Homeowner’s Guide to a Seamless Siding Installation

Siding replacement is a wise investment in your home’s value, beauty, and protection. If you’ve never had new siding before, you may be curious what to expect during the installation process and what your part is during the upgrade.

Read on to gain insight into what to anticipate and how you can ensure a smooth installation for your home exterior’s transformation.

Siding Installation - What to Expect

1. A Dumpster Will Be Delivered

Within a day or two of your upcoming siding installation, your contractor will have a dumpster placed near your home so your old siding can be disposed of properly. It is quite large and will usually be put in your driveway. A permit may be needed, so discuss that with your contractor prior to its arrival. Also inquire if they can have wood placed under the dumpster to help avoid damage to your driveway due to its weight.

Your part: Ensure you have adequate parking for your vehicle somewhere other than your driveway, and you’ll be in great shape. If you can have the dumpster placed far enough to one side of your driveway, you’ll be able to get around it and into your garage once the crew leaves each day.

2. Your New Siding Materials Will Be Dropped Off

You may have anticipated your upcoming siding replacement for quite some time, but when the siding shows up in your driveway, you know its installation is near, and that’s pretty exciting! Siding is dropped a day or two before the process begins.

Your part: Ensure your driveway is free and clear of cars and clutter so your siding will have a noticeable place to be dropped.

3. Your Current Siding Will Be Removed

The day your siding installation process begins, the crew will take your current siding off completely. This allows them to inspect what is under your home’s protective layer up close. Sometimes they may find areas that have been compromised due to moisture intrusion over time and need to be addressed before new siding can be installed.

Your part: Safety is of utmost importance during your siding installation. It’s best to just assume there are nails hidden in your grass and around your home’s perimeter, so wear sturdy shoes or boots if you walk in your yard while your siding is being installed.

4. Needed Repairs Will Be Made

If your contractor found areas where water penetrated the wood behind your previous siding, those places will need to be repaired at this time. This may seem like an unwanted hassle, but once these areas are fixed, you’ll have confidence that your home’s integrity is intact, giving you peace of mind that problems aren’t brewing beneath the surface anymore.

Your part: Again, safety amidst the process is critical. Your contractor may leave their scaffolding in place overnight. Be sure you and your family stay clear of it to prevent accidents.

5. House Wrap May Be Installed

The siding crew may install a weather-resistant barrier on your home. This weatherization membrane delivers protection against water and air infiltration and keeps them from penetrating your wall cavities. House wrap boosts your home’s energy efficiency and creates a comfortable indoor environment.

Your part: As your home is being covered with what looks like a big wrapper, rest at ease that your contractor is taking the needed steps to give you the best long-term results for your new siding. As the crew does their job with great attention to detail, keep small children and pets away from your home exterior to prevent accidents.

6. Your New Siding Will Be Installed

The siding you chose will be installed with care on your home. This is the day you’ve been waiting for! Whether you chose James Hardie fiber cement, cedar, shake, or metal siding, the aesthetic you’ve been waiting for your exterior will now take shape.

Your part: Your vision is coming to life as new siding is installed. Enjoy your home’s new look!

7. Soffits and Trim Will Be Added

Soffits cover the underneath part of your roof eaves and porch ceiling. They come smooth or vented to match your vision and your area’s code requirements. Trim brings visual appeal to your home’s accent features like doors, windows, and more.

When both soffits and trim are being installed, you’ll notice this finishing touch gives just the right amount of contrast to your exterior and brings balance to your overall design.

Your part: As you patiently await the completion of this final step of siding installation, take time to thank your contractor and crew for their hard work. A simple gesture can communicate your appreciation.

8. If You Didn’t Get Factory Applied Finish—Your Home Will Be Painted

While James Hardie fiber cement comes with the option of factory applied finish in their ColorPlus Technology, Hardie (and other manufacturers) offer pre-primed boards that you can have painted after installation.

Your part: Prior to siding installation, you get to decide what color your siding will be. Make sure you view samples of the color outside your home at different times of day to ensure it looks good in different lighting.

9. Cleanup

The installation crew will clean your exterior, including checking for any nails or debris in your yard.

Your part: Inspect each side of your home exterior and ensure you are satisfied with the installation while the crew is finishing up.

Navigate Your Home's Siding Upgrade with Ease

Being prepared with the knowledge of what to expect along with your part of each step will help you navigate the siding installation with simplicity.

At American Way, we take the stress out of getting new siding. Take a moment to learn more about how our siding services can bring your vision to life.