Siding Installation Process

How siding installation works in the St. Louis area

Siding Installation

Planning a siding installation project can be both exciting and daunting for homeowners. Over the years, we’ve found that helping our customers better understand what to expect during the siding installation process is key to ensuring a smooth and successful project.

Below, you’ll learn more about the various stages of a siding installation, from initial preparations to the finishing touches, so you feel more prepared to navigate the process.

If you’re interested in learning more about our siding process and how we can help upgrade your exterior, please schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 636-757-3925 or contacting us online.

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What To Do Before Your Siding Installation

In the days leading up to your siding installation project, there are a few things you can do to help ensure things go smoothly.

Prepare the Inside of Your House

Remove items that are hanging or leaning on your walls, as they may fall during the installation process. It’s not uncommon for the walls to shake a bit during a siding installation, so it’s best to clear your walls as much as possible to prevent damage to your belongings.

Prepare the Outside of Your House

To make it easier for us to access your siding, we recommend trimming any tree branches that are brushing up against your house. You can also cut back shrubs near your home’s perimeter to help prevent access issues.

It’s also a good idea to remove lawn furniture and other items from your yard and cut your grass. This will make it easier for us to find small pieces of debris like nails when we’re cleaning up after your installation is complete.

Make Sure You Have Access to a Power Outlet

Our installation crew will need access to a power outlet to use our tools during the project. If possible, it’s helpful to make sure there is clear access to a 20-amp circuit power outlet.

Make Arrangements for Your Family and Pets

Unfortunately, the siding installation process can be a noisy one. While we will always do our best to minimize disruptions to your family, you may find it easier to make arrangements for some of your family members to be out of the home during the installation.

Remote workers and young children, for instance, might have difficulty with the noise during the project. Similarly, pets may become anxious while we’re working on your exterior. Consider making alternate arrangements when necessary.

During Siding Installation

Once your home is ready for your siding installation, it’s time for us to get started. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during the installation.

Arrival and Site Prep

When we set your installation date, we’ll also give you an idea of when you can expect the installation crew to arrive at your home. When that time comes, our installers will begin setting up the area by putting out tarps to protect your landscaping, patio, etc.

In some cases, they may move items in your yard or driveway to ensure they have the access they need.

Removal of the Old Siding

Once our installers are ready to get started, they’ll begin by removing the old siding from your exterior. The process to do this will vary based on what type of siding you currently have, such as fiber cement and vinyl. During the removal, we may place debris on your lawn, but rest assured we will clear it all away once we’re finished.

We will bring a dumpster with us so it’s easy to dispose of debris at the end of each day so you don’t have to worry about hazards in your yard.

Wall Preparation and Inspection

After your old siding is taken off, our crew will take time to assess your exterior walls. Checking for signs of damage or instability is crucial to the longevity of your new siding. While we inspect your exterior, we’ll specifically look for signs of the following:

Rot
Water damage
Asbestos
Deterioration

If we notice any areas of concern, we’ll make the necessary repairs before moving forward with your installation.

Installation of the Insulation

When we remove your old siding, we’ll take off your old insulation with it. To ensure that you have the proper insulation needed to keep your home comfortable, we’ll install new insulation at this time. Looking for more ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency with your new siding? Choose an efficient siding material to go over your new insulation for the best results.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is an example of an efficient material that will help keep your home at a more comfortable temperature regardless of what the weather is like outside.

Installation of the New Siding

After all of the work we’ve done up until this point, it’s finally time to begin installing your new siding material. The process for the installation will vary depending on the material you choose.

For example, if you choose a material that needs to be painted, the installation will take longer than if you chose a pre-painted material. We’ll also use this time to install new trim around your exterior.

Clean-Up

Once your new siding is installed, our work is almost finished. Before we leave, we’ll do a thorough clean-up, making sure to dispose of debris, old materials, discarded nails, etc. We may also clean off the new siding boards to remove any lingering dust or grit.

After we finish cleaning up, we’ll do a final inspection of your siding to make sure everything looks perfect.

Problems That Impact Your Siding Installation

When we meet with you to talk about the details of your project, we’ll be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take to complete your installation. While we’ll always do our best to work efficiently, sometimes there are factors outside of our control that may impact how long it takes to finish the project.

Sheathing Repairs

If we notice that there is damage to your sheathing during the inspection process, this can add time to the length of your project. Replacing your sheathing is an extra step that will push back the rest of the project until it is complete.

