Question about adding vinyl siding onto utility building...

[kebo]

My parents have an 8x12 utility building that is in dire need of painting (again). It was built/covered with 12" wide masonite lap siding that's still in good shape but I would like to make it a little more maintenance free and cover it with vinyl siding. So, my question is will the vinyl siding work to cover over the lap siding?

Vinyl siding is usually attached to a flat surface but the lap siding is not smooth (due to the overlaps), so that's why I'm asking. I realize that there should be some head space under the nails on vinyl siding to allow the siding to move as it contracts/expands with temperature. Since vinyl siding doesn't have to be nailed down completely, I think this will work out ok. Oh yeah, the corners on the building are just (2) 1x4 strips on each side that are butted together to make a solid corner. It seems like the vinyl siding would fit in nicely and the j strips would butt right up to those corners. Anyone ever tried this before??

 

[bp fick]

Sure. Folks vinyl over lap siding all the time.

Some prefer to use a "backer" foam to provide a flat surface. This backer foam comes in a folded fashion at any home center, big box store. It's purpose is not to provide insulation, but just to "smooth" the surface.

Not a problem. Just hang the vinyl loose!

You can use wooden corners, but they'll need painting, or use the vinyl corners, which are pricey.

 

[herd]

Vinyl siding is designed to be hung loose anyway, so it won't matter at all if you hang it over the lap siding. I wouldn't go with wood corners tho, just wouldn't look nor work right. Vinyl corners are pricey, but that is the best solution, and it's basically a one-time cost anyways.

"Fanfold" on an uninsulated/unheated building is a waste of time and money.

 

[streetisneat]

Kebo I used soffit material and hung it vertically. I also used j channel around the top and bottom and sides. It spans the ridges of the lap siding and gives a smooth look to it like t-111 siding! been up 4 years and never had an issiue with water collecting in the j channel at the bottom. Just remember not to nail it too tight as vinyl siding needs to float. Cut it a tad bit short to allow for expansion, and remember the siding actually "hangs" on the nails. I also left the wood corner pieces in place for a finished edge just put j channel next to it, the only paiting I have to do is the doors and corner pieces.

 

[KennyG]

Think about just putting composite trim boards vertically on the corners with J-strips. They aren't too expensive and, if white is OK with you, I think they actually look better than the vinyl corners.

 

[kebo]

Appreciate all the comments and suggestions, will have to consider them all! I especially like the one above for using composite trim boards on the corners. I thought it was doable, just wanted some opinions on it. Thanks!