If you live in your home long enough, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll have to plan a siding replacement project. Understandably, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the idea of taking on this project, as it has a reputation for being stressful. However, we’ve found that going into your exterior remodel with a better understanding of the process can help reduce your stress. Below, you’ll find our in-depth guide to the siding replacement process in Ladue, MO, so you can improve your home’s curb appeal without the stress.
If you’re interested in learning more about our siding services or you’d like to request a free quote for your siding replacement project, please call us at 636-757-3925 or contact us online.
The Preparation Phase
The first step of the siding replacement process is the preparation phase. These are the things that you need to do before any work can begin on your exterior.
Budgeting for Your Project
Budgeting for your siding replacement can be tricky since the total cost you’ll pay largely depends on the following factors:
- The size of your home
- Additional replacement items like trim, fascia, and soffits
- The siding material you choose
- Scope of your siding project
At Siding Express, we pride ourselves on being transparent about our pricing so it’s easier for you to plan your project. We also offer a variety of financing options to help you stay within your budget so you can pay for your siding replacement in a way that works best with your budget.
Finding the Right Siding Contractor
Another important aspect of the preparation phase is hiring a siding replacement contractor for the job. Unfortunately, there are some contractors out there that charge too much, work slowly so the project drags on for weeks, or lack the proper experience.
To help you avoid hiring the wrong siding contractor, we recommend following these tips:
- Ask for proof of insurance
- Ask if they are recognized as an elite preferred contractor
- Read through online reviews from previous customers
- Ask for a detailed written estimate
- Check to see if they offer any warranties
- Look through their portfolio of past work
- Ask for references
We would be happy to provide all this information! After following these steps, we hope you’ll agree that Siding Express is the best choice for your replacement job!
Choosing the Best Siding Material
Next, you’ll need to choose the right siding material for your needs. Here at Siding Express, we primarily install two types of high-quality siding: James Hardie fiber cement and vinyl.
James Hardie siding: James Hardie fiber cement siding is widely recognized as one of the best materials on the market because of its durability. James Hardie Siding in Ladue, MO is meticulously crafted to endure the climate of our region, ensuring protection against harsh elements like heavy wind, rain, ice, and more, eliminating concerns about potential damage.
James Hardie also comes in a variety of colors and design options, so you can choose the perfect siding no matter what kind of architectural style your home is.
Vinyl siding: Vinyl siding is another popular option with local homeowners because it’s a low-maintenance material. While it’s not quite as durable as James Hardie siding, it can still hold up during all four seasons we experience here in Missouri and it’s generally less expensive to install.
Our vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find inspiration for something that appeals to your design aesthetic.
Preparing Your Home
The final step in the preparation phase is to get your home ready for the replacement process. There are a few steps you can take to help ensure that your project goes smoothly:
- Remove items inside your home that are hanging or leaning against your walls. This helps prevent damage, as your walls might shake a bit during the replacement process.
- If possible, make sure there is a clear power outlet available for the replacement crew.
- Remove anything that could be blocking access to your home’s exterior. This includes lawn decorations, outdoor furniture, etc.
The Replacement Process
Once you’ve gone through all the preparation steps, it’s our turn to take over. Here’s what you can expect during the siding replacement process when you hire Siding Express.
Removing the Existing Siding
When our installers arrive at your home, we’ll start by putting down a tarp to protect your landscaping from falling debris. From there, we’ll begin removing your old siding and disposing of it in a dumpster we’ll bring to your home. We’ll work quickly and efficiently during the removal process, doing everything in our power to keep a clean workspace and limit distractions to everyone inside your home.
After we remove your old siding, we’ll inspect the area to see if we notice any signs of damage underneath. If we do, we’ll talk to you about remediation options. We don’t believe in covering problems up; instead, we find the root cause of them and determine how to fix them before moving forward.
Protecting Your Home
Next, we will install housewrap or fanfold. This helps give your home an extra layer of protection against the elements underneath your new siding.
We also use joint tape around your windows and doors to prevent leaks.
Installing the Trim and Flashing
To give your exterior a more finished look, we can install trim around your doors and windows. We will also install flashing in accordance with James Hardie installation manual.
Installing the Siding
At this point, we can move forward with the main event: installing your new siding material. If you opt for horizontal lap siding, we’ll start at the bottom of your exterior and work our way up. In most cases, we’ll nail the panel at the top and the panel above it will hang over the first panel a bit. This makes for a cleaner look and provides better protection against water damage.
As you can see, during the siding replacement process, we do everything possible to prevent water from making its way beneath your siding so your investment is protected.
Clean-Up and Final Inspection
This is the final step in the siding replacement process. Once we’re finished with the installation, we’ll do a thorough clean-up of your exterior. Our goal is to make it look like we were never there in the first place. After disposing of any trash and cleaning up, we’ll do a final inspection of your new siding and any final touch ups at this time.
We’ll also give you a quick overview of how to maintain your new siding and then your project will officially be complete.
Hire Siding Express for Your Replacement Project
Now that you’ve learned more about the siding replacement process, we hope you feel more prepared for your upcoming project. We are proud to be the top siding contractor in Ladue, MO, providing high-quality siding services to homeowners like you. When you’re ready to get your project on the books, please call 636-757-3925 or contact us online.