a team of contractors putting up siding on a house

Siding Installation: What to Expect

Siding installation starts with a site inspection and preparation to protect valuables. Using affordable, customizable vinyl, the process usually takes ten to fifteen days, depending on the weather.

By Vasilie Kukharchuk

When considering siding installation for your home, it is essential to understand the various stages of the process and what you can expect from a professional team like ours at Major Home Improvements. Our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction guides every project we undertake. From the initial site inspection to the final touches, we prioritize transparency and attention to detail, ensuring that homeowners in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut feel confident in their decision to enhance their home's exterior with new siding.

Initial Site Inspection and Preparation

Upon arrival at the property, our team conducts a comprehensive inspection. We begin by assessing the site and engaging with homeowners to understand their preferences. Next, we examine the walls, noting any specific details that require attention before commencing work. This thorough preparation is crucial for ensuring a successful project. Following the inspection, we remove existing elements, take precautions to protect against weather conditions, and proceed to install new siding.

Preparing Your Home for Siding Installation

Homeowners are often asked about any valuables inside their homes before the commencement of siding installation. This is because the work on the exterior can generate vibrations that may be felt within the walls. In older houses, where walls may be more susceptible to movement, it is imperative to remove items such as expensive antique plates or pictures from the exterior walls. While our team takes great care to protect the surrounding areas during the installation process, ensuring that all valuables are relocated helps prevent any potential damage.

Vinyl Siding: Our Material of Choice

The majority of our siding installations are completed using vinyl. 99% of our projects use siding that looks more natural than vinyl. Fiber cement siding, and brick or brick veneer: we focus exclusively on this material, ensuring a consistent and high-quality outcome for our clients.

Benefits of Choosing Versatile Siding Options

Siding installation offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for homeowners. With a wide array of options available, it allows for greater customization in terms of layouts, styles, and colors compared to other materials. Homeowners can choose from an extensive palette, ensuring that their vision can come to life—whether it is a classic look or a bold choice, such as purple siding, which can be specially ordered. This flexibility not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home but also provides a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to upgrade their exterior.

Year-Round Siding Services

Our team operates year-round, providing services every month of the year. This commitment ensures that homeowners can rely on us for their siding installation needs, regardless of the season.

Weather Considerations for Safe Siding Installation

Siding installation is a meticulous process that requires careful consideration of weather conditions. Our team refrains from working in the rain due to the increased moisture levels, which can compromise safety and efficiency. Additionally, we avoid installation during snowy conditions, as the slippery surfaces pose significant hazards. Wet environments increase the risk of slipping from the staging, and snow accumulation can make working conditions dangerous. Prioritizing safety ensures that the installation process is not only effective but also secure for our crew and your home.

Preparing for Siding Installation

The installation process begins with preparing the ground by covering it with tarps or protective materials. Following this, the focus shifts to the walls, which is a straightforward task that requires manual labor. This hands-on effort is essential to ensuring a successful siding installation.

Protecting Your Home During Siding Installation

There is no specific protection for the installation process itself; however, wall sheeting does provide a layer of protection. To secure the house, we first wrap it with a protective fabric, then apply the less, followed by an insulation board on top. This insulation board serves as a barrier against moisture. It is resilient enough to withstand water exposure without any adverse effects.

Typical Timeline for Siding Installation

For an average home of approximately 2,000 square feet, the siding installation process typically takes around ten to fifteen days. This timeline can vary depending on the specific characteristics and style of the house.

Factors Affecting Siding Installation Costs

Several factors influence the cost of siding installation, including the size and square footage of the house, its architectural style, and the chosen siding material. Homeowners may prefer traditional Dutch lap siding or select shaken pressure siding, depending on their aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the complexity of the home's design affects the installation process.

For instance, a three-story house with numerous gables, valleys, and intricate cuts can significantly increase the overall cost.

Routine Maintenance for Vinyl Siding

To maintain the integrity of your vinyl siding, a simple house wash with soap and water can be beneficial. It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals; a gentle rinse with a hose is typically sufficient. Additionally, inspecting at least once or twice a year is recommended to check for any separation, cracks in the trim, or issues with seals. This routine maintenance will help ensure the longevity and appearance of your siding.

Uncovering Hidden Issues During Siding Installation

A recent project involved installing vinyl siding on a house, which highlighted the hidden issues that can arise during such renovations. Initially, the exterior appeared satisfactory as we began the removal process. However, upon taking off the siding, sheeting, and plywood, we discovered that the wall sheeting was completely rotten. This deterioration stemmed from improper installation of the vinyl siding, which allowed water to penetrate behind it. Consequently, we had to remove all the sheeting, install new plywood, apply moisture barriers, and then put up new siding. This experience serves as a prime example of how underlying problems can remain concealed beneath the siding, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections during the installation process.

Conclusion

Siding installation is not just about improving aesthetics; it is a vital investment in the resilience and value of your home. With our experienced team at Major Home Improvements, you can trust that your siding project will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. By understanding the process, timeline, and potential challenges, homeowners can prepare effectively and enjoy the benefits of a beautifully updated exterior for years to come.

Author Bio

Vasilie Kukharchuk is the owner/operator of Major Home Improvements. In 2005, Vasilie left his job at a manufacturing company to start his own company providing roofing, window, siding, and gutter replacements. This adventure would not have been possible without his wife providing emotional support in the office. Vasilie hired experienced professionals in the early months of the business, which proved instrumental in the company's growth. For over twenty years now, Vasilie and Major Home Improvements have been serving happy customers in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

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