Siding is one of the most dramatic ways to upgrade a home, providing it with an instant boost in curb appeal and greater protection from the elements. Once you have decided that you are ready to enjoy the benefits of new siding, you may be wondering if a particular time of year is ideal for these projects.
The answer to this question depends largely on the type of siding you wish to install. While spring and fall are generally the busiest seasons for siding contractors, certain types of siding can be installed year-round.
Vinyl Siding
By far the most popular type of siding, vinyl siding is prized for its long-lasting qualities, affordability, ease of maintenance, and broad range of customization options. Having it installed in the winter is possible, although it is necessary to choose an installer with experience in accommodating the normal contraction and expansion of this material that occurs in this weather.
Winter installation rates tend to be cheaper, and there tends to be less intrusion on daily life while the work is being carried out as families do not spend much time in the yard during winter.
However, late fall represents a good compromise between price and weather. Homeowners often find better deals with contractors at this time of year as their summer and fall projects start to diminish, and they can avoid the problems that are sometimes encountered in winter with vinyl potentially becoming too brittle and prone to cracking upon nailing.
Cedar Siding
Cedar is a popular type of wood siding selected for its beauty and durability. However, it is also one of the more expensive types of siding to install. Homeowners with a limited budget may find that this type of siding is within their financial reach if they have it installed in winter when labor costs are lower. Cedar boasts excellent insulation capabilities, so winter is a good time to enjoy one of its strongest selling points.
However, like vinyl, it expands and contracts, so choosing an experienced contractor who can account for the appropriate measuring and spacing is paramount. This can ensure it will last as long as possible so homeowners get the best return on their investment.
Wood Siding
There are several other popular types of wood siding beyond cedar, such as pine, spruce, fir, cypress and redwood. These can be installed year-round as wood is not vulnerable to brittleness issues seen with vinyl siding. The only real drawback to having wood siding installed in winter is the possibility of winter storms delaying the project due to poor working conditions or delays in the delivery of material.
Summer is another good option. Although summer storms could also delay a project, installers sometimes offer better rates in the summer than they do in spring or fall, although it is not as cheap as it is in winter. Siding installers are experienced in working in the shady part of the home and moving with the sun to keep exposure to a minimum.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement might boast a long lifespan and excellent durability, but for many people, the biggest draw is the broad variety of shapes, sizes and colors on offer. It does not expand and contract during extreme temperatures, so this material is technically suited to year-round installation and can be installed in winter without any issues.
Contractors who are looking for more work in the slow winter months often offer reductions on installation costs. One important consideration is painting. If the fiber cement will be painted, it must be done before it is installed as colder temperatures may prevent painting it once it is on the house.
In addition, fiber cement must be kept completely dry prior to being installed. This means that it cannot be installed in rainy seasons.
Seasons To Avoid
Spring and fall tend to be the busiest seasons for siding contractors. This is an ideal time for installing siding from a weather standpoint, but it is not the best choice for those who are looking for a quick turnaround or homeowners who are trying to save money. If you do wish to have siding installed at these times of the year, you will need to schedule it far in advance.
This can be avoided by scheduling siding installation for the summer. In addition to having a better chance of scheduling the work for a time that suits your schedule, the contractor is likely to have more workers available, which means the project could be completed quicker.
Discuss Your Siding Project With The Northern Virginia Siding Professionals
If you wish to give your home’s appearance an upgrade and improve its energy efficiency, reach out to the experienced siding contractors at Adelphia Exteriors today to find out more about our residential siding installation and replacement services.