Original sidingshould be retained whenever possible. Note that vinyl siding may be subject to tearing, cutting and warping, and release a toxic gas from excessive heat. Aluminum siding can be damaged from impact and can not be as easily repaired as wood. Often the original clapboards may be found beneath layers of artificial siding and can be restored easily. Proper paint adhesion can be obtained by scraping, stripping, and using a linseed oil primer and oilbased paint. If there are small cracks in the siding, putty or caulk should be used. When sections or boards are cracked or deteriorating, they can be removed and replaced with new boards of the same proportion and thickness.

Existing, artificial siding, such as asphalt shingles or asbestos shakes, although not appropriate to the building, may be retained as existing; but it is recommended that it be removed and the original siding restored or, if necessary, replaced with appropriate new siding.

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Vinyl and aluminum siding are acceptable alternatives to the original wood siding, provided that they replicate the width or "exposure" of the original siding, usually no greater than 4 inches. Using siding with a larger exposure changes the scale of the house and the character of the building. New siding should preferably have a matte or non-shiny finish to duplicate a painted surface. Weathered or wood-grain siding is not recommended. When artificial siding is installed, all trim pieces, including comer boards, sill boards and casings, must be retained or replicated.

Details: All window parts, lattice, columns, decking, siding, soffit boards, brackets, comer boards, etc. should be retained if possible or replaced with elements of similar size and shape. Wood is preferable as a replacement material, although Fiberglas and other imitation materials are acceptable under the Standards if the original appearance of the detail can be reproduced.

Covering of wood details is not acceptable on historic structures, since it obscures fine detail and may mask structural problems. Note how the appearance of the cornice below will change as a result of aluminum wrapping:

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