Installation Guide

historic restoration

Step 1

If a building is in a historic area, local Historic

District or has been designated as a historic

building, make sure that approval for the use

of vinyl siding has been obtained from the

local historic society or local Historic District

Commission. This applies to building additions

as well.

Step 2

Before a historic building is resided, it should

be examined for moisture, insect infestation,

structural defects, and other problems that may

be present. These problems should be addressed

and the building pronounced “sound” before

residing with any material.

Step 3

Do not damage or remove the original siding.

If at all possible, do not alter the original struc-

ture, so that the application of vinyl siding is

reversible (i.e., the original siding would remain

intact in the future, so that if desired, the vinyl

siding could be removed). Exception: “In cases

where a non-historic artificial siding has been

applied to the building, the removal of such a

siding before application of vinyl siding would,

in most cases, be acceptable”.

1Preservation Briefs, Number 8, U.S. Department of

Interior, 1984.1

Step 4

Exercise every care to retain architectural

details wherever possible. Do not remove,

cover, or add details until the building owner’s

written approval has been obtained. Determine

that the owner has consulted the local historic

society for approval.

Step 5

Use siding that closely approximates the

appearance of the original siding in color, size

and style. In historic districts, the goal is to

match the product as closely as possible and

retain the original trim.

For further information, contact:

Historic Preservation at www2.cr.nps.gov

When historic restoration projects arise, the manufacturer recommends the following: