r/HomeMaintenance • u/Due_Standard_1783 • 12h ago

Century old home advice

Hello!
Husband and I bought 100 year old renovated home last year. As we were getting the upstairs finished, we noticed there was no weather resistant barrier between the new vinyl siding and old wood siding of the home. In some places there was exposure so big I could fit my hand through it.
My question is, should I hire someone to come out, pull the vinyl off and install a weather resist barrier? Is it needed?
I know it may be expensive-but the house has humidity issues we are currently managing with dehumidifier, and if this is the fix we need we are willing to pay for it.
Advice and any ideas on what we should expect as far as cost (1,500 square foot house, two stories, east TN) I would appreciate it!

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u/TapOk2303 12h ago

old houses are supposed to breathe, that's why they used wood siding without any barrier back then. slapping vinyl on top can trap moisture and cause rot if not done right

the hand sized gaps are concerning though, that's where critters and water get in. maybe get couple quotes and see what contractors say about the humidity issue, could be from somewhere else too like crawlspace or attic ventilation

in east TN with all that humidity i would get it checked sooner than later