Water Damage or Rot

When we inspect the exterior wall under your old siding, finding evidence of rot or significant water damage can also push back the end date of your installation. Though it will take more time to eradicate these issues, it’s always worth it. Ensuring that your exterior walls are in good shape will help your new siding to last longer.

Weather Delays

Here in Missouri, we’re lucky to have pleasant weather throughout most of the year. However, if a storm rolls through the area during your siding installation, it can cause delays with the project.

Safety is always our top priority, and we will pause your siding installation until it’s safe to resume. Of course, if this happens, we will communicate with you to keep you informed every step of the way.

Hiring an Inexperienced Contractor

If budget is the only factor you consider when choosing a siding contractor, you run the risk of hiring an inexperienced installer, which could cause delays to your project. When a contractor doesn’t know how to properly remove old siding or install the new material in its place, they are more prone to making mistakes that will cause the project to go on longer than it otherwise would.

Risks of Attempting a DIY Siding Installation

Are you thinking about installing your new siding yourself? Some homeowners believe that a DIY siding installation is the best way to save money, but the reality is that DIY home improvements often cost more than we think.

Aside from that, DIY installations put you at risk for future siding issues. Many DIYers make the following siding installation mistakes, which can cause their siding to fail years before the expected lifespan:

Joint overlap: There should be an overlap where the ends of two pieces of siding meet. However, if you overlap them too much, the siding’s movement will be limited when it naturally expands. This can result in a wavy appearance on your exterior.

Incorrect clearance: Your siding shouldn’t sit directly against the roof, trim, or the ground. If you don’t allow for proper clearance, water can get trapped behind your siding, causing long-term moisture damage.

Improper nailing: If you nail your siding boards too tightly, the boards won’t be able to expand, which can cause them to crack. On the other hand, if they’re nailed too loosely, they will start to sag.

You can avoid all of these issues by hiring an experienced siding contractor for the job instead.

Your Trusted Siding Installation Contractor

Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service throughout every step of the siding installation process drives everything we do. This dedication to excellence is evident in the glowing 5-star reviews we’ve received online. We are proud to maintain a remarkable 4.9-star rating on Google, thanks to the positive feedback from our past customers who have shared their experiences, like Mike S:

“Siding Express installed James Hardie siding for us over 5 years ago and it still looks great. If we have needed their help since then, they have been very responsive. They are a very reputable company, and we are happy to recommend them to our friends and family.”

Siding Installation Services

As the leading siding contractor in the greater St. Louis area, we provide a variety of siding services so you can get the exterior of your dreams.

Vinyl Siding Replacement

When your vinyl siding is faded, cracked, or rotting, our experts can remove it and install a high-quality siding material in its place.

Masonite Siding Replacement

Unfortunately, Masonite siding isn’t suitable for our Missouri climate. In the winters when the mornings are cold and the afternoons are warmer, the siding material will freeze and thaw, eventually leading the siding to fail. When that happens, let us install a material better suited to our weather extremes.

Cedar Siding Replacement

While cedar siding is beautiful, it has a short lifespan compared to other materials. Our experts are here to remove it and install a more durable siding material on your exterior.

Siding Installation Materials

We believe in installing only the best siding materials on your home. No matter what kind of siding you’re replacing, we can install the following options in its place.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie fiber cement siding is specifically engineered for our St. Louis climate and is resistant to damage from pests and fire. Beyond that, James Hardie siding comes in several colors and textures and is backed by an impressive warranty.

Vinyl Siding

We install high-quality vinyl siding from two of the top brands on the market: Mastic and CertainTeed. Both of these brands come in beautiful design options and are designed with durability in mind.

Featured Siding Projects

Are you curious to see real examples of the siding projects we’ve done for homeowners like you? Explore the following featured projects:

Why Choose Us as Your Siding Installation Contractor?

Being actively involved in the community is important to us. As the top local siding company, we’ve helped homeowners like you in areas like Clayton, Innsbrook, and Wildwood. When you hire us, you can feel confident that we’ll always put your needs and best interests first in every phase of the project.

Other Services We Offer

Start Your Siding Installation Today

Now that you know more about what to expect during the siding installation process, don’t wait any longer to get your project on the books. To set up a consultation in St. Charles, St. Louis, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Wildwood, or the surrounding areas call 636-757-3925 or contact us online today.