The siding is the cladding material on the exterior of your home. It’s used to protect the exterior walls of your home and can also contribute to making it look attractive.
However, there are some siding that detracts from your home’s curb appeal, and if you judged that your house’s siding is not to your taste, you might be thinking of tearing it down and replacing it. However, before you get down and dirty, there are some things you need to prepare to make sure that you can go with your remodeling hassle-free.
The following are just some tips on how to prepare your home for a siding remodeling job:
1. Different Materials Mean Different Preparation Processes
Different types of siding require different preparation processes. This is understood by the best siding contractor Alexandria. For example, vinyl sidings have no insulation compared to fiber cement, so homeowners will want to prepare an insulative material before attaching the vinyl. Siding materials have specific processes of being attached to the walls, which can affect the preparation process.
For you to keep in mind, here are some siding materials and their respective preparation processes.
- Vinyl siding preparation – The surface on which vinyl will be attached to must be extremely smooth and insulated. Vinyl sidings are very reactive to changes in temperature and may expand and contract with heat and cold.
Careful measurements are necessary. There should be enough care in attaching the vinyl to allow some space for it to expand or contract.
- Wood siding preparation – Wood siding requires a perfect and appropriate base to attach the wood to. There should be a properly measured base to nail the pieces of siding on the wall. Wood siding can be attached with nails into the wall studs, so horizontal wood siding is basically hassle-free.
Some opt to install wood siding vertically, but it’s a far more complicated process. Vertical siding is less popular because it’s more difficult to do.
- Preparation of siding for masonry – Masonry walls are far more difficult to prepare a siding for. You really can’t have an anchoring element with each brick or stone wall. Furring strips are often used with masonry for a more viable solution.
Most manufacturers of siding, specially made for masonry, will have their own instructions on how to attach their sidings as well as how to prepare the wall surface.
2. Keep Furniture Out of the Way During Construction
Most of the job in siding replacement will be done outside, so it’ll be a good idea to put away outdoor furniture, such as chairs, tables, and plant boxes. Get them out of the way before construction starts to prevent delays.
If your property has trees near the house, the branches should be trimmed and cut so that it’ll not affect the remodeling process.
It’s also crucial that you cut off the electricity to your exterior lighting to prevent accidents and injury from shock.
3. Prepare Your Interiors
Tearing down siding will be a job that requires force. If there are pictures, mirrors, or artwork hanging on your wall, there’s a chance that it’ll get knocked off. Thus, the need to remove them from the walls.
You should also keep shelves, bookcases, and any other furniture away from the wall since the strong vibrations may damage them or cause them to fall over.
4. Healthy Walls
A siding is attached to a wall as a decorative and protective element. It’s crucial that your walls are well prepared and in good condition. For example, wooden walls shouldn’t have uneven surfaces, rot, or cracks in it.
Applying sidings on an imperfect surface will damage your walls. The result of forcibly attaching siding to unhealthy walls will lead to uneven looking sidings. Always make sure that your contractor has first thoroughly inspected your walls and that it’s perfectly flat and solid.
Final Thoughts: Get the Right Contractor for the Job
The siding material will add to the aesthetic appeal of your home and will contribute to increasing its value. It’s important to get an expert who’ll understand your needs and the results you want to get. They must understand the design of your home and be experts at attaching your chosen materials, such as fiber cement. Some contractors will only be experts in vinyl siding but will have no experience with fiber cement installation.
You must also be aware of the specific design of your house. Gables, roofs, and trims must be taken into consideration when attaching the siding, and your contractor must know the proper way on how to work around the specific architectural elements of your home. You need to research and get quotes from multiple contractors so you can get the best service and start your remodeling process.
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Author Bio:
Kira Daron has years of experience in working as a real estate appraiser. As a real estate appraiser, Kira has the necessary training and expertise to determine which home improvement projects can boost a property’s value. Her services are essential for individuals who are planning to sell their properties or invest in real estate.
When Kira is not busy working with her clients, she usually spends time with her two kids and contributes articles online.