Rewiring A Wood-Sided Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Rewiring a house with wood siding can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do so without removing the drywall. Before beginning any electrical work, it is crucial to turn off the circuit or the power to the entire house. This helps to ensure safety and prevent accidents. The process involves removing the old wiring, feeding new wires through the attic or crawl space, and then connecting them to the correct outlets or light switches. It is important to measure and cut the wiring accurately, allowing for some slack, and securing the wires to rafters to keep them in place. Working with a partner can make the process easier and faster. Additionally, proper safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, should be worn to protect against sharp wires and potential debris. When in doubt, it is always best to consult a professional electrician.

Safety considerations when re-wiring a house with wood siding

Safety Considerations When Rewiring a House with Wood Siding

Rewiring a house is a complex and potentially dangerous task, especially when coupled with the challenges posed by wood siding. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind when taking on this project:

• Hire a licensed professional electrician: Working with electricity can be hazardous, and incorrect wiring can lead to electrical fires or electrocution. Unless you have extensive knowledge and experience in electrical work, it is best to leave this job to a qualified electrician. They will ensure that the rewiring is done safely and complies with building regulations.
• Turn off the main power source: Before any work begins, ensure that the main power source is turned off. This is a crucial step to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe during the rewiring process.
• Protective gear and equipment: Anyone working on the rewiring project should wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, gloves, and boots with thick soles. This gear will shield your eyes, hands, and feet from potential hazards such as wire trimmings, electrical arcs, and falling objects.
• Water awareness: Be extremely cautious when working in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where water may be present. Water and electricity can be a deadly combination. Ensure that there is no water on the floor or any surfaces near where the electrical work is taking place.
• Ladder safety: When working at heights, always use a safe ladder and follow proper safety protocols. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times, secure and stabilize it on flat ground, and avoid overreaching.
• PPE for outdoor work: If the rewiring project involves working outdoors or in an open area, wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed. This may include hearing protection and dust masks or respirators to safeguard against noise and dust hazards.
• Wood siding considerations: If the wood siding needs to be removed or repaired as part of the rewiring process, follow proper safety guidelines. Use the appropriate tools and techniques to cut or pull nails, remove rotted boards, and install new siding. Always work carefully and wear protective gear to avoid injuries.
• Secure a safety inspection report: Once the rewiring is complete, it is essential to have a safety inspection performed by a qualified professional. This report will evaluate the quality and reliability of the new electrical system, ensuring that it meets safety standards and reducing the risk of future electrical issues.

How to remove existing cladding

Removing Existing Cladding

Before rewiring a house with wood siding, the existing cladding must be removed. This process can be lengthy and labour-intensive, so it is important to be prepared for a project that may take several days.

Firstly, determine the type of cladding. Cladding can be made from several materials, including wood, vinyl and fibreboard, and each type has a unique removal process.

For wood cladding, start by identifying the nails holding the cladding in place. Using a metal detector or your eyesight, locate the nails and gently pry around them with a flat pry bar to loosen the cladding. Be cautious, as prying too hard can crack the wood. Once the cladding is loose, use a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade to cut the nails. Alternatively, a mini hacksaw or a duct-tape-wrapped hacksaw blade can be used to cut through the nails. Then, use a pry bar to lift and remove the cladding piece from the wall.

If you wish to preserve the wood cladding, extra care is required. Use a thin, flat pry bar to gently pry the cladding away from the wall, working your way along the board to create clearance. Push the board back against the wall to expose the nail heads, then pull out the nails. Repeat this process for the board above, and carefully lift out the desired board.

For vinyl cladding, use a vinyl cladding removal tool. Locate a seam between two vinyl cladding pieces and slide the tool between them along the bottom of the seam. Jiggle the tool to release the bottom of the cladding piece, exposing the nails of the piece below. Remove the nails with pliers and place them in a bucket. Repeat this process for all the cladding pieces you intend to remove.

Finally, for stone cladding, the removal process depends on the installation method. Tap the wall to check for a hollow sound, indicating a space between the wall and the cladding, which will be easier to remove. If there is no hollow sound, the cladding is likely attached directly to the brick wall, and its removal may damage the surface. If the stone cladding was cemented directly to the brick wall, chip it away with a chisel, pry bar, hammer, or power hammer chisel, targeting the grout joints or spaces between the stones.

