The siding replacement process is pretty exciting, and one you’ll need to schedule in advance. Talk with your siding contractor prior to the date they’re planning to begin work so you can align your calendar accordingly.
There are many factors that impact the length of time it will take to upgrade your home exterior with new siding, but in general, it takes about 10-14 days for a contractor to remove your exterior’s current protective covering and install new siding.
Planning ahead for your siding installation’s timeline will help the process go smoothly.
Factors that Influence Your New Siding Installation’s Timeline
While every home is unique, there are common factors that can impact the time it takes to get new siding installed.
The Time Between Your Estimate and Your Upgrade’s Start Date
Professional siding contractors are usually busy, particularly during peak installation season—from spring through summer and fall. Additionally, it takes time for your materials to be delivered—particularly if they are customized. You’ll be glad for the lead time, as it gives you a buffer that you can use to prepare for the installation process. Here are some things you can do to get ready:
- Move anything that could block easy access to your home exterior, such as patio furniture, potted plants, toys, and clutter.
- Cut your grass as short as possible so the contractor can find nails and debris that go awry.
- Cover your landscaping and garden with a tarp while the crew is at your home each day to prevent damage.
- Cut trees and shrubs back so they don’t brush up against your exterior.
- Make alternate arrangements for your workplace if you work remotely.
- Plan outings or get a babysitter for your young children during the installation process.
- Find a pet sitter or pet day care so your furry friends don’t have to endure the noisy remodel.
The Size of Your Home
The larger your home, the longer it generally takes to have siding installed. And the opposite is also true—the smaller the home, the faster the project’s timeline from start to finish. Likewise, the more complex your architecture, the longer the project will take (and vice versa). Your overall square footage, your home’s number of stories, and the intricacies of your house’s landscaping (that need to be worked around) all impact your project’s timeline.
Unexpected Repairs Due to Water Damage
Once your current siding is removed, your exterior walls will be carefully inspected to ensure they are in good shape before putting new siding on them. If moisture intrusion created hidden harm that is now in full view, it will need to be dealt with. Wood rot, mold, mildew, and the damage they cause will be repaired before new siding is installed. Black mold will need remediation to eliminate it before your replacement siding goes in.
Repairs, of course, add to the timeline, but it’s well worth it because it will ensure that your new siding will perform optimally and there will be no issues brewing beneath the surface.
Bad Weather
If precipitation is in the forecast, your siding installation schedule may need to be adjusted. Stormy weather puts your project on hold until storms pass.
Eliminating Toxic Building Materials from Your Exterior
If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, some of the materials they were built with may now be looked at as toxic. Common culprits are asbestos siding and lead paint. Asbestos is toxic when it is disturbed, and it will take an experienced specialty crew to remove it safely. This will add to your remodeling project’s timeline, but it is well worth it.
Pest Infestation
If critters made their way into your home, they will need to be exterminated before new siding is installed. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other pests can sometimes nest in a home for a long time without being noticed. They eat at structural elements and their damage can weaken your home’s integrity, causing costly damage. The pest issue will need to be ended, and that will increase your project’s timeline.
Prefinished Siding vs. Painting after Siding Is Installed
James Hardie’s ColorPlus technology delivers factory-finished siding planks that go the distance. Because they are painted at the manufacturer’s facility, once they are installed, the job is complete. In contrast, pre-primed boards can be installed and then painted afterward—adding 2-3 days to your overall siding installation timeline.
Building Inspections
There could be some downtime waiting for building inspections—which would add to your project’s overall length.
The Importance of Detailed Communication with Your Contractor
Conversations with your contractor prior to your start date will help you prepare for what’s ahead. Ask about start and stop times and which days of the week you should expect the crew. Outline your parking preferences, and if there are home or yard features they need to look out for, point those out. Rather than assume things, ask specific questions so you are on the same page.
Material Delays Sometimes Happen
It’s no fault of the contractor, but material delays can occur, making your siding installation take longer than expected.
Get Stunning New Siding for Your Indianapolis Home
Don’t settle for subpar siding that leaves your home vulnerable to the elements. Get gorgeous James Hardie siding for your home, and enjoy low maintenance, high performance, and a 30-year warranty.
At Craftsman Exterior, we are an Elite Tier Contractor within the James Hardie ALLIANCE, so you can rest at ease your siding will be installed with meticulous attention to detail and according to the manufacturer’s strict guidelines. James Hardie only puts their name behind contractors who meet their criteria and receive training from them, ensuring you get optimal results for your siding’s lifespan. Learn more about how our James Hardie siding services can bring out the best in your home’s looks and ensure reliable protection for years to come.
