What to Expect During Your Siding Replacement Project
When it comes to curb appeal there is no home renovation project that produces more dramatic results than new siding.
Whether you choose vinyl siding or go with elegant James Hardie siding, replacing your siding transforms the exterior of your home.
However, it is important to realize that new siding installation is a major home improvement project and you should be prepared. From clearing the area around your home to making plans for the noisy siding installation process, knowing what to expect from your siding replacement will make the project easier and more pleasant!
Here is what you should know before starting your siding installation project:
Preparing Your Home for Siding Replacement
A bit of preparation goes a long way! For siding replacement this doesn’t mean anything technical or challenging – just a bit of cleanup to help your contractors access your home and prevent damage!
Clearing the Work Area
Start by removing any objects around your home that might interfere with the siding replacement work, such as patio furniture, potted plants, and yard decorations. A clear space allows the siding team to work more efficiently and safely.
If you have any delicate plants or outdoor furniture which cannot be moved, they should be well-covered to keep them safe.
Ensure Access to Power
Your contractors will need access to an electrical outlet in order to power their equipment. Ideally, the outlet should be on a 20-amp circuit breaker. If you don’t have an appropriate outlet available outside your home, try to find a suitable one inside which they can run an extension cord from.
Trimming Foliage and Grass
Trim any overhanging branches or bushes to provide clear access to your home’s exterior. This step helps the team work more effectively and also protects your plants from potential damage.
It’s also a good idea to cut your grass prior to the siding installation as this will make any stray nails easier to find and collect afterwards.
Securing Interior Items
The installation process can create vibrations through your walls, possibly disturbing unsecured items inside your home. To prevent accidents, secure or remove items from shelves and walls that may fall such as mirrors, painting, or other decor.
Make Plans to be Elsewhere
The siding replacement process is noisy and we typically suggest that homeowners make plans to be out of the house for the siding installation and removal days. This is especially important for young children or pets who may be sensitive to noise, or for those who work from home.
The Siding Replacement Process
Re-siding your home is a big job with multiple phases. Your contractor will be able to give you a better idea of how long the process will take, as it varies depending on the type of siding, the size of your home, and the size of the installation crew.
Keep in mind that there are factors which are outside of your installer’s control, such as weather conditions and undetected structural problems which may delay the installation.
Pre-Installation Preparations
Prior to your siding installation you can expect siding materials, as well as a dumpster, to be delivered to your property. By arranging for these to be delivered before the actual installation date your contractor ensures that the installation is able to proceed without any delays.
Remove Existing Siding
The next step is the removal of the existing siding. The old siding will be removed and properly disposed of or recycled according to local regulations.
Perform Repairs as Needed
With the old siding removed, it provides an opportunity to inspect the underlying structure for any damage or issues that need to be addressed. This may include repairing or replacing damaged wood, improving insulation, adding or replacing the weather resistant barrier (house wrap), or fixing any water damage.
Ensuring that these repairs are completed before the new siding is installed is crucial for the longevity and performance of your new siding.
Install New Siding
Once any necessary repairs have been made, the installation of the new siding begins. This process varies depending on the type of siding material being used.
Pre-finished siding, like James Hardie fiber cement siding with ColorPlus technology, only needs to be installed and caulked, while unfinished siding will need to be painted after it has been installed.
Note: Depending on the size of your home and the size of the installation crew, the siding removal and installation process may overlap.
Cleanup
After the new siding is installed, the final step of the process is cleanup. The work area will be thoroughly cleaned, stray nails will be collected with magnetic rollers, and all debris will be removed. The goal is to leave your property as clean as it was before the project started, if not cleaner.
Knowing What To Expect From Your Siding Project
When upgrading your home exterior, it is important to know what to expect! Small details like preparing your home for the siding contractor can make a huge difference in how smoothly the project goes! Similarly, it is a good idea to have plans for where to be during the actual installation process, as it is a noisy experience that most people prefer to avoid!
Are you ready to replace your current siding? If so, we are the Midland’s James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and can help you find a siding option which works for you!