What Happens During Siding Replacement?

You’re not expected to install your own siding, but being familiar with the process can inform your decisions and anticipate potential problems. In today’s post, S.I.S. Exterior Renovations shares a look at a typical siding replacement timeline.

Before Siding Replacement

After the homeowner has hired a siding contractor, signed the contract and made a down payment, there is a period leading to the installation date that may involve many things.  Depending on the time of year and type of contractor, there could be a fairly extensive project queue already at play. In most cases, this is anywhere from 4-6 months, but could even reach the 8-10 month mark, which is why it is important to start planning early. 

During this period, the home owner will work with the contractor or other company representatives on the overall exterior design.  This includes exploring siding types, profiles, colours and placements.  Sometimes companies will provide design renderings and other professional design services. Depending on the complexity of the exterior, home owners on average take about 2 months to make their final selections. 

Lastly, this is the time where the contractor will order the materials and assign installers. The contractor will coordinate with the homeowner and may deliver materials ahead of the installation date. The homeowner could be asked to clear the areas surrounding the exterior walls and prepare their home for the renovation.  This may involve trimming surrounding trees and bushes, and clearing space in the yard and/or driveway for the materials, scaffolding, dumpsters and other equipment. The homeowner may also be asked to remove interior/exterior wall decor and install dust covers over furniture and electronics, as the walls usually shake and generate dust during installation. Noise may upset kids and pets, so the homeowner may need to arrange temporary accommodations for them.

During Siding Replacement

On the first day of the project, the installers will first assess the work areas and make sure all work areas are protected. Old siding will then be removed and carted off to dumpsters. Siding installers have different removal and replacement methods — some will remove everything first, others will work on one section at a time. Weather is usually a factor during this phase, as working in sections would reduce the risk of water infiltration. 

Regardless of method, siding installers will inspect the walls for rot and other signs of damage. During this stage, repairs may need to be done first — installing new siding over damaged walls would only invite further problems down the line. It’s important to note that repair costs are not included in the initial quote, and are therefore tacked onto the final cost. A standard siding replacement project typically lasts for one to two weeks.

After Siding Replacement

After all the siding is replaced, the contractor will perform a final quality inspection and give the homeowner a “tour” of its features and maintenance requirements. A city inspection may also be present during the inspection to make sure the contractor’s work is up to code. The contractor will then wrap up with the warranty paperwork and the final payment, and may ask the homeowner to fill out a customer survey.

Planning on getting new siding for your home? Call our team S.I.S. Exterior Renovations at (403) 640-1334, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Calgary and nearby communities.