If you are looking for a great way to enhance the look of your home, new siding is one home improvement project to consider. A simple color change can make your home look different and improve its curb appeal.

Keep in mind, though, that siding is only a worthwhile investment if it is installed correctly. Siding installation or replacement can be a tricky home improvement project; therefore, it is a good idea to hire an experienced contractor to do the work for you.

Siding is a good investment for your home that can raise your property’s values and improve curb appeal.  While there are numerous factors you should consider, there are also certain things you should expect during the process.

The first steps you need to make is choosing a reputable contractor and deciding on the siding material. There are several materials to choose from such as vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, or aluminum. One of the most popular siding materials in North America is fiber cement siding. Fiber cement boards are constructed from a mixture of wood fibers and Portland cement.

Fiber cement can be molded and cut into many different types of boards, so you will have multiple choices regarding the width of your boards, vertical vs. horizontal siding, various textures, as well as the colors.

Fiber cement boards are made in factories and are typically painted as part of the production process. The paint is applied evenly and is baked into the fibers, making it very durable while saving time painting it.

Choosing the right contractor to install your siding pays off in the end. Your contractor choice can make the difference between enjoying durable siding with a long lifespan and having to call another professional to fix your previous contractor’s mistakes. Make sure your contractor has a good reputation and the experience to get the job done.

Installing Siding on Your Home

Once you have found a reliable contractor, like Banner Construction, who has given you an estimated cost for your siding project, it is time to prepare for the installation. Understanding the process will help you have realistic expectations and ensure a smooth and high-quality home improvement project.

While the size of your home is significant in any project, it is a key factor in your siding. The terrain and number of stories will impact your final quote and installation time. If you also include painting the siding, this will add a few days to the project. 

Siding installation includes the removal of your current siding, prep work, insulation, new siding installation, and final touches. You should plan on unforeseeable issues that may cause delays in your siding project.

1. Preparing Your Home

Before the contractors arrive, make sure to trim shrubbery and trees around your home. Also, cut your grass before the installation begins. Cutting grass will make it easier for contractors to find any staples or nails that go astray during their work. Clear your home’s exterior of items like garden furniture, portable plants, and lawn equipment.

During your siding replacement, the interior walls may start to shake. To prevent damage, it’s a good idea to remove shelves (or items on them) and pictures that may fall.

It may be helpful to clear your driveway to allow construction workers better access to your home. Move your vehicles away from your home to prevent damage from loose debris. Also, keep your children and pets away from the worksite.

You can ask the contractor if you should remove downspouts, shutters, and caulking before the installation begins.

2. Removing the Old Siding

Before the replacement siding can be installed, the old siding must be removed. It will likely cause a temporary mess in your yard; however, a professional contractor will have a plan for removal.

The old siding is usually hauled off in a dump truck, but occasionally it can be left in a big pile for a few days until the job is completed. Rest assured that once the job is finished the pile will be gone.

3. Wall Preparation and Inspection

Before installing the new siding, the contractor will first assess your exterior walls and repair them if necessary. This is an important step that ensures the siding can be correctly installed. The appearance and stability of the new siding are dependent upon the condition of the walls. 

During the inspection of your home, the contractor may discover some damage, signs of rot, or asbestos in your home. Asbestos is highly toxic and will have to be rectified immediately. It’s also likely that there’ll be additional costs for the removal and repair.

Your contractor might even find out that the sheathing underneath the old siding has deteriorated. If the sheathing is damaged or unusable for any reason, it will need to be replaced before new siding can be installed.

If you are unsure about why something needs to be fixed, have your contractor show you the damage and explain the issues. Ask to see what sheathing looks like that is in good condition so you can compare.

4. Installing Insulation 

With the removal of your old siding, you can expect that the insulation that comes with it will be removed as well. Your contractor will make sure that your home is properly insulated by adding new insulation that is appropriate for the siding being installed.

5. Installing the New Siding 

Once the prior steps are done, the new siding will be installed to protect your home from the elements once again. If your siding needs painting, this will lengthen the time of the project completion.

Installing fiber cement siding is similar to other siding projects but may take a bit of extra work on the part of your contractor.  Like other types of siding, fiber cement is installed against a protective layer and nailed into the studs. The toughness of fiber cement siding calls for tougher tools. The cutting of fiber cement boards for corners and proper lengths requires tougher saws and tools than siding made of vinyl or wood.

6. Cleanup

The pile of old materials and waste should be discarded by the contractor. Cutting fiber cement boards can create a lot of dust around your home. Cleanup afterward is important to remove any lingering debris. Washing off the installed boards is also common after installation to remove any dust and grit.

Things That May Hinder the Success of Siding Installation

Proper installation is the best way to ensure your siding looks great and will stay that way for many years. The method of installing siding is essentially the same for new construction and renovation projects. Proper preparation of your home’s exterior is key to successfully installing siding.

If you are considering replacing your siding, be aware of some common siding installation mistakes that can be detrimental to the results.

Low-Quality Siding. Price should be a consideration but not the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a siding material. Low-quality siding can crack, fade and sag in a much shorter period than a more durable option. To get the beauty and longevity you want out of your siding it’s a good idea to spend a little more upfront and avoid long-term repair costs that will haunt you later.

Siding Nailed Improperly. As temperatures change, siding expands and contracts. If the siding is nailed too tightly, the movement will be restricted, and the siding could potentially buckle and crack. If the siding is nailed too loosely, it will tend to sag when temperatures increase during the summer months. The way nails are installed is critical to how your siding looks and performs.

Too Much Joint Overlap. Where two pieces of siding meet, there needs to be an overlap of the ends. Overlapping sections of siding by greater amounts than recommended will limit the siding’s movement as it expands, causing a wavy appearance.

Improper Clearance. Siding should not be set directly against the roof or trim. Siding should also not sit directly on the ground. If this happens, the siding will absorb moisture. When moisture becomes trapped behind siding, it can cause rotting and mold issues. Long-term moisture can even cause the siding to break down.

Choose Your Siding Contractor Wisely

Before you sign any contracts or have the old siding removed, you must choose a good contractor to do the work. Getting details can help narrow your list down to the best. Any reputable siding contractor will be willing and able to answer the following questions.

• Are you licensed and insured?
• What are my siding options?
• What are the benefits of a particular siding material?
• What does the siding installation project entail?
• Will there be a big mess with siding installation?
• What should I do before the siding installation starts?

What Banner Construction Can Do for You

For the best siding installation results, turn to Banner Construction. We have the expertise and knowledge to make sure your siding job is completed with the utmost care and attention.

We not only offer the best siding installation but other home improvements as well. We are your leading provider of siding installation and window replacement services.  Contact us today to give your home a fresh look and increase its value.