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Re-siding most of our house

3K views 18 replies 7 participants last post by  notmrjohn 
#1 ·
We're re-siding most of our house. We may do most of the work ourselves or may contract it out.


Right now our 1981 house is sided with 1" cedar board and batten. Big 12" boards -- some of them are 18+ ft long.

As of now, we will be replacing it with cedar siding but likely 6" channel siding.

I haven't removed any sections to verify the current construction but I know there is styrofoam underneath the current siding.

I don't think there is any WRB. Shouldn't there at least be something?


We're also going to replace the soffit venting as the existing were painted over and aren't very effective.

Additionally we plan to address wind washing at the soffit venting with foamboard (no attic access -- it's all cathedral).


I'm looking for some tips and suggestions of what to look for to ensure we "make it right" (lol).
 
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#2 ·
Ok, I'm answering a few of my own questions. I looked at a photo of us replacing some windows and we have Dow STYROFOAM™ TG which is a WRB. That's good.

Wow. Didn't realize XPS existed back in the 80s but that technology is 50 years old. That's awesome.

So I suppose after we take off all the old siding we'll need to ensure that's all intact replacing any sections as necessary and ensuring all seams are properly taped all around.
 
#5 ·
So there is 3/4" TG XPS behind the cedar board and batten.

For some reason, there's a groove right where the subfloor is that has no XPS.

Great, I'm sure that allows an enormous amount of air to infiltrate the envelope.

Then, behind the XPS is fiberglass insulation definitely showing signs of air infiltration.


Does this make any sense that they put the cedar right on top of the XPS?

Seems like some serious work we'll have to correct it.

And, why is that groove right at the top of the rim joist where the subfloor is located?

Did the builders intend to do that?? Seems crazy to me.

For all I know there's several grooves like this as the XPS goes vertically up the wall.
 
#6 ·
Does this make any sense that they put the cedar right on top of the XPS?
you need a drainage plane behind wood siding. this allows moisture to properly drain. if the back of the cedar siding is moist and the front exposed to the sun then you get wrapping as the front dries out faster than the back.

moisture from behind will shorten the life not only the siding, but any paint or stain that is applied.

there are rain screen products available, a plastic mesh that would be installed behind the siding. just google "rainscreen for wall" and you'll find all kinds of useful information.

Good luck with your project!
 
#7 ·
Ok. That makes sense.

That rainscreen will also barely affect the depth of the wall so that means I won't need extension jambs on windows.

The siding has been up for 31 years so it's had a good life.

The boards are severely cupped, splitting in half, and I suspect I'll see mold at some places.

If necessary I'll also repair as much of the XPS as I can stand and tape it well.

Would it make sense to put felt / typar / building wrap on top of the XPS instead of bothering to tape all of the existing seams?
 
#8 ·
Rewound,

I must be honest, we do not use rigid insulation on the exterior walls in my area so I'm not the best person to answer.

You do need to have a weather resistant barrier, but I do not know if the XPS you have installed would be considered one or not. Even if it is you'd need to tape the joints.

Sorry I could not be more help, good luck with your project!
 
#19 ·
That was an enjoyable thread, glad I got to catch the tail end and see how it all worked out.

I do have a few questions;
Did you use the rainscreen that comes in a roll or the lotion type?
If you did not use a rainscreen, did you use stretchable wood siding so it would last?
" where the foam is damaged. Should I replace those areas with T&G XPS, OSB, or something else?" Use something else, anything else. Bit late to ask, doncha think? What did you use?
"Final product:" Completely finished. I like the permanently attached ladder, very convenient.

Rewound that is a supremely excellent job. It fits into the setting way better than before, and I'd bet it is structurally better than B4.

I'd best go, people are gathering rocks, they're gonna start chunkin' at me any minute now.
"
 
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