As you look at your home’s exterior, you may notice that your home’s siding is in dire need of an update. Perhaps it looks weathered from age, or you have a lot of damage, and it simply isn’t feasible to keep making repairs.
When preparing for this home improvement project, you’re likely wondering about house siding installation time. At Pinnacle Home Improvements, our siding contractors are often asked, “How long to replace house siding?” Generally, it will usually take 4 to 7 days for the actual installation, though certain factors before and during installation could make it take a little longer.
In this blog post, we explain the steps involved and the factors that could impact your timeline to give you a better idea of what you may expect.
What Is Involved in House Siding and Residing?
Picking the materials for your home siding or re-siding project is just one part of the process before the work even begins. Once you reach that stage, your siding contractor will remove the old siding materials from your home and dispose of them. They will then inspect the underlying structure, and if any damage is found, they will discuss the need to make repairs.
Siding and re-siding also require the installation of a weather barrier, and you may choose to add insulation, which costs more but provides greater long-term benefits and savings. Once all these steps are complete, the new siding is installed and inspected for a precision fit.
Factors That Affect the Timeframe for Home Siding Installation
The average time to complete a home siding installation ranges from 4 to 7 days, though it can take longer. Certain factors can add more time to this project, such as:
The Time from Consultation to the Start of the Installation
Before siding can be installed on your home, your siding contractor will review your home’s needs and help you select materials for the project. You’ll be working on an agreement for the cost and laying the foundation for the terms of what is involved with your siding installation.
Depending on the several factors, your contractor may not be able to start immediately. You might have to wait a couple of weeks before they are able to start on your home. Even if the contractor isn’t fully booked up, the materials you’ve selected may not be available at the time. Between contractor availability and waiting for the delivery of materials, you may need to add more time to the duration of your siding project.
Home Size and Layout
If you have a smaller home with a simple style, it will be much quicker to install your siding. The bigger the home and the more architectural features, the more time it will take. Consider the overall square footage of your home, whether you have one or two stories, and any architectural elements that could add a greater length of time to the installation.
Weather
Siding installation can be tricky even on the best days. It’s ideal to schedule this project in the spring or fall, as you’ll be less likely to have excess moisture that gets in the way of proper installation.
Hidden Damages
In addition to the weather, other situations may arise while your siding contractor is busy working on your siding replacement. As the crew removes the old materials, they will be inspecting the exterior walls for damage. Any damage found needs to be repaired first to provide optimum protection for your home.
Wood rot is common as is ruined sheathing, and addressing these things first is vital for your home’s structural integrity. It is also possible that pests and mold may have been thriving undetected underneath your old siding. Finding any of these things will increase the length of time of the project, and while it may be frustrating, you’ll have peace of mind when the issues are corrected and you have your new siding installed.
Steps Involved in Installing Siding on a Home
What are the steps you can expect when you embark on your new siding journey?
Inspection and Planning Phase
First, your siding contractor will come to your home to see what they are working with. They will inspect your current siding, take measurements, and explain more of the process to you to help you plan. They will also provide estimates of the cost based on the variety of materials.
Material Selection and Ordering
Homeowners are often overwhelmed with selecting their siding materials. Most homeowners have never had to replace their siding before, and there are so many options. You will need to decide on materials and compare them, which can add some time to the project as you research vinyl vs aluminum siding and other materials.
In addition to the material, you’ll need to consider style, color, and texture. Some people love the look of wood but dislike having to do so much to maintain it through the years. Vinyl siding has quickly become the material of choice since it can be made to look like wood and is easier to maintain. When you work with Pinnacle Home Improvements, we will go over all of your options to help you make a decision you’ll love, then order the materials needed for the project.
Site Preparation and Old Siding Removal
When the new siding materials and your contractor are ready, your home will be prepared for the project. Safety measures are put into place, and construction will begin on the removal of your old siding. This includes removing the materials beneath it and inspecting the walls for damage of any kind. Your contractor may need more time to address any issues through repairs to ensure a seamless installation.
Installation of New Siding
Once the old materials are removed and hidden issues are corrected, your new siding will be installed. This will include a weather wrap and insulation. We highly recommend adding insulation as it will help further protect your home and keep it more comfortable, plus it could give you tax savings when it is energy efficient.
Cleanup and Final Inspection
After all the panels are installed, they will be inspected to ensure they are fastened correctly. Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes, and it requires skilled craftsmen to make sure they are fastened in such a way to prevent cracks that could lead to water intrusion. Everything will be cleaned up and removed, allowing you to enjoy your home’s revitalized appearance.
Typical Duration for Each Stage of the Process
When you are trying to plan for a siding installation, it helps to look at each phase and how long it may potentially take. During preparation and planning, it could take a week to two weeks, or even more, as you have the consultation and select the materials. Add even more time to the project if your siding materials need to be ordered or your contractor is unable to schedule your project immediately.
Removing the old siding can take one to three days. When your contractor removes the old siding, they will inspect the walls, and if issues are found, more time will be needed to make those repairs. If you have a small home and no issues are found, this part of the process should go quickly.
When the old siding is gone, the walls will be prepared. With no issues, it might take a day or two. If there is any type of damage, such as wood rot or pests, or you have a sprawling estate, it could take even longer to prepare the walls for your new siding.
The actual installation of your new siding involves putting up the main panels and taking care of architectural details as well as trim. Depending on the complexities, it could take anywhere from three to seven days until it is complete.
Benefits of Timely Siding Installation
Waiting too long to replace siding that is past its prime will leave your home more vulnerable to water intrusion, mold, wood rot, and pests. You’ll want a contractor who stays on task and makes sure to work quickly without sacrificing precision on the project.
Choosing Pinnacle Home Improvements for your siding project means that you are choosing quality craftsmanship while receiving the best in customer care. We know our clients may not be familiar with the process or the materials, which is why we are thorough in explaining every step, answering questions, and providing honest and transparent answers to help you in the decision process.
While we are there for you before and during the siding installation, we are also available long after we’ve finished the work. We provide guidance on the best way to clean vinyl siding and show you how to inspect your materials through the years to stay ahead of damage and make repairs fast to prevent deeper damage to your home.
Siding projects usually take several days to a week to complete. Contact us today to start planning your project.