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New Orleans is home to thousands of older residences, from shotgun houses in the Bywater to Creole cottages in the Marigny, and many of them still wear their original wood siding. That wood has character, but after decades of exposure to Louisiana’s subtropical humidity, driving rain, and Formosan termite activity, it often shows its age. Big Easy Siding regularly hears from homeowners who want the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl siding without the cost and disruption of tearing off every board of their existing wood siding.
The short answer is yes, vinyl siding can be installed over wood siding. But in a climate where average humidity regularly exceeds 70 percent and annual rainfall tops 60 inches, the preparations matter more here than almost anywhere else in the country.
Installing vinyl directly over wood siding is a practical option when the following conditions are met:
When these conditions are met, overlaying vinyl saves labor and disposal costs because the existing wood acts as an additional layer of insulation and weather protection beneath the new material.
There are clear situations where installing vinyl over existing wood siding does more harm than good:
For a deeper look at whether removal makes sense in your situation, read our guide on whether old siding should be removed before replacing.
Proper preparation is the difference between a vinyl overlay that lasts 30 years and one that hides growing problems behind your walls. Here is what the process involves:
Walk the entire perimeter and check every section of wood siding for soft spots, discoloration, peeling paint, and insect damage. In New Orleans, pay close attention to areas near the foundation, around windows, and under eaves where moisture tends to collect.
Any boards that show rot, splitting, or insect damage must be replaced with new lumber that matches the thickness of the surrounding siding. This ensures the wall surface remains flat and stable.
Use corrosion-resistant nails or screws to refasten any boards that have pulled away from the sheathing. Every board needs to be tight against the wall so the vinyl has a solid nailing base.
Pressure-wash or scrub the wood with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving to the next step. In Louisiana’s humidity, this may take 48 to 72 hours depending on the season.
Because most wood siding has a lapped or beveled profile, you need vertical furring strips (typically 1-by-3-inch pressure-treated lumber) placed every 16 inches on center. These strips create a flat nailing surface for the vinyl panels and allow airflow behind the new siding, which is critical for moisture management.
Place rigid foam board between the furring strips to improve thermal performance. In a climate where air conditioning runs eight months of the year, this added insulation can noticeably reduce energy bills.
Apply a weather-resistant house wrap over the furring strips and foam, overlapping seams by at least six inches and taping all joints. This layer is your primary defense against moisture infiltration and is especially important given Louisiana’s rainfall and humidity levels.
Adding furring strips, foam, and a moisture barrier increases your wall thickness. Window and door frames will need extension jambs or wider trim to accommodate the new depth and maintain a clean, finished appearance.
Attach the vinyl starter strip at the base of the wall, level and straight. Install J-channel around all windows, doors, and where the siding meets the soffit. Proper flashing at these transition points prevents water from getting behind the vinyl.
Start from the back corner of the house and work toward the front. Lock each panel into the one below it and nail through the center of the nailing slots. Leave a small gap (about 1/32 inch) between the nail head and the panel to allow for thermal expansion, which is significant in the New Orleans heat.
Louisiana ranks among the top three most humid states in the nation. In New Orleans, relative humidity commonly sits above 75 percent during summer months, and even winter brings damp conditions with averages above 70 percent. Without a proper moisture barrier between old wood siding and new vinyl, this persistent humidity creates the perfect environment for:
A properly installed house wrap paired with adequate ventilation space behind the vinyl (created by furring strips) allows moisture vapor to escape rather than becoming trapped. Skipping this step in a Louisiana siding project is one of the most costly mistakes a homeowner can make.
Even when the decision to overlay is correct, poor execution leads to problems. Here are the mistakes that cause the most trouble in the New Orleans climate:
Our detailed post on siding installation mistakes to avoid covers additional pitfalls worth reviewing before any project begins.
The decision comes down to the condition of your existing wood siding and what lies beneath it. Here is a practical framework:
| Factor | Overlay May Work | Full Removal Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Wood condition | Solid, no rot or soft spots | Rot, decay, or insect damage present |
| Moisture barrier | Intact house wrap underneath | No barrier or barrier has failed |
| Number of layers | One existing layer | Two or more existing layers |
| Surface flatness | Reasonably flat or correctable with furring | Severely warped or uneven |
| Home age and history | Previous inspections documented | Unknown condition behind siding |
If you are unsure about the condition of your wood siding, a thorough evaluation is worth the investment. Uncovering hidden rot or termite damage before installation saves thousands compared to dealing with it after new siding is already in place. For homes that need targeted fixes rather than a full replacement, our siding repair services can address problem areas first.
Whether your New Orleans home needs a vinyl overlay or a complete siding replacement, the right answer starts with an honest assessment of what is on your walls right now. Big Easy Siding inspects the existing siding, checks for moisture damage and pest activity, and recommends the approach that protects your home for the long term.
Call us at (504) 766-3494 or request a free estimate online to schedule your evaluation.
We serve New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, Hammond, Kenner, Metairie, Slidell, and throughout Louisiana.
In most cases, yes. Overlaying vinyl saves the labor and disposal costs of tearing off and hauling away old wood siding. However, if the wood has hidden rot or moisture damage, the cost of repairing structural problems later will far exceed the savings from skipping removal.
With proper preparation, a moisture barrier, and adequate ventilation behind the panels, vinyl siding installed over wood can last 20 to 40 years in the New Orleans climate. Skipping the moisture barrier or furring strips significantly shortens that lifespan.
Permit requirements vary depending on the scope of the project and whether your home is in a historic district. Properties in the French Quarter, Marigny, or other historic neighborhoods may need approval from the Historic District Landmarks Commission. Contact your local permitting office to confirm requirements before starting work.
Yes, as long as the existing wood is in good condition. Shotgun houses often have original wood clapboard siding that may be over a century old, so a thorough inspection for rot, termite damage, and moisture issues is essential before overlaying with vinyl.
A breathable house wrap (such as Tyvek or a similar synthetic weather-resistant barrier) is the preferred choice for Louisiana siding projects. It blocks liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through, which prevents moisture from becoming trapped between the old wood and new vinyl in high-humidity conditions.
By Admin 
Oct 7, 2022