Many homeowners regularly undertake exterior home improvement projects, such as siding repair or replacement. Siding panels are traditionally made from materials like plywood, fiberglass, or composite and can be easily damaged in bad weather conditions.
Houses with rotting or damaged siding may require a replacement to preserve the structure of your property. Picking the proper material for your house can avoid having to dole out money for new siding in the future.
Here are a few things you should take into account when trying to decide whether or not painting your roof white is the right move for you: the climate where you live, the type of roofing material you have, and what look you want for your house.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure a pleasant, trouble-free experience, it’s critical to have a good idea of what to anticipate throughout the whole procedure.
Keep the following five things in mind:
Removal of old siding
One of the first steps to replacing your siding is removing the old one. If it’s been a few years since your last replacement, this may be difficult- especially if the conditions of the previous siding are poor.
To remove a nail or staple, you can use a hammer and chisel, saw it out with regular or power tools, or pry it up with a crowbar.
Here are some ideas for how to remove old siding:
- Start by taking off any trim or decorations attached to the siding.
- The first step is to take off the old siding. If it’s nailed down, use a pry bar and hammer to chisel out the nails.
- If your siding is attached with adhesive, use a chisel to cut through the glue and then gently pull it away from the side of your house.
- Use caution to avoid scraping the walls or roof while removing old siding.
- Once the old siding is off, you can begin painting your house.
Use a pry bar to remove the old siding. To do so, loosen the nails and pull the siding off of your house.
Prepare the exterior surface before attaching new siding
You need to prime the surface either by painting the house or using a primer before adding new siding after you take the old siding off.
If you’re wanting to install vinyl siding, you’ll first need to choose the method of preparation. It’s typically best to paint over old siding if you’re also replacing it with vinyl.
To add new siding to your house, first check the frame for damage and make repairs as necessary. Clear away debris from the area around your home. Lastly, apply paint to the exterior surface of panels.
To install the new siding, be careful to space it correctly and align it properly.
To save yourself the headache of making adjustments later, take accurate measurements of your home before you start cutting the panels.
Check that your new solar panels are level before you install them. It’s also important to routinely check the alignment of doors and windows.
To maintain the panels in place, secure them with a sufficient number of nails or screws to prevent any moisture retention.
Before you add accessories or trim to your project, make sure the adhesive or paint is dry. Otherwise, you might ruin your entire project.
Before painting your home, double-check the new siding for any damages that need to be fixed.
Before you break out the paintbrush, check your siding for any cracks or tears. These should be repaired instead of painting over them.
Cleaning and Setting up are required steps
Not only will replacing the siding on your house improve its looks, but it will also add to the value of your home. And that’s not all— once the new siding is up, there are still more things you can do!
Once you’ve replaced your siding, taking the time to clean and prepare the area will save you difficulties down the road. To do this, remove old glue and sealant from the house as well as any dirt or scraps that may have resulted from installation.
In order to install the new siding, you must first make sure that it is properly sealed and defended against outside elements. All seams should be coated with a sealant before caulking and trimming around doors, windows, or any other openings. In order to maintain its appearance, you will also need to paint or stain the siding occasionally.
If you want your siding to last, be sure to take the time to properly clean and seal it when you first install it.
How much does siding replacement cost in general?
Although siding replacement is costly and time-consuming, there are ways to reduce expenses. The first step is determining how much needs to be replaced, which can be done by measuring the exterior of your property. With these dimensions in hand, compare prices for both supplies and installation.
The price tag for siding installation varies depending on the type of material you select. A widely chosen option is vinyl because it is both inexpensive and durable. Installing vinyl costs an approximate $5-$7 per square foot.
The cost of your decking project will largely depend on which materials you select. Some stone or wood options, like cedar or brick, can be expensive, running as much as $20 per square foot from some outdoor stores.
Should I replace my siding myself or hire a contractor?
Should you tackle replacing the siding on your house yourself, or hire a contractor? It’s a difficult question with no easy answer. If you’re only dealing with a small repair, like around a window, then it might be something you can do.
If you’re looking to replace any or all of the siding on your house, it’s best to call in a professional contractor.
You need to take several factors into account when hiring a contractor, like their experience and licensure. Research the business with the Better Business Bureau, and ask your friends and family for recommendations too.
After you have a few contractors in mind, ask each one for references and then reach out to those references. This way, you can learn more about what it would be like to work with the contractor. Additionally, don’t forget to get quotes from multiple people before making your final decision!
After you choose your contractor, get a contract that details the work to be done and what is included in the cost. Ask about material and labor prices separately, as well as any warranties or guarantees offered.
Be sure to read the entire contract before signing it.
Stop worrying about your siding and reach out to Exterior Plus today! We would be honored to help you with any of your needs.