You’ve decided it’s time to replace your siding. Perhaps you’ve called in a friend to help you, or you’ve chosen to do it yourself. Regardless of your motivation for seeking out professional help, there are some important questions that you should have answers to before beginning the job. Questions that can help ensure you get the most out of the new Siding installation. With these questions in hand, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence, knowing your siding will last for years to come.
What materials are you going to use for your siding? Though the pros and cons of using siding and windows at the same time sound almost too contradictory to even consider, it’s easy to understand how a new window could make sense if you’re replacing your entire home’s siding. Plus, replacing old siding with new paneled wood siding makes a great DIY job. If you’re unsure whether or not you can do this on your own, you can always call in a professional siding contractor.
Once you know which types of siding you’ll be using, it’s time to decide whether you want to remove the existing window, or if you’d rather leave it in place. Most people prefer to remove the window. Doing so allows you to completely replace the frame and sill, as well as access all surrounding areas. On the other hand, if you choose to keep the window in place, you’ll have to remove the siding from around the edges. Though removing the vinyl siding will allow you to gain access to the interior, removing the rest of the window will damage your wall and your siding. In addition, if you choose to keep the window in place, you’ll likely have to remove the trim around the outside of the window, which will allow you to reposition and adjust the vinyl casing before putting it back in place.
When you take out the window, you’ll also need to take out the exterior cladding. For safety reasons, this is rarely done on a self-built home. However, most homeowners apply exterior casing to make their home safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. Exterior cladding is usually removed during a specialized cleaning process using an industrial-grade chemical.
For those DIY-ers out there, you may decide to purchase wood siding for your home. The good news is that many manufacturers provide a wide variety of wood siding that will match your home’s style and architectural style. Of course, each manufacturer has a slightly different installation process, so it’s important to know a little bit about what you’re getting before making a purchase. Most companies use pressure-treated lumber which has been treated for protection against insects and wood-destroying organisms. They also often use a UV-resistant lacquer which makes the wood siding more durable and protect it from damage from the sun.
When installing new siding, be sure to leave at least two inches of space between your siding and the edge of your house. If you install siding too close to the edge, you’ll run the risk of your siding ripping away from the edge over time. This can make it difficult to move later on, as well as presenting a safety hazard. Two inches of space is usually all that’s needed to allow room for the installation of all weather-resistant hardware such as finials and sashes. If you’re installing siding over concrete, make sure the edge of the concrete is left with a one inch space between the siding and the edge of your house.
When choosing a siding material, you have quite a few solid options. There are two primary materials: wood and vinyl. Both have their merits, and neither is better than the other when it comes to sound insulation and durability. Vinyl has the clear advantage when it comes to longevity and cost savings, although wood shingles have their own benefits.
For an authentic look, you might consider the addition of a vinyl siding panel to your installation. These panels will provide a strong yet lightweight barrier between the outside world and the home, and they can help lower your home’s heating bills. Wood panels are also available in a variety of styles, but they will never be able to compare to the durability and longevity of plastic or metal panels.