Siding Replacement: When is the best time?
Exterior renovation projects are a great way to boost your home's property value, add some unique features, and modernize outdated designs. Your siding doesn't just make your home look nice; it also plays an essential part in keeping your home safe and protecting it from the elements. This is why replacing your siding is essential to ensure that your curb appeal stays high and your home stays protected. Having your siding replaced is a big job, so thankfully, it isn't a regular occurrence. It is suggested that you replace your siding if it's older than 10 to 15 years or there are any signs of damage. If you can see any missing pieces or cracks in your siding, or it's past its expected lifespan, you're due for an update! If you need a siding replacement, you may be wondering, when is the best time to have it installed? Read on to find out!
The optimal time for a siding replacement and installation can vary based on the climate in your area. There are many siding options, but vinyl siding is generally the most popular. Because of its low maintenance, durability, affordability and various styles and colours, vinyl siding is a favourite option for many homeowners. However, installing vinyl siding can have its challenges. Because vinyl is a plastic (PVC), certain climates can affect it negatively during an installation. Scorching heat or cold days don't provide an optimal environment for vinyl siding installation. Extreme temperatures can create problems with the functionality and overall structure of vinyl siding. To understand the challenges of each season, let's look at siding installations in the summer, winter, spring, and fall.
Long-term sun exposure is one factor leading to the deterioration of vinyl siding. Vinyl Siding is durable, and it will withhold the test of time. Still, because it is plastic, it has the potential to morph when exposed to prolonged high heat conditions. The sun and heat will not cause a problem once the vinyl siding is installed on your home, but it can be problematic during the installation. High heat can cause vinyl to expand and stretch, and if it is installed on a scorching summer day, it could end up being as much as half an inch longer than it will be in the winter. This can cause structural problems and create aesthetic issues when winter comes. When vinyl siding is installed in more moderate temperatures, the natural expansion and contraction will not be visibly noticeable or cause problems. Therefore, it is best to avoid scheduling a siding installation on sweltering days at the height of the summer months.
Having siding installed is also not recommended at the other end of the temperature spectrum. Doing a siding installation during freezing weather can have the opposite effect of siding installations in high heat. Many siding materials can contract and shrink, which will skew the overall measurements for the coverage of your home and will cause issues when securing the panels in place. Since this contraction happens at all dimensions, including width, this can lead to securing the panels too tightly. When the weather gets warmer, and they expand, it will lead to problems with the stability of the siding panels, and they can become dislodged or crack. Vinyl siding also becomes extremely brittle in the winter, which won't cause any problems as it's already attached to your home, and you won't be putting pressure on it. However, hammering a nail through brittle vinyl siding can cause it to crack, break, and lead to wasted money. To avoid issues with siding installation in the winter, it's best not to schedule the job in temperatures below 10 degrees celsius.
Spring generally brings more stable temperatures, but in most parts of the country, that also means more rainfall. While rain won't cause problems to siding that has already been installed, if it begins to pour in the middle of the siding installation, you could expose your home to water damage. Exposing the sheathing and walls of your home to rainfall is also dangerous because it creates a highly favourable environment for mould growth, which can be detrimental to your health and your home's overall stability. Still, spring temperatures are ideal, and it's relatively easy to keep an eye on the weather and ensure a storm isn't coming. For a spring siding installation, we recommend talking to your siding contractor about choosing the best spring day and be sure to discuss worst-case scenarios as well.
Regardless of the risks of high heat during the summer and potential moisture exposure in the spring, many homeowners choose to get their new siding installed during these months. This is usually because families have more time in the summer and begin working through their to-do list in the spring. However, opting for a fall siding installation is generally a better idea. The demand for siding installation is usually lower during the fall, which can result in a slightly lower price! Siding contractors tend to be more readily available. Some styles of siding materials may also go on sale during the fall to make way for new inventory. While you shouldn't anticipate a massive drop in labour prices, even a tiny amount of savings on siding installations can be beneficial! Another benefit of siding installation in the fall is that you'll be well prepared for winter. A new siding installation is a great way to ensure your home is insulated correctly to protect you from freezing temperatures. New siding can help insulate your home and reduce the overall heat loss, lowering your energy bills.
Replacing your siding gives you the chance to change the look and feel of your home completely. With so many different siding materials to choose from, it is easy to get the look you want! When determining the best siding for your home, consider the most popular options: vinyl, aluminum, wood, board and batten, fibre-cement, engineered wood, composite and exterior cladding. Each siding option has different pros and cons, offers a unique style, and comes in various colours. If you're unsure which type of siding would be best for your home, talk to the professionals at United Exteriors! Our team of expert siding contractors can help you decide on the best style of siding for your home based on your budget and maintenance needs.
Many siding contractors agree that fall is the best time for siding installation. Still, spring, cool summer, and mild winter days can also be acceptable. The key to a successful siding installation is performing it in mild temperatures. If you don't mind being flexible and you work closely with your siding contractor, you should be able to schedule siding installation any time of the year! At United Exteriors, we have years of experience with siding replacement and installations. If you need to replace damaged siding or just want to update the look of your home, contact us today!