Cedar Siding Backer Question

Home Serve

We typically do vinyl siding but am bidding on a 1700 sq ft on one side (north west side) of a commercial building. There is existing old vinyl siding and 1/4" styrofoam on it. I'm considering removing the vinyl and the styrofoam unless the foam wants to stay on I'll leave it. Old wood clapboard siding is underneath. I've talked to the lumber yards reps around here and one of them recommended to furr the walls out with 1x2 nailed on studs (every 16") and use that for backing for our cedar. Another said best use 7/16" OSB board for backing.
Got some ideas? Let me know.
The 1x2 would give an air space for insulative purposes.
I was considering using 1/2 or 3/4 foil backed fan fold for backer and to add insulation value.
I figure on house wrap esp. if I did not use the fan fold.
New guy from Central MO usa
thanks, David

dougchips

What is under the existing wood siding?

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

Home Serve

I am bidding the job, I have not torn off the original clapboard siding, I assume oak studs, the building is well over 100 years old, used to be a trading post off the Missouri River.
thanks, David

dougchips

I'll pass on this one then, I have only done siding on newer homes and we strip the exisiting siding.

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

Patrick

Doug I did a similar style house that siding pretty much holds the house together i dunno about the furring strips id go with the sheathing, what are you gonna do about bumping out the window trim since you cant do it with aluminum

Second Look

The air space provided by the furring strips is probably more to let moisture out & protect against rot, than to provide insulation. As you probably know, 1/4" fanfold is only R-1.

Coastal Contractor magazine did an article last month titled "Best Practice Wall Shingles". You seem to be doing clapboard siding, but it might be worth a look.

__________________
Second Look home improvement www.SecondLookHome.com
Handyman and Home Repair Specialist in Rhode Island
RI Licensed Lead Safe Remodeler/Renovator, RI Registered & Insured Contractor

Patrick

My thought about the strapping was would the siding look any different passing over that void over time as opposed to sitting against a flat surface?

Home Serve

I was thinking also that a possible draw back to using the furring strips might be inconsistant wall (100 year old building) and if the void might long term affect the appearance of the siding staying flat to the wall as opposed to solid OSB backer.
Thanks,
David