Hardi over masonite or not?

We are currently getting bids to do our house in Hardiplank. It has Masonite on it now---one contractor said we have to remove masonite one says he can go over it--both will use a barrier. Which one is right and what would you suggest??????????Help????? 5K difference in price(sheathing and removal etc...)

 

When you say "masonite" I assume you are talking about lap siding... such as 8" or 12" lap siding.

If that is the case, definitely remove the siding. Removing the siding is probably something you could DIY if you wanted to save the money. Get a dumpster and pitch it... (along with any other garbage you've been wanting to get rid of!) Pull all the nails and don't damage the sheathing as you remove siding and nails. The dumpster will probably cost you around $300.

Assuming your existing sheathing is in decent shape, you should not need any additional layers of sheathing (plywood or OSB). but adding a weather resistive barrier (WRB) before siding is a must.

 

Since you have conflicting recommendations, I will side with XSleeper to give you emphasis on removal of the Masonite. ANY moisture collected in the Masonite (and it is famous for that) will eventually swell and cause problems. Just what is the contractor going to do differently to win the $5k award? Dumpster-cheap, Beer - cheap, Saving $4500 - Priceless.

 

Larry, if I did my math correctly, you are budgeting $200 for beer. If so, count me in!!!