I’ve yet to see a replacement siding installation which was without at least some undesirable side effects. The house shown below fared far better than most do when subjected to a “maintenance-free” (ha!) future; the homeowner and/or the installer saved the cornice brackets on this Italianate house rather than scrapping them. By wrapping the paired brackets as a single unit they acquired a tangible clumsiness, but they are still intact. Definition of the cornice was also lost in the process, but that can still be restored in the future. If only all homeowners bent on re-siding their houses were so thoughtful and considerate! Someone also had the good sense to spare the porch, as well.
The house before the siding was installed.
With the siding installed, the house has lost much of its character, but significant features were left intact – the damage can be easily be undone in the future.
Yeah, totally changes the look of the house. As you said, at least they covered most of the original details instead of removing them.
The worst part about vinyl siding, especially installed over existing siding, as it doesn’t prevent water damage, it just hides it until it gets much more severe. There’s no such thing as a “maintenance free” exterior, regardless of what salesmen may say.
Well…at least they left the porch.
For now.
Sigh.