Having siding installed is an exciting process, because you know your home will look fresh and attractive. But you may not know exactly what to expect.
Fortunately, the process of siding installation is straightforward. With a little preparation, you can ensure your home and family are ready for what our expert crew will do when we arrive to install your siding.
Here’s what you can expect from our siding installation process as we refresh your Michigan home.
Prepare Your Property
Once you decide on the date for your siding installation, you’ll want to take steps ahead of time so that your property is ready when the crew arrives.
Exterior Tasks
The installers will need space to work, and you don’t want to risk inadvertent damage to your property. Plan to:
- Trim trees and bushes away from exterior walls so they won’t get in the way or scratch your siding.
- Move anything that currently blocks access to exterior walls, such as firewood, garden hoses, toys, etc.
- Clear away breakables, such as patio furniture and planters.
- Cut grass short to make it easier for the siding team to spot and safely remove nails and other debris.
- Park away from your home to avoid accidental damage to your vehicles.
Interior Tasks
Siding installation can cause interior walls to tremble. The shaking may be minor, but it can still affect your possessions.
- Remove wall hangings, especially breakables such as photo frames.
- Shift furnishings safely away from walls.
Plan for the Needs of Family and Pets
While siding installation happens outside the home, it can certainly affect your home’s interior—so it’s wise to make appropriate plans. Some suggestions include:
- Bring pets inside. The commotion can scare cats and dogs, so bring them into a safe space in your home.
- Keep children away from the work site to prevent potential injuries.
- Expect noise. It’s safe to remain inside during siding installation, but be ready for the sounds of hammering and power tools as the crew works.
- Your home’s comfort may be impacted. As old siding and insulation are removed, your house is more exposed to the elements and may feel somewhat warmer or colder until the work is finished.
- Make arrangements if you work from home. Installation can get noisy and busy, affecting your work from home routines. You may wish to use a co-working space, the local library, or a coffee shop as a temporary office.
Be Ready for Deliveries
A day or two before your siding installation takes place, you may get a few deliveries to your home so that our team can hit the ground running when we arrive. This includes:
- Siding products. Your new siding panels and trim may be delivered ahead of time. Let the driver know where you would like these materials placed.
- Dumpster. You’ll want this situated in your driveway so it’s easy for installers to use and doesn’t block street traffic. If you’re concerned about marks on your driveway, ask for the dumpster to be placed atop blocks.
Installation Steps Your Siding Team Will Take
When the day arrives to get your new siding installed, we’ll arrive with our trained craftspeople to accomplish all that needs to be done. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Removal of Old Siding
The siding team will set up workstations and get started by removing your existing siding. Depending on the size of the crew and weather forecasts, siding may be removed all at once or in portions, wall by wall.
Our siding crew will clean up the work area after each day’s labor, and a thorough cleanup is also done once the project is finished.
Checking Exterior Walls and Make Repairs
Putting new siding up over damaged or rotted wood is a sure way to see further damage to your home. Once the old siding is removed, a reliable siding crew like ours does an inspection first.
We’ll look for and address areas that need repair or underlayers that need replacement. That way, when we install your new siding, you’ll get the long-lasting protection you deserve.
Adding Insulation and/or Waterproofing Layers
After any needed fixes are made to your home’s sheathing and structural elements, your siding company will install insulation to give your home added protection against heat and cold. Depending on the products you choose, they may also install house wrap, which is a weather-proofing layer that helps protect your home from moisture damage.
Placing New Siding
Once all this prep work is completed, your new siding and trim can be set in place. The siding may be hosed down to remove dust. If your boards don’t already have a color in them, painting can be done at this stage and elements such as shutters can be reinstalled.
Thorough Cleanup
After all the other work is completed, your siding company will do a final cleanup to leave you with a spotless yard. Any remaining old materials from the last day’s work will be placed in the dumpster. A final check will be made to clear away any nails, dust, and debris around your lawn and outdoor spaces.
Note: The full process of siding replacement (including removal, repairs, and installation) can take 7-14 days based on the size of your home and the number of people on the installation crew. It’s well worth the time spent when you work with a well-trained team like John McCarter Construction who cares about getting the details right from the very start.
Upgrade Your Home with Beautiful New Siding
New siding can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal, and it’s key to protecting your property from moisture and other damaging elements. So if you’re seeing signs of age, wear, or discoloration, now is a great time to make an upgrade.
Check out today’s new siding options that the John McCarter Construction team installs, and picture your Ann Arbor, Rochester Hills, or greater Detroit area home with a whole new look that stays beautiful and safeguards your exterior.
