During the initial consultation, a reputable contractor will take measurements and assess your home’s current condition (if applicable). They will also recommend various siding options that fit your budget and preferences. Contact Siding Installation Long Island for professional help.
Weather significantly impacts the timeline of a siding replacement. Rain and snow delay outdoor construction, while extreme heat can be hazardous for crews.
Before the siding installation begins, there are some preparatory steps that must be taken. These will ensure that the project goes smoothly and that all materials are ready to be installed. First, the old siding must be removed and all underlying woodwork should be caulked. This will prevent water from getting behind the new siding. A layer of good quality caulking will also keep the seams flexible and will allow expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
The next step is to install the vinyl soffit panels and fascia trim. This will complete the installation and improve the appearance of the roof’s edge as well as the house. Start by nailing a band of J-channel along the inner edge of the fascia board. This will hide the cut edges of the soffit lengths that meet it later. Alternatively, a piece of utility trim may be used to cover the soffit ends instead.
A good starting point is to determine the height at which the metal starter strip should be nailed. Find the lowest corner of the existing siding and drive a nail around an inch and a half higher than that. Stretch a chalk line from this nail to the opposite corner of the building. Nail a 3 1/2-inch strip of plywood above this line to hold out the bottom of the first row of siding.
For the rest of the walls, mark a reference chalk line for each one. Then, measure up from the chalk lines to the desired location for the starter strip. Nail a strip of plywood at this location and then install the starter strip over it.
Finally, tarps should be laid down in areas where there are plants or other items that could get scratched by falling debris during the siding installation process. This will protect them from damage and give the crew a clean area to work in. Also, be sure that the power for exterior lights is turned off before your contractor’s arrival each day. This will prevent the risk of electrocution and other accidents. Parking your vehicles further away from the home will also give the crew easier access and reduce the risk of damage.
Ordering the Materials
Having all the necessary materials on hand will help to ensure a smooth siding installation. The crew will first powerwash the walls to remove any debris that might have accumulated. Next, they’ll apply caulking to the edges of the siding and corners where necessary to ensure it is sealed and secured. We use Sherwin Williams Duration caulk that is designed to last 50 years, so you can rest assured your new siding will be protected for the long term.
Next, the crew will measure all the walls to be sided and record their measurements. This information will be used to create a material list for the project, including the number of siding panels needed. It is common practice to order a few extra panels, both for waste and as backups in case of any damage during the installation process.
Other materials that will be needed for the project include fascia boards, j-channel, and corner posts. These are installed over the exterior walls to provide additional protection against water, air, and insect invasions. They also help to keep the gutters securely attached to the house.
These items are available from home improvement stores and can be purchased individually or in kits. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation. These products will need to be nailed into the existing framing, so nail lengths should be measured and recorded accordingly. Nails must be corrosion resistant and able to penetrate at least 1 1/4″ into sheathing or furring.
Start with the square or rectangular walls of the house, calculating height and width for each wall section. These numbers will be used to determine the total number of “squares” required for the job. If the house has a gable, measure both sides and add them together to find the total area. Windows and doors are generally deducted from this measurement to prevent over-estimating.
The eaves of the house will require a starter strip and starter adapter insulation to support the siding, as well as a j-channel for any vents or downspouts. The base of the house will need a furring strip and if the foundation meets brick, it will require Z-flashing. If there are any other areas that may need special attention, be sure to take them into consideration as well.
Delivery
Once the siding professionals have a clear understanding of what your project entails, they will then order all of the materials required. This will include the color of your choice, the siding itself, as well as any necessary trim pieces. A date and time will be set for the siding installation team to arrive at your home, which will also involve removing any existing panels. The installers will then complete a comprehensive inspection of your walls, checking for any underlying damage that may need to be repaired. Then, they will use the results of their examination to decide what needs to be done in terms of insulation, weather stripping and other components that are required for your vinyl siding installation project.
Unlike DIY installation, professional siding services have the experience and skills necessary to produce quality work. They are also more likely to have access to better material that is designed for durability and works in conjunction with your house structure. Additionally, they know how to perform advanced techniques such as angled cuts for gables and corner posts.
On the day of your vinyl siding installation, a crew will arrive at your home and start working right away. The first step in the process is establishing a clean workspace, which will require removing any furniture or other items from your home’s exterior. It is also important to remove any plants and other items from the immediate area, as these could become damaged by falling debris during your renovations. Additionally, you should keep your vehicles farther away from the house to avoid being hit by loose debris as well.
The next steps in the vinyl siding installation process will include a thorough site inspection, which is critical for ensuring that your new siding will be properly installed. This includes assessing your walls for moisture, rot, and other problems that will compromise the integrity of your new installation. Then, any underlying issues will be repaired before the siding is attached. This will help to ensure that your new installation provides the lasting protection and energy efficiency it was engineered to deliver.
Installation
After the groundwork is in place, the crew can begin installing the siding panels. They will start at the bottom of the wall and work their way up, using a starter strip as a reference. This method ensures that the soffit and fascia are properly installed, which will protect the structure from moisture and other problems. The workers will also install a gutter apron if necessary, to keep water flowing away from the house and preventing moisture damage.
To determine the amount of siding to order, measure the height and width of each side of the house. Then, multiply these measurements to get the total surface area in square feet. This will give you the number of siding panels needed to cover that side of the house. If you are unsure, it is better to order more than less, as the leftover material can be returned and used for another project.
When the siding is in place, it should be caulked and painted to protect it from weather damage. This step can take a while, but it is important to do so. The final result will be a polished and beautiful home that is protected from the elements.
If you are completing the installation yourself, it is best to use hot-dipped galvanized coil nails. These are resistant to rust and hold up well against harsh weather conditions. When nailing, it is also important to center the nails and avoid driving them through the corners. This will prevent the siding from warping or buckling.
It is also important to properly install corner posts and angled cuts for gables to create a professional appearance. The corner posts should be placed above the roofline to prevent water infiltration, and a thin bead of caulk should be applied to the edges to create a seal. Additionally, angled cuts for gables should be made to prevent leaks.
Finally, it is necessary to install utility trim around windows and doors to stiffen the trimmed sections and provide a finished look. To do this, the back of the channel should be cut a few inches longer than the facing edge, and a punch tool can be used to punch out raised notches that will catch the panel and hold it in place without needing nails.
