James Hardie Siding Before and After
Now that you have decided to replace your siding and chosen Heritage Exteriors as your local contractor, you can look forward to having work begin.
While no two jobs are exactly the same, there are some steps that nearly all siding replacement projects have in common. Here’s what you can generally expect from the re-side process, including ways to prepare, questions to ask throughout the process, and plenty of other helpful information to help your project go as smoothly as possible.
How to Prepare Your House for a Siding Replacement?
There are several ways that you can prepare your home and property. These tasks can help speed up work and keep your property safe during construction.
Clear a power outlet
The crew will need access to power for their tools, so it’s helpful to have a clear outlet available (preferably one that is on a 20-amp circuit).
Prepare the inside of your house
Siding removal and installation will cause your walls to shake. Remove items that are leaning against or hanging on walls, and those located on shelves, as they may fall.
Prepare the outside of your home
Move anything that may block access to your exterior walls such as firewood or patio furniture so the crew can get right to work. You should also consider removing outdoor decorations and wrapping shrubbery in landscaping canvas to prevent any accidental damage. Cutting your grass short will help your crew find nails or other debris that go astray.
Make alternate arrangements
Construction is a loud process, which is completely unavoidable. If you work from home, you may want to consider making alternate arrangements. If you have pets, you may want to make other arrangements for them as well.
What to Expect Before Construction
You can expect a dumpster and your new siding to be delivered, sometimes a day or two before the installation crew arrives. Some municipalities may require a permit for a dumpster, along with other building permits, so be sure to discuss those details with your contractor beforehand.
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Not all municipalities will allow dumpsters or building materials to be left on the street, so let the crew supervisor know exactly where in your driveway you want them to be placed. The crew will want them as close to the house as possible, but you may not want to block access to your garage. Dumpsters are extremely heavy, so if you’re concerned about damage to your driveway ask the driver to place wood under the pressure points.
How to Be Prepared During Siding Construction?
When the crew arrives, they will get oriented with your property and begin to set up workstations. Once they’re ready, their first step will be to remove your existing siding.
Sometimes the crews will only tear off one side of the house at a time to prevent leaving walls exposed to the weather. Aldo in most cases we will remove all of the siding right away.
It’s important to keep safety in mind during the re-side process. Our crew will clean up as they work at the end of each day, but a siding replacement project can be a messy business. Always assume there are nails on the ground and wear sturdy shoes or boots when walking in your yard while construction is underway.
During construction, we may leave their scaffolding in place overnight. To prevent accidents, keep an eye on your children and warn neighbors with children to stay clear of the construction site.
Unexpected Repairs
The best opportunity to discover and repair damage to your home is when your old siding has been removed. These unexpected issues may seem like trouble, but it’s best to know about and fix them before your brand-new siding is installed.
No contractor will know exactly what to expect without tearing off all of the existing siding. However, a seasoned local contractor such as Heritage Exteriors will have an idea as we have likely worked on similar homes in your neighborhood. We may even know who built your home, and the type of building materials and construction techniques they used.
The best way to handle unexpected issues is to clearly communicate with your contractor. Ask them what types of issues they may expect to encounter and how they will be communicated to you. Then, you can both determine how to best remedy the situation.
New Siding Installation
After the siding is off and repairs are made, We will install or replace the weather-resistant barrier (WRB) on your home, which is also referred to as house wrap. A WRB protects your home by providing water resistance and breathability to your house structure.
Finally, the crew will begin to install your new siding and trim.
How Long Does It Take To Side A House?
Every house is different, but a typical tear-off and siding installation project may take between 7 to 14 days. There are many things that can extend the time, such as the size of your house, whether you’re using prefinished siding or if it needs to be painted, and unexpected repairs. Bad weather can also be a factor, and there may be some downtime waiting for building inspections.
FAQ
How long does a siding replacement project take?
A siding replacement project can take between 7 to 14 days, depending on factors such as the size of your house, the type of siding being installed, and any unexpected repairs that may be needed.
What should I do to prepare for a siding replacement?
Before the construction begins, you can prepare your home by clearing a power outlet for the crew’s tools, removing items from the walls and shelves inside your house, clearing the outside area around your home, and making alternate arrangements if construction noise may disrupt your daily activities.
What should I expect during the siding construction process?
During the siding construction process, the crew will remove your existing siding, make any necessary repairs, install a weather-resistant barrier, and then proceed to install the new siding and trim. Safety precautions will be taken, and it’s important to communicate with your contractor and address any concerns throughout the process.
Conclusion
Replacing your siding is an exciting project that can transform the look and functionality of your home. By understanding what to expect during the siding replacement process, preparing your home, and maintaining good communication with your contractor, you can ensure a smooth and successful project. From clearing power outlets to discussing timelines and addressing unexpected repairs, each step plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome. Remember to prioritize safety, communicate openly, and establish a good rapport with your siding installation crew. With proper preparation and cooperation, you can look forward to enjoying your new and improved siding for years to come.