Remove Vinyl cladding to replace with EPS + render ?

[martyrod]

Hi There.
We have renovated the majority of inside a 1960's house and are now looking at upgrading the tired vinyl cladding that surrounds it.

So far i've been given 2 options - remove the Vinyl Cladding and replace with blueboard + render ? Or Remove Vinyl cladding and replace with EPS (extruded polystyrene) + render.

Can anyone tell me the pro's and con's at using either method ? I understand that some gutterings/fence posts would need to be replaced/moved when using the EPS product. I think i'm leaning towards the EPS option particulary because of it's insulation advantages.

When getting a builder to quote to do the job on the house, is there anything that's vital that i need to ensure that is included in the quote ?

Any idea's in the cost difference pm in doing either option ?

My window's are also quite dated and cracking, and i've been advised that it's a good time to update them before i take off the vinyl cladding ? is this correct ? or should they be replaced after the vinyl cladding is removed ?

Lastly does anyone know a good builder in the StGeorge/Sutherland shire area of south sydney that specialises in using EPS for renovations ?

Apologies for all the questions !
Thanks in advance
Marty

[BrickCladding]

And the third option Marty - remove the vinyl cladding and replace it with brick cladding - steel backing and brick facings and corners. I am no fan of render - it seems to deteriorate from the day it is done and invariably ends up cracked, stained at the windows and gutters and looking generally tired. Brick cladding on the other hand gives you all the advantages of genuine brick - including zero maintenance and substantial insulation benefits (noise as well as energy). You probably won't need to move anything, and with our brick cladding product the savings are substantial if you DIY, and it is easy to do that. Don't think "brick cladding cheap imitation stuff"; we are talking about real brick here.

[SuperTradie]

G’day Marty,

I have used both blue board and EPS. My first choice is always EPS. Firstly because as you mentioned you get the added benefit of the insulation advantages, secondly it is lighter easier to use (probably not such a consideration for you if you are engaging a builder), there isn`t the dust issues when cutting that are associated with blue board and the main reason I prefer an EPS product is that you end up with a better quality render finish.

Is relation to your question regarding vital inclusions in the quote? Make sure that it is installed to the manufactures specifications i.e. correct number of fixing per sheet. The below link is to a company which is based on the Gold Coast which supply EPS cladding. You will find a lot of useful info on their site. NRG - Energy Efficient Building Systems (http://www.nrggreenboard.com)

I would suggest that you replace your windows before you install new cladding as you may like to change some of the window sizes. I would try and leave the existing cladding in place were possible while you replace the windows as it will protect the interior from the weather.

Hope this is of some help

Good Luck