4 Steps And Procedures To Installing New Siding In Sioux Falls, SD

How Long To Expect Your Siding Installation To Take

Like other home renovation and remodeling projects, the size of your home is a major determining factor when it comes to how long your siding replacement will take. The size of your home, how many stories, its design, the number of windows and doors, as well as the terrain and type of siding you choose will impact how long it will take to remove your old siding and install new siding and trim to your home. Typically, you can expect the entire siding installation process to take between 7 and 14 days. However, depending on the age of your home and the condition of your siding, repairs to the exterior walls may be required. Repairs and waiting for inspections (if applicable) will extend your siding installation timeline. 

Your contractor should address all the variables and provide you with a timeline for your siding replacement during the consultation and final quotation process. 

Things To Do To Prepare For Your Siding Replacement

1. Make an electrical outlet clear and easily accessible ( preferably one that's 20-amp). The siding replacement crew will need to use power tools during your project, so it's helpful to have a clear outlet available. 

 2.  Prepare the inside of your house. Removing the siding and replacing it will cause your walls to shake. Remove anything hanging

      on your walls and anything leaning against them so that the shaking doesn't cause anything to fall or get damaged. 

 3.  Prepare the outside of your home. Move anything that may block the contractor's access to your exterior walls like firewood,

      barbecues, and patio furniture. Cover plants and shrubbery with landscaping canvas and take down any decorations to avoid them

      being damaged. Cutting the grass short around the house will make it easier for the contractors to find and clear away any nails or

      debris. 

 4.  Make alternate arrangements while the work is being done. There's no getting around it. Siding removal and installation are

      loud. If you work from home, you might want to consider making alternate arrangements. The siding replacement process can be

      stressful for pets, so having them stay elsewhere is worth considering. 

What To Expect Before Your Siding Replacement Begins

A day or two before the contractors begin working; you can expect a dumpster bin and your new siding materials to be delivered. Many municipalities require a dumpster bin for collecting and disposing of construction debris. Permits for the work may also be required, so be sure to talk to your contractor and meet all requirements. 

Some municipalities do not allow dumpster bins or building materials to be left on the street. If that is the case in your town or city, the dumpster will have to be placed in your driveway or yard if you don't have one. Let the contractor know where you would like the dumpster to go but keep in mind that the siding installation crew will want the dumpster to be as close to the home as possible. Additionally, dumpsters are extremely heavy. Ask the driver delivering your dumpster to place wood under the pressure points to prevent damage to your cement or asphalt or minimize damage to your yard. 

Moreover, your driveway will be occupied and any street parking directly in front of your house during the process, so you may need to park further from your home if you do not have alley parking or a garage you can use during your siding replacement. 

4 Steps Of Siding Replacement

When the siding installation crew arrives, they will orient themselves to your property and set up their workstations. Once they are ready, they will begin the process of replacing your siding following these steps. 

Step 1:  Remove The Old Siding 

Depending on the size of the crew, the time of year (siding can be replaced year-round), and the weather, your contractor may remove your siding one wall at a time or all at once. Typically, your siding will be removed and promptly replaced one side at a time during poor weather to prevent wind and precipitation from damaging your exterior walls. 

It's not uncommon for contractors to find that your home has more than one layer of siding (i.e. vinyl siding over cedar shakes). They will remove all layers and the vapor or moisture barrier to get right down to the exterior wall so they can inspect it for flaws and signs of damage and ensure that your home is wrapped securely and fully protected. 

Siding replacement safety tip: Good siding installation contractors will always clean up the area at the end of each day and when the project is complete. However, siding replacement is messy. For your safety, your loved ones, and your pets, always assume that nails and other hazards are on the ground. Keep away as much as possible and wear sturdy shoes in your yard while work is being done. 

Step 2:  Inspect The Exterior Walls For Signs Of Damage

Once the old siding has been removed, and the old protective wrap (weather barrier) is off, the siding contractor will inspect the exterior walls for signs of damage. They will look for signs of rot, mold, infestations, and cracking. The exterior walls are your home's first defense against the weather, water damage, insects, and other critters. If they are damaged, they need to be repaired or replaced to provide you with the protection you deserve and to ensure the structural integrity of your home. 

Suppose your siding installation contractor determines that your exterior walls need repairs. In that case, they will inform you immediately of what needs to be done, why, and what it will cost. Once they have your approval, they will make those repairs and continue with your siding installation. 

Step 3:  Installing The House Wrap (Weather Resistant Barrier)

The next step in the siding installation process is to apply a weather barrier to the exterior walls of your home. Your contractor will help you determine the best wrap for your climate, siding, and budget. 

A weather barrier, vapor barrier, or wrap is a synthetic material designed to

• seal out moisture 
• prevent air leaks
• improve energy efficiency
• let your home breathe 

While your siding is your home's first defense against wind and water, the wrap is there to keep your home dry, warm or cool, if your siding, gutters, or window casings fail. Not only does a vapor barrier prevent moisture from penetrating the exterior of your home, but it also allows vapor from inside your home to flow through it and escape outside. 

Step 4:  Installing Your New Siding And Trim

The final stage that gives your home character and style is installing your new siding and trim. Depending on the style and type of siding you choose, whether it is pre-finished or needs to be painted, and the size of your home and installation crew, the time it takes to install your new siding will vary. 

Communication And Cooperation Makes Your Siding Installation Process Go Smoothly

It is crucial to have open communication with your siding installation contractor during every stage of your siding installation project. Good remodeling contractors will make sure you know exactly what is being done and why. Your contractor will do their best to keep disruption to a minimum. Preparing your home and providing easy access will help them work efficiently, and cooperating with the crew ensures a pleasant siding installation experience for you and your contractor. 

Take time to inspect every wall with the contractor and crew and discuss any questions and concerns before they leave. Before work begins, talk to them about start and stop times, any yard features to look out for and be cautious around, your tolerance of loud music, parking, weekend work hours, and so forth. 

Remodeling is physically demanding work that requires diligent focus, but most siding installation contractors are upstanding professionals. Get to know their names and have conversations with them daily. A good relationship with your contractor and their crew will ensure you have an exceptional siding replacement experience. 

Callaway Construction is a recognized James Hardie siding installation contractor and remodeling contractor serving communities from Beresford to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We pride ourselves on outstanding workmanship and building solid and trusting relationships with our customers that continue after the project is complete. Whether we are installing, repairing, or replacing your siding, you can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality service from a remodeling company that cares. 

If you have any questions about your siding, don't hesitate to reach out.