Preparing the wood siding

Gather Materials and Make a Plan:

Firstly, you will need to gather all the necessary materials for the project. These include a crowbar, a hammer, a tape measure, and the wood siding itself. You will also need to make a plan by measuring the width and height of the walls to be sided. This will help you determine the square footage of your project and the amount of siding you need to purchase.

Remove Existing Cladding:

Use the crowbar and hammer to carefully remove the existing exterior cladding to expose the underlying structure. This will allow you to inspect for any necessary repairs and ensure a clean surface for the new siding.

Check Wall for Damage:

Once the old cladding is removed, inspect the wall for any damage. Look for any issues with the house sheathing (usually plywood) and replace any damaged sections. Also, check the insulation and replace it if necessary.

Install a New Moisture Barrier:

A moisture barrier is crucial to protect the wall from water damage. Install a new moisture barrier by rolling it out from the bottom of the wall and working your way up, overlapping subsequent rows by a couple of inches. Secure it to the plywood with 2" galvanized roofing nails.

Prime or Coat the Wood Siding:

Before installation, prepare the wood siding by priming all sides if you plan to paint the house later. Alternatively, apply the first coat of stain and sealer if you prefer a natural wood look. Brushing is the best method for priming, while a paint sprayer can be used for larger quantities.

Prepare Safety Equipment:

Working with wood siding can be dangerous, so ensure you have the proper safety equipment. Wear leather or similar work gloves to protect your hands from splinters, and safety glasses to protect your eyes when driving nails or using power tools.

Choose the Right Tools:

Depending on the specifics of your project, you may need additional tools such as a table saw, paint sprayer, pneumatic nail gun, or rental scaffolding for working above ground level.

Consider the Climate:

Wood siding installation should be done in a dry climate to avoid trapping moisture behind the siding. Acclimate the wood siding outdoors for at least seven days but no more than 30 days, elevating it by 12 inches or more and shielding it from moisture.

Prepare the Work Area:

Clear the area around the house by cutting back any bushes or tree branches to give yourself at least one foot of clearance to work safely. Check the weather forecast and choose dry days for installation. Have tarps or weather-resistant covers ready to protect exposed areas in case of rain.

Follow Safety Guidelines:

When working with wood siding, always follow safety guidelines such as wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and dust masks. Never stand above the second rung from the top on a ladder, and always follow the safety instructions for power tools.

Installing the first siding pieces

Now you’re ready to add your first pieces of siding. You’ll need your long bubble level, laser level, or chalk line. Establish a level indicator line for the first row of siding or panels. Ensure the first siding row overlaps the top of the foundation block by at least 1-1/2 to 2 inches and is 8 to 12 inches above the ground level.

Use a sliding miter or circular saw to cut each piece to fit. Allow a 5/16-inch gap between pieces and trim boards to allow for expansion—you’ll seal the gaps later. Seal the ends with wood sealer or primer before placing them.

Secure each piece by sinking 2-1/2-inch siding nails flush with the siding surface approximately 1 inch below their tops with a hammer or pneumatic nail gun. If your wood siding planks are tongue-and-groove style, fit the next plank into the first one accordingly. If they’re not, make sure your overlap is the same on each plank.

After the first few pieces are installed, use your level to make sure all planks are installed straight. As you reach the end of your planks, drill a pilot hole about three inches from the end and install your last nail to keep the plank from cracking.

Finishing tasks

Once the wood siding has been installed, there are a few finishing tasks to complete to ensure a professional finish and protect your siding.

Firstly, trim any exposed weather-resistant barrier (WRB) from around the bottom edge of the siding. This will ensure a neat finish and remove any excess material. Next, apply a wood end grain sealant to the ends of the siding boards. This will protect the cut ends of the boards from moisture. You can use a brush to dab the sealant onto the ends of the boards.

Now, it's time to caulk the seams. Apply a generous amount of caulk to all four sides of each board, especially at the horizontal seams. Use your finger to push the caulk into the seams and then wipe away any excess with a rag. Caulking the seams will help to protect your siding from water damage and give it a finished look.

The final step is to paint or stain your siding. If you plan to paint, apply a primer first to ensure the paint lasts longer. Then, apply at least two coats of exterior paint. Alternatively, you can stain and seal the siding if you prefer a more natural look. Following these finishing steps will help to protect your wood siding and ensure it looks its best.

Frequently asked questions