Replacing smart-side

[Steve-WA]

1993 Guerdon 14x66, originally sided with 4x8 sheets of T-111ish wood chipboard (osb) siding. The siding is nailed directly to the wall studs, and the North side of the house has bowing and swelling at the bottom, and some of the stuff can be poked through. No vapor barrier.

My intent is to replace with the same type of siding, newer technology should prevent these problems, and if not, it will last at least another 20 years.

And the question is: is it better to install osb sheathing to the studs, then house wrap, then the siding? Or would the osb sheathing be unnecessary?

[Greg]

I would think that if you are using a rigid sheet type siding you could skip the OSB, but you may want to think about foam sheets for a little extra insulation. Vinyl siding would require OSB underlay.

Greg

[jpingram5]

http://www.zipsystem.com/

Thats the way to go.

[Steve-WA]

Not looking for a product; looking for advice - is sheathing necessary?

[jpingram5]

Necessary, no. Is it a good idea to do so, yes.