Replacing the siding of your home’s exterior is a big investment. While it’s tempting to think it can hold on for a few more years – it doesn’t look that bad – timely siding replacement is an important aspect in protecting your home from expensive water damage. But when? Is there a best time of year to replace siding? Here are some things to consider before scheduling a siding installation.
The siding material of your home.
Before deciding on a date for your siding installation, consider the siding material of your home. Certain siding materials are more affected by the weather than others and are easier to install when climate won’t be a concern.
Vinyl siding panels tend to contract in cold (becomes brittle) temperatures and expand when temperatures are between 4° C and 33° C (becomes misshapen). Since vinyl siding handles well when the weather is temperate, it’s best to install it in the spring or fall.
Cedar siding is best installed in the spring. As a general rule, any type of wood and composite wood siding can be safely installed in the spring during a stretch of days when it will be dry.
Install fiber cement in mid-winter or mid-summer. Both these seasons also allow for easy handling of stone siding installations.
Aluminum is a versatile siding material because it is strong, lightweight, flexible, and doesn’t rust. Since aluminum siding is not affected by cold weather, it can be installed in any season, even winter.
Factor in your regional weather.
Spring rains can make it more difficult for a contractor to do a siding installation. If the siding replacement is already in progress when a storm or heavy downpour hits, your home could be vulnerable to moisture infiltrating the sheathing, resulting in mold or wood rot.
You might want to wait until fall. It can be the ideal season for siding installations of most materials. During this season the temperatures are typically still warm but without the heat of summer, and the rain doesn’t usually arrive until late October/early November. Fall can be a slower time for contractors, allowing a homeowner more scheduling options and being able to get the installation completed in a shorter amount of time.
Consider any potential scheduling issues.
There might be a specific reason you want the work done on your home exterior. These include:
- A backyard wedding
- Birthday or anniversary celebration
- A family reunion
- Getting the house ready to sell before moving
When you have a specific goal in mind, then it’s a good idea to plan your siding installation at least a two to four months ahead. This will allow plenty of time for the work to be done, accommodate any delays or setbacks, and get the area clean and tidy.
You might not be able to wait.
The following types of siding damage should be addressed as soon as possible.
- Wood rot
- Broken siding panels
- Exposed sheathing
- Holes, cracks, and other signs of invading pests
- Stains and leaks due to roof issues
If your home’s exterior has sustained significant damage, you might not be able to wait. An experienced siding contractor can inspect your home exterior, help you determine how much longer the siding can last, and give you an estimate of the cost of a siding installation or partial replacement.
