Are you planning to do a home makeover? Perhaps vinyl siding installation is on your checklist. You have homework if that’s the case. There’s a need to prepare your house to ensure that the process would run smoothly – and get the best results, of course! But the question is, do you know how to conduct the preparation yourself? You might defeat the purpose of the pre-installation phase if you are not knowledgeable on the dos and don’ts of the entire activity. That’s where you might need some help.

One option is to consult a professional home siding installer about what you have to fix before the actual home makeover. This is probably part of the service before you employ anyone for the job. But as a best practice, don’t just rely on the installer. Some things you can learn on your own. As you read this article, you’ll better grasp vinyl siding installation and what needs to be done during preparation to achieve your desired home makeover. 

Step-by-Step Guide during Pre-Installation

The goal of preparing your home for vinyl siding installation is to even out the surface and remove any unwanted elements that could obstruct the process. When you hire a reliable installer for this job, you may be able to get advice on what you should do as a homeowner. But sometimes, it’s a matter of initiative on your part. Either way, your role during pre-installation is crucial to achieving the ultimate purpose of installing vinyl siding in your home. 

Here are the steps to do the job right:

Step #1: Remove Shutters, Fixtures, and Downspouts

You should remove any rotten wood and securely nail all loose boards, wood trim, and siding panels if you have a vintage home. It would be a good idea if you also tied back all shrubbery and trees when they are close to your dwelling and got rid of any old caulking around the doors and windows. This might take hours to clear away all obstructions, so you might as well hire a helper to do the job. But if you have the time and are capable of doing this task, it’s probably something that doesn’t require any help. Just make sure that before the schedule of vinyl installation, the shutters, fixtures, and downspouts are already put in their proper places. 

Step #2: Apply the Right Flashing 

Flashing is applying impervious material on your home surface to prevent the passage of water into the structure from a joint or as part of a weather-resistant barrier system. This is generally done to make your home more durable and reduce indoor mold problems. To ensure it serves its purpose and secures the vinyl siding installed on your home, it is recommended to use an aluminum trim coil or other materials that will not absorb water. You should apply this flashing below, on the sides, and above any openings where water might penetrate. This can direct water away from the opening. 

Step #3: Install Proper Furring 

Using furring strips is one of the various ways to attach siding, panelling, or drywall to your home. These tools are easy to install, less expensive, and are equally helpful and effective as wall studs. When it comes to your vinyl siding, furring must be applied to create an even base. You should use 1″ x 3″ wood furring as a standard rule and not exceed 16″ on centers. Once it’s in place, you should shim low spots to create an even surface.

For vertical siding, furring must be installed horizontally. The opposite should be done for horizontal siding. To install furring properly, you have to place it along all sides of window frames, doors, corners, and top and bottom spaces to be sided. You may also use solid sheathing over the old surface to create a smooth base or over furring to have even support for the vinyl siding. 

Step #4: Use Appropriate Housewrap 

A house wrap is a lightweight and paperlike material that you can use to cover your house directly on top of the sheathing and behind the vinyl siding. The primary purpose of this material is to prevent air and water leaks that may penetrate the vinyl exterior. It also allows vapour to escape, leaving the walls dry and reducing the risk of water damage. There are many types of house wraps, including asphalt, felt, kraft paper, elt paper, polyolefin fabric wrap, and WRB sheathing. Although this is not always mandatory, house wrap is essential for structural longevity. If required by building codes in your area, you may apply a weather-resistant barrier over the sheathing. An approved breather-type code house wrap is recommended. 

Step #5: Have the Necessary Insulation 

To increase the insulation value of your sidewall, you should have the necessary insulation before installing vinyl siding. You can do this by insulating sheathing over the existing siding and over or between the furring strips. The insulation makes the complete material stiffer and more resistant to warping and movement by filling the spaces behind the siding’s stepped profile. The insulation also adds some value to the vinyl siding. This material serves as a barrier against air and moisture and as a thermal break that stops heat transmission, hence improving your home’s energy efficiency. Insulated siding also minimizes noise pollution and provides a cleaner and more attractive look.

Step #6: Lay the Groundwork of Vinyl Siding 

You’re almost done with the preparation. You should determine the starting point for your vinyl siding at this stage. It should typically be the lowest point on the wall. This requires measuring at corners and pulling a chalk line across the wall to ensure a level starting position. There’s also a need to pump corners to ensure vertical. Once you have properly laid the groundwork, you’re good to go for the actual installation of your vinyl siding. Whether you do it yourself or by a professional installer is something that you should think about carefully. 

