What Is the Best Siding for a House?

Great Looking Protection With Siding

Siding is what can make a home look beautiful, it also provides a layer of insulation and protection. If you are tired of the high energy bills and breezy feeling in the winter, you may consider some home improvements and upgrades such as attic insulation, a new roof, upgrading the furnace, and siding installation.

Where do you start though? There are so many questions, all of them are legitimate and deserve to be answered, which is what we are going to do in this article. While it is recommended to have an experienced contractor install your attic insulation, new roof, and siding, there are videos that provide directions and tips for siding installation how to as well as siding installation and repair.

Which Comes First Roof or Siding?

If the roofing contractor is experienced, they will know how to work with siding installation first, but the preferred process is roofing first, siding next. Having that stated though, this means the siding contractor needs to know how to work around the roof without causing damage to the roof. Basically, it is the homeowner’s decision or the General Contractor overseeing the work should make that decision.

The most important thing is to confirm the roof framing and walls are adequately braced and squared. With those confirmed, making sure there is no water intrusion or ladders leaned against the new siding, etc.

How Do I Prepare My House for Siding?

If you’re having an experienced contractor do your siding installation, then you don’t need to do anything. If you’re going to do your own siding installation, the following steps will guide you on how to properly prepare your house:

1. Remove all downspouts, fixtures, shutters: If you have an older home, replace rotten wood and secure any loose boards, siding, or wood trim. Tie back any plantings, shrubbery or trees that are close to your house. Remove old caulking around doors and windows.
2. Install flashing: Use a flashing material that doesn’t absorb water and apply it above, below, and on the sides of any openings that water could penetrate.
3. Furring or Strapping: Every 16” apply a strip of wood furring that is 1” x 3” in size to create an even base for the siding to rest on. Any low spots place a shim. If the siding will be installed horizontally, the furring should be installed vertically and vice versa for vertical siding installation. Do I need sheathing under siding? This can be an alternative to furring strips and should be installed over the old surface, creating a smooth surface. Before siding installation around windows, you may need to install furring first for support and strength.
4. Wrap The House: In some jurisdictions, building code requires that a barrier which is weather-resistant be installed over any sheathing, choose one that is a breather-type
5. Insulation: With a siding installation, this is the perfect time to add more insulation to the sidewalls before the siding is installed. Or use an insulating sheathing instead.

How Do You Start Siding?

Fix a starting point for your siding installation, typically the lowest point and side that will need the longest piece. Using a chalk line, going corner to corner so you can be certain your siding installation is level. If necessary, add to the corners with shims. Before you start cutting your vinyl siding, purchase a blade that is for cutting vinyl.

The general steps for siding installation are:

• Start with a wider starter strip
• Corner posts capped
• Pull Up while you nail
• Overlap the top J-channels
• Use 2-inch galvanized nails and do not nail tight
• Flash window bottoms
• Overlap by manufacturer’s instructions, add a bit if hot weather
• Drain and dry water in corners
• Kick-out flashing installation
• Use siding installation clips then caulk along top course
• Use zip tool to fix mistakes

There are multiple videos by siding manufacturers, contractors, and other homeowners that have done their own siding installation available on the internet.  Check with local home improvement stores that offer classes for siding installation as well.

Can You Put Siding Over Siding?

Even old existing siding is providing some protection for your home, so having new siding installation over the existing is neither here nor there.  Get quotes both ways, leaving or removing the existing siding, but note some differences.

The Cost

It will be less expensive leaving the existing siding while getting new siding installation done because of the extra labor required to remove the old and then dispose of it.

Inspection

If you choose to have the old siding removed before new siding installation, inspect the walls and make any repairs that may be needed.

How New Siding Installation Will Fit Over Existing Siding

New vinyl siding installation will fit easily over existing siding. Other types of siding like fiber cement or Hardie board may not fit. Other types of siding well when installed on a flat surface.

Get several quotes for siding installation before making a commitment to one. Each will have their ideas on what is best for your home. Take the information they share and research it. Taking your time for this is important for your budget and the final look that you must look at every day. Call 810-294-5009 today for siding in Port Huron, MI.