Table of Contents
Having new siding installed is an exciting process, and it’s also one you have to schedule properly. After all, you’ll be receiving the materials, making room for the crew to do their work, and experiencing some disruption of your normal routine while your siding is placed on your exterior. It might be noisy, and you might want to be out of the house while the work is done.
That means knowing what to expect in terms of timing. Check out our overview of how long the process takes, and what to factor into your scheduling plans.
What a Typical Siding Installation Timeline Looks Like
Every home is unique, and many factors weigh into how many days your contractor will need for your installation. On average, you can expect your siding to be hung over a period of 4-7 days, but it could take longer due to unforeseen issues that arise while the work is being done. Also, if you will need your siding painted after the installation is complete, this will add 2-3 more days to your exterior remodeling project.
Other Factors that Can Impact Your Installation Timeline
Beyond the normal process of installation and painting, there are additional elements that can affect your timeline. Here’s a more in-depth look at the factors that can influence your siding replacement schedule.
Time between Consultation and the Project’s Start
While the actual installation typically takes around a week, your contractor may not be able to start immediately. Expert, skilled siding teams are normally kept busy by appreciative homeowners, especially during the most popular months for siding replacement (late spring, summer, and autumn). In addition, the materials you order may take a while to deliver, especially if they are specialty or custom products.
Your House’s Size and Structure
As a general rule, the smaller and simpler the structure of your house is, the quicker the installation will go. And of course the reverse is true also—the bigger and more complex your architecture and property, the longer the project will likely take. Your contractor can take these factors into account and give you a more specific estimate of the timing:
- Overall square footage of your home
- Number of stories
- The grading around your exterior
- Landscaping features that must be navigated carefully
- Unique architectural elements such as numerous dormers, etc.
Weather Conditions
To ensure your home receives the best installation possible, your siding team will want to do their work during ideal weather conditions. If it’s rainy or snowy, the moisture can impede the installation. Overly hot temperatures mean the crew may need to go slower to avoid heat exhaustion. And of course, storms put the process to a stop until the weather clears.
Damage in Need of Repair
As your old cladding is removed, the siding contractor will inspect every inch of your exterior walls to consider their condition. If damage is detected, it will need to be repaired before new boards can be put in place. This ensures that your replacement siding is installed securely and performs optimally. The most common types of damage are wood rot and ruined sheathing (a thin flat layer of material that covers your exterior walls to protect your home’s structure and interior). Issues such as these must be fixed to preserve your house’s structural integrity, which can add more time to your home upgrades.
Pest Infestations
Once the walls beneath old siding are revealed, another issue may be exposed as well: pest infestation. Often, termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other insects can make their nest in your home for years without detection, eating away at structural elements. Their damage can weaken your wood underlayment, so you will need to have the pests eradicated by a professional exterminator before your siding is installed.
Removal of Toxic Building Materials
If your home was first constructed in the 1970s or earlier, it is possible that some of the original building materials are now considered toxic substances. The most common culprits of this are asbestos materials and lead paint. Both of these require specialty techniques so that they can be safely removed without harming anyone’s health.
Discovery of Significant Mold Issues
Another issue that can arise when old siding is pulled down is that mold may be discovered. These spores grow in moist conditions, so it’s not unusual to find mold if you have wood rot. If you or your contractor suspect it is black mold, you’ll need to have mold remediation performed to eliminate this health-harming mold before new siding is installed.
Enjoy Lasting Protection for Your Home with New James Hardie Siding
When you’re ready to upgrade your home’s exterior, be sure to consider James Hardie. This trusted fiber cement siding delivers memorable beauty with its vibrant, fade-resistant colors and versatile designs. As a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, we install this siding precisely according to the manufacturer’s standards—safeguarding its 30-year warranty for your peace of mind. Learn more about the advantages of our Hardie installations for your Michigan home.