When to Install Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a top preference among homeowners for siding upgrades and maintenance. It offers lower cost, various options, and ease of installation. Whether your home has old metal siding or wood siding, which may be prone to rust in wet climates, this option is usually the best bet for everyone looking to renovate their home exteriors.

This is often installed in favourable weather conditions, mainly during summer, to prevent the siding from expanding or contracting too much during installation. Homeowners who install vinyl siding professionally usually leave space for expansion and contraction, so look out for that during installation.

For some reason, you might be wondering whether or not your home needs vinyl installation right now. If you’re in doubt, these are some motivating factors why vinyl siding should be considered: 

• High Electric Bill

Sometimes it’s not about using more appliances and devices that pay higher electricity bills. There might be drafts near electrical outlets and windows that may be produced by compromised siding on your home’s exterior. This might shock you, but poorly performing siding is the leading cause of high heating and cooling bills. Reduce your energy bills by having quality vinyl siding to seal your home from drafts and moisture. 

• Frequent Maintenance

You might incur more expenses if you frequently repair or paint your home exterior because of chipping and cracking. It leaves you no choice but to make necessary fixes now and then. But you don’t have to do that forever. With vinyl siding, you can avoid frequent maintenance as the material may last longer when installed and maintained properly. Make sure that you do this upgrade as soon as you spot such issues, and don’t wait to spend more bucks on regular maintenance. 

• Planning to Sell Home

If you move to a new place and plan to sell your property, you might need new vinyl siding to increase its market value. No buyer would buy a home that looks unpleasant to live in. Spending some money on the necessary upgrade might earn you threefold profit when the property is sold at a targeted cost. Most homebuyers will put an offer on the property if they see attractive and modern siding. 

• Cracks and Rotting

During bad weather conditions, your home siding can get damaged from objects hitting the surface. If this is left unrepaired, moisture can penetrate your home and cause rot and mold. To avoid further damage, you should immediately consider siding replacement. Cracks, chips, dents, and rotting are not simple issues – they should be addressed to prevent higher costs in the long run. 

• Bubbling Wallpaper 

The apparent sign that the water has entered your home from the outside is the bubbling wallpaper inside your home. Moisture may have been trapped in the walls. You know, for sure, what happens when this problem is left unattended. Probably the cause is a siding issue that needs to be looked at immediately for vulnerable areas. Consider siding replacement to avoid further damage. 

How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost? 

Vinyl siding installation entails costs, but it’s usually much cheaper than paying for higher electricity bills and suffering from further damage. Each material costs around $3.80 per square foot. If your house has a size of 1,500-square feet, the total cost would be around $5,700 to side with vinyl siding, including materials and labour.

Expect to pay for the labour if you hire a professional installer – you need one if you can’t do the job yourself. A box of vinyl siding may cost between $150 to $200, covering around 50 square feet. You need to consider your budget as you plan for vinyl siding installation. 

Safety and Building Code Considerations 

Some tools are needed for vinyl siding installation, including circular saws and step ladders. A vinyl siding blade may also be necessary to cut vinyl siding and prevent the material from fracturing and chipping. Improper use of these tools might result in injury, so safety precautions are essential.

During the actual vinyl siding installation, you or the professional installer might need to be on higher spots on the house, and a step ladder is required in this case. Some communities may require a building permit to install vinyl siding. So before the actual job, you have to check the local building codes that should be complied with.

Hiring a Reputable Siding Contractor 

Vinyl siding protects your home from unwanted elements that could significantly affect your property and other basic priorities. That’s why it’s essential to hire a professional and experienced siding contractor. Here are some tips that would help you in hiring the right person to do the job: 

• Research about the company
• Get referrals from trusted sources
• Consider local siding contractors 
• Choose quality siding materials
• Acquire a written estimate
• Hire a specialist for siding installation
• Look for a product and service warranty 

Why Hire a Professional Siding Contractor? 

If you are still in doubt about whether or not to hire a professional siding contractor, there are some excellent reasons why you have to. Below are the benefits of working with a specialist:

• Professionals are licensed and insured
• Signed contracts offer legal protection
• Expert recommendations
• Extensive warranty coverage
• Convenient process

Looking for a Vinyl Siding Contractor? 

Vinyl siding installation is a significant home renovation. To achieve the best results, you have to entrust this job to a professional installer. For your best advantage, you can work with Elysian Construction, which has proven industry experience and reputation.

Our company guarantees to meet your needs with premium workmanship and materials, along with professional integrity and exceptional service to create maximum value. Elysian Construction has the expertise to install all types of siding. We serve residential and commercial properties for any exterior construction project. Rest assured of the highest standards of service for your home upgrade.

Check our website to know more about Elysian Construction.