Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Brian Pontolilo | May 04, 2020 09:06am | #1

   Hi Kevin.

   I don't think you'll know the scope of work until you remove all of the aluminum and inspect the cedar siding. I have talked to people who plan to remove aluminum or vinyl siding and refinish the siding beneath based on removing a small section of the siding. Then when they start to take it all off they realize that other areas are in much worse condition and require much more work.

   You can check moisture content of the cedar siding with a moisture meter instead of putting an arbitrary length of time on it drying out. I refinished a deck a few years a go and if I remember correctly, I was able to get a moisture content recommendation from the stain manufacturer.

   You shouldn't have any condensation issues as a result of this work.

1. 
   johns3km | May 04, 2020 09:42am | #2

   Thanks Brian. It's tough because you need to work from the top down if you want to pull back some of the siding to test. I've got a small section in the rear that I was able to peek in to- just saw old peeling paint.

   That said, the original window trim, fascia, soffits etc are all in poor condition and in need of replacement, along with roof. I was hoping I could re-trim and pull back the aluminum and restore the original look. Sounds like you need to dive in and be prepared for the worst. My neighbors sidings have all held up pretty well.

2. 
   walta100 | May 04, 2020 12:19pm | #3

   You will have no way of knowing if the siding was installed because it needed a coat of paint or if the siding was rotten and could not be painted again until you risk opening a can of worms and pull some down.

   Some of the siding installers have been known to simplify the trim around windows and doors with a sawzall, making it easier to wrap in aluminum coil stock.

   If you are going to go exploring start on the north side as it seems most likely to be in the worst shape.

   Walta