[Greenbuilding] Need opinions on siding and progress report

[Bobbi Chukran]

Hi all,

Thanks again to all of you who answered my questions about insulation  
in our new/old 1930 house.  We decided to wait until after the AC was  
installed (because of issues with installing the ductwork in the  
attic), and the house was leveled (happening now).  I am glad we  
waited because we've found that the house is a perfect example of  
balloon framing.  So we're rethinking everything we ever knew about  
insulation.  LOL.  In general, I'm caulking every crack I can find  
like there's no tomorrow, and trying not to think about the wide  
gaping holes in the floors where some walls were taken down.   
Hopefully, after all the construction is done, we plan to insulate  
from the bottom, then add the attic insulation. Then some in the  
walls, if we don't go broke before then.

We did get two beautiful solar attic fans installed, and those help  
to keep the attic cooler.  We've had over 40 days of over 100-degree  
temps., so every little bit helps.  The new AC works like a charm,  
amazingly enough.  We keep it set high, and it still cools enough so  
that we can work inside.  I'm loving the new Carrier two-speed unit  
*so far* but wonder how it'll do at dehumidifying.  We shall see.

So, to my question.  The house is encased in aluminum siding.  UGH.   
It still looks great, but I'd love to paint it.  Right now, it's  
stark white.  The original ship-lap wooden siding is underneath with  
peeling paint, but I have no way of knowing the condition of most of  
the original wood.  Since we've found no other signs of rot, mold,  
etc. I imagine it's in good shape.  There are overhangs and awnings  
over every window, deep porches, gutters, etc.

Is there a "green" reason to leave the aluminum on there?  Does it  
reflect enough heat to make the trade-off worth it considering there  
are a million places we can't caulk?  I'd love to replace it all with  
Hardi-Plank, but that's not gonna happen anytime soon.  The aluminum  
on the sides looks OK, but otherwise, it looks like hell--in good  
shape, but butt ugly.  So that's a consideration, too.

Thanks!

bobbi c.
Leander and Taylor, TX
http://www.twosisters1930cottage.blogspot.com/