Elevating Exterior Safety and Aesthetics
We recently completed a full exterior siding overlay on a multi-family building in Manchester, located on Cedar Street. At approximately 6,000 square feet, the project posed unique challenges: presence of lead-based paint, multi-unit occupancy, and the desire for a high-quality finish. Our certified team managed every phase from lead remediation planning through final siding installation with rigorous standards.
The result: a fully sealed, lead-safe exterior clad in premium siding with enhanced details at windows, doors, eaves and gables.
Understanding the Lead-Paint Overlay Context
Homes built prior to 1978 often contain lead-based paint, and when new siding is installed over existing cladding, the regulations and safety practices take on elevated importance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarifies that even when new siding is nailed over older substrates, the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule still applies unless a certified inspector confirms no lead-based paint exists on the surfaces being disturbed.
For this project, we recognized from the outset that lead-based paint was present and took a full lead-safe approach. That meant: certified renovator oversight, containment protocols, safe disposal of chips and dust, and a system of overlay installation that fully encapsulated the hazardous substrate, eliminating visible lead paint and securing the building envelope.
Project Scope & Objectives
Our main goals were:
- Eliminate exposure: No visible lead-based paint remaining, fully covered and secured.
- High-performance siding system: We used CertainTeed Mainstream Lap siding throughout a proven product for durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
- Comprehensive detailing at critical points: Every window, door, fascia board, soffit, and gable vent was addressed to ensure a polished finish and full protection.
- Lead-certified team execution: From site setup to final inspection we maintained lead-safe certified protocols per the EPA’s guidelines.
- Multi-family readiness: With multiple units under one roof, we coordinated scheduling, containment and staging so that residents experienced minimal disruption.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Installation
1. Preliminary Lead Safety Preparation
- Confirmed building sections subject to work.
- Established containment zones around the building footprint; installed protective sheeting, sealed off vents and HVAC intakes, and used HEPA vacuums for dust control.
- Verified lead paint layers beneath with testing as required.
- Ensured daily disposal of paint chips and debris, following accepted protocols.
2. Overlay Installation Begin
With the lead substrate secured, we moved into the overlay installation:
- Installed furring strips and sheathing as required to provide a solid substrate for the new siding, ensuring the load was transferred to structural studs. This aligns with best-practice recommendations for overlaying siding on a lead-paint substrate.
- Applied a board-by-board installation of the CertainTeed Mainstream Lap siding across all elevations.
- Used metal wrap flashing around windows and doors fully integrated to prevent infiltration of water and to seal the new siding system.
- Replaced or wrapped all fascia boards and trim details, bringing a uniform aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity.
3. Venting and Eave Detailing
- Installed new vinyl soffit vents along the eaves to allow proper attic ventilation, essential for moisture control and roof longevity.
- Installed vinyl gable vents at the attics to provide balanced airflow and ensure the new siding system does not trap heat or moisture.
- Verified that all vent terminations and flashings were tight, weather-seals intact, and compatibility with the newly installed siding assured.
4. Final Inspection and Lead-Safe Confirmation
- Once installation was complete, our team conducted a thorough visual inspection: checking for any exposed deteriorated paint, verifying proper flashing and sealing around all penetrations, and confirming that all substrate areas with lead paint were fully covered.
- Performed cleaning protocols, including HEPA vacuuming and wet-wipe cleaning of exterior surfaces and adjacent ground zones.
- Documented lead-safe practices and provided certification that no visible lead-paint hazards remained. This meets the expectation for overlay projects dealing with lead substrate.
Why the Approach Matters
An overlay project of this nature is not simply cosmetic it’s about safety, durability, and value. Covering existing siding that contains lead-based paint eliminates a liability and secures the envelope for decades. Choosing premium siding like the CertainTeed Mainstream Lap ensures the building’s aesthetics and weather resistance are significantly enhanced. By upgrading ventilation through soffit and gable vents, we also improved the building’s thermal performance and longevity.
For building owners, this means reduced maintenance, improved curb appeal, and a safer environment for occupants. In multi-family structures, where occupancy continuity is critical, our method allowed efficient coordination with minimal disruption.
Technical & Design Highlights
- Full coverage system: The siding was installed to cover every inch of the exterior—no exposed edges, no visible remnants of the lead substrate.
- Precision flashing and wrap: All windows, doors, fascia boards and trim were replaced or wrapped with metal flashings to ensure tight integration with the siding system.
- Enhanced ventilation: Soffit and gable vents were selected to meet modern codes for airflow while blending seamlessly with the siding design.
- Lead certification compliance: Our crew adhered to EPA’s lead-safe work practices—identifying, containing, cleaning, and verifying.
- Aesthetic coherence: The CertainTeed Lap siding presents clean lines and consistent texture, elevating the entire building façade; the trim work complements it for a unified finish.
Key Takeaways for Property Managers and Owners
- Treat overlay as remodel, not just cosmetic siding change: When lead-paint exists, there are regulatory and safety layers to the work beyond standard siding replacement.
- Choose certified professionals: Working with a lead-certified contractor ensures proper handling of hazardous materials and compliance with federal guidelines.
- Integrate siding replacement with envelope performance: While installing new siding, consider venting, flashing, sheathing upgrades improving long-term durability and occupant comfort.
- Document thoroughly: For both compliance and future resale value, maintain documentation of lead-safe practices, material warranties, and installation details.
- Communicate with occupants: On multi-family properties, coordinating access, setting expectations, and scheduling work minimize disruption and keep reputational value high.
Conclusion: A Secure, Modernized Exterior Envelope
The project on Cedar Street in Manchester stands as a model of how to handle older, larger-scale residential structures with the demands of lead-paint remediation, premium siding installation and envelope performance upgrades. By overlaying existing surfaces, replacing key trim and venting components, and using a high-quality siding system (CertainTeed Mainstream Lap), we achieved a clean, safe and visually compelling result. The building now stands with renewed life fully sealed, aesthetically refined, and prepared for decades of reliable service.
For property stakeholders looking to undertake similar work whether multi-family, historic buildouts or lead-remediation overlays this project demonstrates a structured path to success: lead-safe certification, premium materials, full coverage detailing, and attention to building-system performance.
Contact & Next Steps (No obligation)
Website: reviveroofingandsidingllc.com
Email: reviveroofingandsidingnh@gmail.com
Phone: (603) 560-5309
