Siding Repair

The Basics of Siding Installation

Siding Installation Murfreesboro TN involves applying a material to the exterior of your house. It protects it from various environmental elements, and enhances its appearance.

Siding

Start by estimating the square footage of each exterior wall. This will give you a rough estimate of the cost of the siding.

Prepare your home for the project. Inside, clear off any shelves that could fall, and move furniture away from the area. Outside, trim your lawn so crews can work more easily.

The cost of siding installation depends on a number of factors, including the type of material used and the size of the home. It also includes any applicable taxes and fees. The cost of a new roof and windows must also be considered, as these will increase the overall project cost. The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost is to ask several contractors for quotes.

To determine the amount of material needed, first calculate the total square footage of your exterior walls. Then subtract the size of any windows and doors to find the remaining area. Then divide this figure by 100 to get the square footage of siding material required. This will help you create a budget for the project.

You should keep in mind that the cost of siding may fluctuate depending on the season. Labor and materials tend to be more expensive during summer and early fall, when demand is high. In addition, different types of materials require varying amounts of maintenance and upkeep. For example, vinyl requires little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning, while wood siding needs regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance and protective qualities.

Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of your home. Some siding is more efficient than others, reducing your energy consumption and helping you save on utility costs. Additionally, certain types of siding may qualify for tax credits, which can reduce your taxable income.

Before installing siding, you should consider your financing options. Some lenders offer loans specifically for siding projects. You can also open a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or borrow against your existing mortgage. If you decide to take out a loan, you should shop around for the best rates. Many contractors offer financing options as well, so be sure to ask about them.

Finally, you should be aware that your homeowners insurance will probably not cover the cost of siding installation. Be sure to discuss this with your insurer before beginning the project. In addition, it is a good idea to remove all vehicles from the driveway during the installation process. This will help prevent damage to your vehicles and reduce the risk of an accident.

Materials

When it comes to choosing the materials for your siding installation, there are many different options to consider. Some of the most important include moisture resistance, wind resistance and the ability to resist sun exposure. You will also want to consider the color, texture and finish of the material. Depending on your project, you may also need to buy accessories such as trim, starter strips, J-channels, corner posts, and drip caps.

When starting your project, you will need to lay down a base layer of sheathing. This will typically be made from oriented-strand board, or OSB. It is similar to plywood, but it is more durable and water-resistant. You will then install a weather barrier, which is a sheet of breathable and waterproof material that will protect the OSB and sheathing from the elements.

Once the base is in place, you will start putting down the siding panels. It is best to start from the bottom of the wall and work upwards. This will help to ensure that the siding is installed in a level fashion and is correctly aligned. You should always apply a little bit of pressure as you nail each panel to the sheathing. This will help prevent over-tightening, which can damage the sheathing and lead to leaks in your home.

As you continue to layer the siding, you will need to cut it to fit around windows and doors. You should leave about a quarter of an inch on either side of the window to allow for natural expansion and contraction. You should also leave a 1/4″clearance above any surface where water may collect, such as steps, porches, and roofs.

Before installing the siding, you will need to nail a strip of furring along the bottoms of all sheathing boards to provide a foundation for the trim and siding. This will prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity and damaging the sheathing or framing. If you are building a house with a box soffit return or a hip roof, you will need to nail an inner band of J-channel under the soffit edge.

Installation

Siding is a great way to increase your home’s resale value and protect it from weather damage and wear. When the siding is in good condition, you’ll also spend less time on maintenance and repair. It’s important to find a contractor with experience in siding installation so that you can be sure the work will be done correctly. A reputable and licensed siding company will have the proper insurance and licensing to provide you with peace of mind throughout the project.

Before the siding is installed, the crew should remove any old caulking and paint to prepare the wall for the new material. This will give the new siding a better surface to adhere to, and it will help prevent moisture from damaging the house. In addition, a waterproof barrier should be applied to the foundation and walls, and flashing should be installed around all doors, windows, and vents to keep water out of the walls.

Once the preparation is complete, the installer will begin installing the new siding panels. They will start at the back of the house, working towards the front, and leave about a quarter inch of space between each panel to create a weather-resistant seal. They will also install a soffit and fascia, which can help to prevent mold and insects. It’s important to make sure that the siding is properly secured so that it won’t shift or buckle, and the fasteners are affixed tightly.

Depending on the type of siding you choose, the installation process can take anywhere from one to several days. It’s important to check with your local government about the required permits and inspections. In some cases, the contractor may be required to provide a permit, especially if it’s a large home improvement project. This will protect homeowners from being fined for improper installation or working without a permit.

It’s also important to make sure that you have enough room for the installation team to move around your house. This is necessary so that the crew can access the areas they need to install the siding and trim. This includes a parking area, where they can park their tools and trucks. You should also remove any items or furniture that could get in the way of the crew’s work, and trim any bushes or shrubbery so they won’t get damaged during the project.

Maintenance

Siding isn’t just a protective exterior for your home; it also provides added insulation, lowering your energy bills. Regular maintenance, inspections and repairs keep your siding looking great and functioning well. When left unattended, your siding can deteriorate and lead to problems like pests, moisture, mold and structural damage. It is important to choose the right type of siding for your area, lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Siding is available in a variety of colors, finishes and materials. The material you choose should be durable, affordable and complement your architectural style.

Before the siding is installed, your contractor should inspect the walls for any issues that need to be addressed before beginning work. This may include sheathing damage, water rot or the presence of asbestos. These issues should be repaired before proceeding with the project, as new siding will not be securely attached if the sheathing is damaged.

Once any necessary repairs have been completed, the OSB and weather barrier can be installed. Then, the siding panels are placed one by one and nailed in place using hot-dipped galvanized coil nails or 16 gauge finish nails that are resistant to rust. The siding panels are then overlapped, creating a tight seal to prevent water and air infiltration.

After the installation of your siding, a specialized crew will come in and caulk and paint your walls. They will powerwash the walls to clean off any dust and dirt, then swatch your color selection on the wall before they begin painting. Once they are done, the Sherwin Williams Duration topcoat will be applied to your entire house, providing a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

To avoid any surprises during the siding installation process, it is a good idea to buy 10%-20% more material than you need. This will allow you to have a few pieces on hand for future repairs or replacements. Additionally, buying your materials through a professional will save you money because contractors get discounts on materials directly from the manufacturers. If you are planning to hire a contractor for the job, make sure that they are licensed and vetted to pull permits on your behalf. Not doing so could result in hefty fines down the line.