Replacing the siding on your home is a significant investment that can enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect it from the elements. To ensure you get the best results, we recommend that you follow these essential tips during your siding replacement project.
1. Document the Details
When you decide to replace your siding, keep meticulous records of the siding you choose. Make sure to note down the name of the manufacturer, the specific product line, and the exact color of the siding. This information will be invaluable if you need to match or replace sections of siding in the future.
2. Order Extra Material
A common mistake many homeowners make is not ordering enough siding. To avoid this, always order 5-10 extra boards. Having additional boards on hand allows for easy repairs if any pieces become damaged or if you need to patch areas later. This small step can save you from future headaches and ensures consistency in the appearance of your siding.
3. Use Professional Services for Identification
If you ever find yourself needing to match your siding and you’re unsure of the brand or color, consider sending a sample to a trusted and professional lab. There are services available that can analyze the sample and identify the exact brand and color for you. One such company, itel, can analyze a sample of your current siding and find the closest match on the market today. This can be particularly useful if the original records have been lost or if you moved into a home with existing siding.
4. Prepare Your Home
Preparing your home and property can help speed up work and keep your property safe during construction:
- Clear a Power Outlet: The crew will need access to power for their tools, so it’s helpful to have a clear outlet available, preferably on a 20-amp circuit.
- Prepare the Inside of Your House: Siding removal and installation will cause your walls to shake. Remove items that are leaning against or hanging on walls, and those located on shelves, as they may fall.
- Prepare the Outside of Your Home: Move anything that may block access to your exterior walls, such as firewood or patio furniture, so the crew can get right to work. Consider removing outdoor decorations and wrapping shrubbery in landscaping canvas to prevent any accidental damage. Cutting your grass short will help the crew find nails or other debris that go astray.
- Make Alternate Arrangements: Construction is loud, so consider making alternate arrangements if you work from home. If you have pets, make other arrangements for them as well.
5. Understand the Pre-Construction Process
Before construction begins, you can expect a dumpster and your new siding to be delivered, sometimes a day or two before the installation crew arrives. Discuss the details of any required permits with your contractor beforehand. Ensure the placement of dumpsters and materials does not block access to your garage or cause damage to your driveway.
6. Prepare for Construction
When the crew arrives, they will get oriented with your property and begin to set up workstations. They will remove the existing siding, often tearing off one side of the house at a time to prevent leaving walls exposed to the weather. Larger crews may remove all the siding right away.
During construction, assume there are nails on the ground and wear sturdy shoes or boots when walking in your yard. Keep an eye on children and warn neighbors with children to stay clear of the construction site to prevent accidents.
7. Handle Unexpected Repairs
The best time to discover and repair damage to your home is when the old siding has been removed. Although unexpected issues may seem like trouble, it’s best to fix them before installing new siding. Clearly communicate with your contractor about the types of issues they might expect and how they will communicate these to you.
8. New Siding Installation
After removing the old siding and making necessary repairs, your contractor may install or replace the weather-resistant barrier (WRB) on your home, also known as house wrap. A WRB protects your home by providing water resistance and breathability to your house structure. Finally, the crew will install your new siding and trim.
9. Timeline and Communication
A typical tear-off and siding installation project may take between 7 to 14 days, depending on factors such as the size of your house, whether the siding is prefinished or needs painting, unexpected repairs, and weather conditions. Regular communication with your contractor about start and stop times, yard features to look out for, parking preferences, and other details can help ensure a smooth process.
10. Post-Construction Inspection
Inspect every wall and discuss any concerns with the job supervisor before the crew leaves. Building a good relationship with your crew through daily conversations can also help ensure you have a positive siding replacement experience.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful siding replacement project, enhancing the beauty and durability of your home for years to come.
Conclusion
Replacing the siding on your home is a major project that can significantly enhance its appearance and protect it from the elements. By documenting the details, ordering extra material, using professional services for identification, and preparing your home properly, you can ensure the process goes smoothly. Understanding the pre-construction and construction phases, handling unexpected repairs promptly, and maintaining clear communication with your contractor are also crucial steps. Finally, a thorough post-construction inspection and building a good relationship with your crew will help ensure the success of your siding replacement project. With these tips in mind, you can confidently embark on your siding replacement journey, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to achieve a beautiful and durable result.
Have additional questions or wish to speak with us regarding a siding project? Feel free to contact us at 847.847.2883 or through our contact page. We’d be more than happy to help!
