Few home improvement projects have the power to dramatically transform the appearance of a house the way that new siding can. Although a siding replacement project can be a significant investment, it pays off for homeowners in terms of greater energy savings and increased curb appeal.
Although no two siding jobs are exactly the same, most projects will have several crucial elements in common. Here is a closer look at what the siding replacement process entails:
Preparation
A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward speeding up siding work and keeping the property safe while construction is being carried out.
First, it is a good idea to move anything that could block access to exterior walls, such as patio furniture or firewood. This means the crew will be able to start working right away when they arrive.
Any delicate shrubbery should be wrapped in a landscaping canvas to prevent damage while cutting the grass shorter can make it easier for the crew to find nails and other debris that they drop while working. The siding crew will need access to power outlets for tools, so make sure a clear outlet is available for them.
You also need to prepare the inside of your home for the project. Keep in mind that siding removal and installation may cause the walls to shake, so it is advisable to remove items hanging on walls or leaning against them, as well as delicate items on shelves that could fall.
Be aware that construction can be loud, so it may be worth making alternate arrangements for those who work from home or have pets that are sensitive to loud noises.
Prior To Construction
Before the project begins, a dumpster and the new siding will be delivered to the home. These items may arrive a couple of days before the crew begins. A permit may be required for the dumpster, so be sure to find out if the contractor will be handling this aspect.
It is also useful to discuss the placement of the dumpster beforehand to avoid blocking access to the garage or parking spaces. Keep in mind that the crew will prefer to have the dumpster as close to the house as possible without posing an inconvenience.
If there are concerns about damaging the driveway due to the weight of the dumpster, wood can be placed under its pressure points for protection.
Siding Removal Work
Once the crew has arrived, they will take a look at the property and determine the best place to set up their workstations. Then, work will get underway to remove the home’s existing siding. The crew may stick to one side of the house at a time to avoid leaving too many walls exposed to the weather at once. Larger crews, however, might remove all of the siding at once and then focus on installing the new siding.
A good crew will tidy up as they go along and carry out a bigger cleaning at the end of each day. Despite their best efforts to control debris, siding replacement projects tend to be messy, so it is best to proceed as though there could be nails or other hazards on the ground and wear appropriate shoes when walking in the yard during construction.
If the crew needs to leave scaffolding in place overnight, keep an eye on children and others in the house or neighborhood to prevent accidents.
Unexpected Issues
Once the old siding has been removed, contractors may spot unexpected issues that were not apparent when the siding was in place. If they run into any type of problem, they will communicate it to the homeowner and work together to find a good solution.
New Siding Installation
Once the siding has been removed from the home and any necessary repairs have been made, the home’s weather-resistant barrier may also be replaced. If the home does not currently have such a barrier, one may be installed prior to installing the new siding. These barriers provide the home with water resistance and breathability.
The amount of time a siding installation project takes varies depending on the type of siding and the size of the home. However, a typical tear-off and siding installation job can take one to two weeks.
Siding that needs to be painted can prolong the project, as can unexpected repairs. The weather may also be a factor, and there could be some downtime outside of the contractor’s control while waiting for inspections.
Get In Touch With The Siding Professionals At Adelphia Exteriors
Whether you want to improve your home’s appearance or replace aging siding, the Northern Virginia siding installation and replacement contractors at Adelphia Exteriors have the right experience and equipment to carry out the work efficiently and professionally. Get in touch today for a free siding evaluation.