowners.
- Faster installation — Depending on the amount of existing siding on your house, removing all of it could be a full-day effort, thus delaying the part when the installers can put the new vinyl siding on.
- Extra insulation and protection — If the old house siding is in decent shape, many homeowners might think it is wise to keep it and add an extra layer of insulation and protection underneath the new vinyl. In theory, this could improve energy efficiency even more and protect your home from unwanted pests and outside noise.
- Less mess — By installing the new vinyl siding over the old siding, there’s no need for dumpsters, debris, or dealing with dust and old siding scraps. Covering instead of removing means a cleaner job site and less hassle.
Cons of Installing Vinyl Siding over Old House Siding
- Hides underlying issues — While some of your existing house siding may appear to be in decent shape, covering it up could cover hidden rot, water damage, mold, or insect issues. These issues can worsen over time, and having new siding installed will not prevent them from happening.
- Uneven surfaces — Not all siding is created equal, which can lead to uneven surfaces if you install new vinyl siding over the old stuff. Not to mention, old siding that is slightly warped, cracked, or uneven can also create a bumpy, unprofessional look once the new materials go on top.
- Potential warranty issues — Some siding manufacturers require installation over a solid, flat surface. If you install over old siding, you could risk voiding the product warranty.
- Added weight — Layering new vinyl over old siding increases the overall weight on your home’s exterior. While not usually a major concern, in older homes with structural issues, this can contribute to stress on walls or framing.
Which Option Is Best for Your Home?
As you can see, there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to install new vinyl siding over existing siding. If the existing siding is in good shape, and there is no evidence of water damage, pest infestation, etc., and you want to save time and money without sacrificing too much quality, installing over the old might not be a bad idea. This is especially true if your installer can maintain manufacturer guidelines.
More than likely, it is better to err on the side of caution and remove the old house siding before installing new vinyl siding. The cons above, especially water damage and other issues that may not be as recognizable to the naked eye, create too much of a risk. You want the project done right and in the smoothest, most professional way possible. If you are still unsure, consult with a siding professional who can inspect your home and recommend the best course of action.
That way, you will get the curb appeal you are after—without the hidden headaches.
Boost Your Home’s Property Value: Choose Siding and More Construction Company
Upgrading your house siding is one of the most effective ways to enhance the appearance, feel, and functionality of your home. It is an investment many homeowners know they need to prepare for. Despite that, it can be challenging to determine the best path forward for them. This is why questions like this come up—people really do consider the thought of putting new vinyl siding over the older siding. We just want you to know the pros and cons and be open to listening to a qualified professional before you decide either way.
At Siding and More Construction Company, we offer various vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. More importantly, we do things the right way. That includes ensuring our customers have chosen the right materials for their style, taste, and home needs, and then following up with precise installation techniques so that the job is done right the first time.
Bottom line, there’s no better contractor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area than Siding and More Construction Company. This is not to indicate we are the only reputable contractor in the DFW area. However, we can confidently say that we take our time to collaborate with you to choose the right materials for your home and then use best-in-class materials and top-flight industry knowledge to ensure your installation goes off without a hitch.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect siding for your home, ensuring its durability and curb appeal. To get started, call us at 972-636-3513 or contact us for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
*Customer names and/or photos may be changed to protect privacy.
