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    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #1

    Mar 9, 2006, 10:12 PM
    For All U Contractors Out There
    I got 2 estimates to do work on home.. I live in upstate NY approx.1/2hr west from Albany.. here is what they sent me

    ESTIMATE #1

    Remove old asphalt siding
    Install R-Max 1/2" insulation(unable to blow in insulation)
    Install D-4 Dutchlap vinyl siding(GENTEK)
    Soffits and fascia included
    Debris removed by contractor
    Siding estimate for 23sq - $9775

    ESTIMATE#2

    Removal of asphalt siding
    Cut and blow in insulation through bottom and top of outer walls
    Blow insulation in attic 7in. Cellulose
    Foam mounting board for siding to sit flat on side of house
    Install Dutchlap vinyl siding(GENTEK)
    Soffits and fascia included
    Debris removed by contractor
    Siding estimate $11500


    Thanks for any input guys... if you have a friend or colleague in this area let me know if they can beat those prices
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
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    #2

    Mar 10, 2006, 09:10 AM
    Well, I can help on part of it:

    We do a fair amount of siding on apt buildings, and our rule of thumb for when we're looking at bids, for material and labor, is $4 per sq. ft. This does not include any tear off existing material, but does include foam mounting board.

    The tear-off of the asphalt siding will no doubt be labor intensive. I'm not familiar with asphalt siding but can't help but wonder: why remove it?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #3

    Mar 10, 2006, 09:17 AM
    My mother has asphalt siding, ( if it is what I think it is by your wording) it was used a lot in the 30's and 40's) We put new siding right over hers. We had to be careful of cracking of the siding, but with had little trouble.

    Make sure that the cost of disposal of the old siding is included, if it is deamed a hassard matteral at your dump that cost can be large.

    Est one did not include that I saw blowing in the attic which is a big energy savings

    I would also look at what allows them to incease the price from estimate or if their price is a set price for all work listed.

    I would also askwhy remove the old?
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
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    #4

    Mar 10, 2006, 09:23 AM
    Fr_Chuck makes me wonder if it is the type of siding that has asbestos in it.

    If so, then yes, the tear off and disposal will be a VERY expensive part of the job.

    Regardless, don't fall for a too eager salesperson telling you that you should remove it. Frankly, I'm not aware of any good reason why you'd need or want to.
    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #5

    Mar 11, 2006, 12:47 AM
    just in case you didn't know already the house is approx 120-130yr old colonial style home.
    .. the old asphalt shingles were there for at least 18 yrs and back then my father in law said he can't remember the house ever without the siding.. and he's lived near that house for at least 20+yrs.
    .. it needs to be torn off because the wind did a number on it and its torn away in different spots(DEF NOT asbestos... been confirmed by all contractors)... its got this fiberlike thick padding attached to the back on it.. id say these are the exact stuff on my uncles bar that makes it look like it was made of brick but is really shingles.. I'd say each piece is approx. 3/8-1/2 inch thick.
    .. putting siding on top of this would make my windows that are sunken in look much worse.
    .im told that the they need to use backing to make a flat mounting area for the siding to make everything look flat not wavy.
    .. estimate #1 said he doesn't do blown insulation but can use thicker board to mount to so I can have some r-value.. not much by his words but better than nothing like now... what is the advantage of this over blown insulation besides saving some bucks.
    .. my house has little or no insulation in the walls and very little in attic.. the guy living here before me must have paid through the roof for heating and cooling.


    .. is there a way we can insert a picture in these forums so I can show you what the siding looks like?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #6

    Mar 11, 2006, 06:54 AM
    Of course I am not looking at it, but it sounds like the type that has asbestos in it, ( which was part of the main reason we did not take the siding off mom's house, since the disposal cost was going to be about what the entire house was worth.

    But anyway, if they say it is not, I guess it is not.

    This is my opinion, first do not know why he does not do blown , since the last jobs my sons did, the store that sells them the material lets them use the blower free ( another yard rents the blower) so it is done very easy.

    But the blown insulation in the walls are known to settle after time but is helpful. I would always use the outter wrap also in doing the house.
    But I would for sure blow it in the attic ( or fill it with roll if you don't blow it in)

    What you need to do is decide what you want, and then get two or three bids doing what you want, not different types of bids that can not be compared. So if you want blown in attic, blown and wrap on walls, then get two or three people who can do that to bid on it.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
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    #7

    Mar 25, 2006, 08:51 PM
    Sounds like the stuff installed on the house I grew up in in the 50's. It was gray stone looking stuff. I think it came in some other designs, maybe yellow brick too. If it is in bad shape, yeah, rip it off. I think 3 1/2'' fiberglass batts provide R-12 insulation. The one inch foil covered polyamide foam I put under my vinyl siding gave I think R-7.5. Likely the blown insulation would be closer to the fiberglass batts. The way energy prices are going, I can't see going with anything except the highest R value you can get. Maybe blown plus foam board. Also check injected foam. Ask the contractors about sealing the walls to reduce air infiltration.
    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #8

    Apr 12, 2006, 06:00 AM
    thanks for everyone's advice.. I was pleasantly surprised while redoing the bathroom that my walls have foam insulation so the siding guys doesn't need to install insulation... found a contractor who is installing the 23 sq of siding with Gentek Signature Series(is that a good brand)... painting my soffits(roughly 250 feet)since they are decorative and non functioning.. removing old shingles from side... replacing old shingle roofs(3) with "standing seam" metal roofs... demolition and removal of a 15x12 addition and replacement of a double hung window all for $18000... does that sound too high?
    skiberger's Avatar
    skiberger Posts: 562, Reputation: 41
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    #9

    Apr 12, 2006, 07:08 PM
    That's sounds like a good estimate to me. That's a lot of work for the price.
    With a nice siding, painted decorative fascia & soffits and the roof (which you'll really like) the house should look real good. Good luck.
    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #10

    Apr 16, 2006, 05:39 PM
    Thanks.. I need a little reassurance... never paid this much for anything besides my house... yet:D

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