5 Things to Consider Before Installing Siding Yourself
There are two types of cooks in this world. The first are those that follow recipes to a tee. They carefully measure each ingredient and carefully time out each step. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a cook that uses a recipe as starting point, but feels free to swap out ingredients and quantities on the fly. While neither approach is wrong when you’re cooking, taking liberties with certain home improvements can be disastrous.
It can be tempting to tackle a siding replacement project yourself. However, before you do that, it’s worth taking a few minutes to fully comprehend what this type of project entails. Allow us to enlighten you.
1. Time Commitment
Don’t count on completing your home’s siding job in a weekend. Experienced professional siding installers can take more than a week to finish a project. With that in mind, consider how much longer it will take someone who is undertaking this task for the first time.
2. Precision Counts
Meticulousness is crucial in all aspects of a siding project. Precisely measuring your home is a must in order to ensure that the correct amount of siding is purchased. As new rows of siding are installed, they must be checked with a level. Failure to do this can result in an uneven look. Special care must be taken to navigate corners and hide seams.
3. The Right Tools
The vast majority of homeowners already have basic items such as hammers, levels, and power saws. However, the tools needed for siding are much more comprehensive and can easily add up if they are purchased specifically for this project. Skimping on the quality of tools can also dramatically impact the end result of the project. A siding project will also go much smoother with the use of scaffolding, another purchase you’ll need to make if you do not already own it.
Get a Better Understanding of the Techniques Our Team Utilizes During the Installation of LP® SmartSide®:
4. Room for Error
Reputable siding contractors are experts at navigating around areas of the home such as gutters, windows, doors, soffit, and fascia. They are trained on how to address dry rot and properly install house wrap. Even something as seemingly simple as caulk application requires practice. Professional siding installers also understand that they need to adjust their process based on the material they’re applying and how to prevent potential siding failure.
5. Warranty Concerns
Siding manufacturers provide warranties in the event of product failure. However, they become null and void when it is determined that the material was not installed to their specifications. This is because incorrect installation reduces a product’s lifespan. Type of nails and fasteners are dictated by the manufacturer and need to be driven to the appropriate length and angle. Manufacturers also dictate the clearance to the shingles and the grade. Kick out flashing that curtails water from seeping into your walls must also be correctly installed.
Don’t risk potential damage to your home or invalidating your siding’s warranty. Contact Lindus Construction to get started on your home’s siding replacement.
