Replacing siding, sheathing, and insulation from exterior
We bought a home and the exterior is in need of attention. Everything (wood siding, soffit, gutters, doors, windows, etc.) is original from 1979. I also know from doing some small projects around the house that the insulation & vapor barrier weren’t installed in the best fashion. When we decide to replace the siding, I’m contemplating removing everything down to the studs (siding, fiberboard sheathing & fiberglass batts) and replacing with new rockwool, plywood sheathing, weather barrier, and siding. Is this a feasible project to do all from the exterior? Would it be possible to replace the vapor barrier too as I know the existing one was installed poorly. I’m just wondering if anyone has done something similar before and has any insight or pointers. Thanks.
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Removing the sheathing will involve doors and windows, and possibly soffits and other things that were installed after the sheathing. Have you thought about leaving the sheathing and adding a WRB and insulation, then new siding? Then everything inside of sheathing could remain as is.
You can so that, but it’s a big project. Be careful not to take all of the sheathing off at once though since you may need some for structural reasons. It’s best to do it in stages so that an entire wall isn’t open all at the same time.
You’ll need to think about all your trim and soffits too since you’ll likely be at least removing those things to access parts of the siding.
Bill
Thanks guys. I planned to replace the doors, windows, roof, and aluminum soffit as part of this project so that won't be an issue.
You might consider PVC soffits. I’m planning to use the Versatex soffit system when I do my own reside project. I think it will give a cleaner and higher end appearance when done. It also provides continuous venting which I need since I don’t have enough soffit vents right now.
Bill