By properly preparing your home and siding for the arrival of the siding contractor, you can help ensure a fast and successful professional siding installation project. This review offers insights into exactly how you (the homeowner) can prepare for a siding installation.
7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For A Siding Installation
You can prepare your home for siding installation by removing unwanted boards, installing flashing and insulating sheathing, removing outdoor furniture that could cause delays, trimming shrubbery and trees around your home’s siding, and removing valuables from the interior walls.
The following is a more detailed look at each tip for preparing your home for a siding installation.
1. Remove Loose, Rotten, Or Outdated Boards
Boards that are rotted will need to be removed. The siding contractor can handle this for you, or you can remove the rotted boards yourself if you know how to do so. Boards that are loose may need removal as well, or they may be able to be nailed securely into place. Outdated boards that are no longer in optimal condition will need replacement as well. In some cases, shutters and downspouts also require removal before siding installation begins.
2. Install Flashing to Direct Water Away From Your Home
Flashing guides water away from your home to prevent build-up along your home’s foundation. Flashing is strongly encouraged (if not required) during a siding installation project if your home does not currently have it in place. Aluminum trim coil material works well for home flashing as it is highly resistant to water and damage. Flashing should be installed below, on the sides of, and above any openings (i.e. windows).
3. Consider The Installation Of Insulating Sheathing
The sheathing is the interior layer that provides a nailing base and an extra layer of protection from weather elements. You may need to replace your existing sheathing if it is outdated or damaged.
We recommend choosing a sheathing material that offers optimal insulation. In addition, some building codes require the installation of a weather-resistant barrier over the sheathing as well for added protection. This can help you keep your energy costs down each month and can reduce the risk of water damage inside your walls and home.
4. Remove All Outdoor Furniture That Could Cause Delays
Outdoor furniture and other equipment around the perimeter of your home can get in the way of the siding installation team, leading to delays as they have to move the furniture to a safe place. By moving the furniture (and other equipment such as lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, etc.) that are along your home’s siding, you can speed up the siding installation process.
5. Trim Shrubbery And Trees Around Your Home’s Exterior
Shrubbery and trees that block your home’s siding can make it challenging for the siding installation team. While preparing your home for a siding installation, consider trimming back any branches and bushes that may obstruct the contractor’s ability to reach all areas of the home’s siding.
6. Removal Valuables On The Interior Of Your Home’s Siding
Home siding installation often requires nailing boards and panels into place. This may lead to vibration on the interior portion of the home, particularly on the other side of the exterior siding. In some cases, this can lead to wall decor and other valuables to fall from the walls. To prevent this from happening, be sure to take down any valuables that are hanging or against the walls inside your home.
7. Turn Off Power To Exterior Lights
It is also important to shut off the power to exterior lights, skylights and other electronic fixtures that could cause an electric shock to minimize the risk for the siding installation team. Be sure to also notify them that the fixtures are turned off or let them know beforehand if you are unsure of how to shut off the power to exterior fixtures.
When To Consider Siding Installation For Your Home
Your home may need siding installation if your siding panels or boards are or look outdated or damaged. Siding can last between 15 and 40 years depending on the material chosen, and outdated or damaged siding can begin to affect the curb appeal of your home, lead to higher energy costs each month, and make your home less resistant to heavy rainfall and storm damage.
The best way to determine if a siding installation is recommended for your home is to schedule an inspection with a licensed professional siding contractor.
Contact The Siding Installation Pros At Adelphia Exteriors
You can reach one of our dedicated siding installation professionals at Adelphia Exteriors by giving us a call or contacting us online today. We are glad to answer your initial questions and help you get started with siding installation. We can ensure you are well prepared each step of the way.