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 structure,

so that the application of vinyl siding is revers-

ible (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”.

Preservation 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 appear-

ance 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:

historic restoration