Now that you’ve decided to refresh your exterior with new siding and chosen a local contractor, the exciting part is about to begin! If you’re going with James Hardie® siding, you’re in great company—over eight million homeowners love its exceptional style and strength. With a track record of lasting up to 50 years and a 30-year warranty, it’s a choice you can feel confident about!
While every siding project is customized to the homeowner’s wants and needs, siding installation generally follows a common set of steps. We’ll walk you through the process and share some simple tips for a smooth and stress-free upgrade.
8 Steps to Prepare Your Home for the Siding Replacement Process
You can prepare your home for siding installation in just a few easy steps. These will help keep your property safe during construction and give the crew easy access to your home’s perimeter.
1. Remove Obstacles
Move anything that blocks access to your exterior walls, such as firewood or outdoor furniture, so the siding crew can get right to work. Place planters, toys, or any other movable items into your garage or a far corner of your yard.
2. Clear a Power Outlet
The installation team will need access to power for their tools, so clear an outlet for them—preferably one that is on a 20-amp circuit.
3. Cut Your Grass Short
Mowing your lawn as short as possible before your siding team arrives will help them find nails or other debris that may go astray during your siding installation.
4. Trim Shrubs and Nearby Trees
Ensure there aren’t any tree limbs or shrubs that come into contact with your home. Cut them back so there is ample space for the crew to access your siding.
5. Make Temporary Arrangements
Construction is loud, so if you work from home, consider finding an alternative office space while your siding is being replaced. If you have small children or pets—for their safety—you may want to make plans away from home for them too.
6. Cover Landscaping with Tarps
You’ve invested a lot in your flowers and delicate landscaping features. To ensure their safety during the siding installation process, protect them with a tarp each morning before the crew arrives, and remove the tarp after they leave so your greenery can soak in some sun.
7. Prepare Your Home Interior
Siding removal and installation can cause your walls to shake, so remove fragile items from your walls and shelves to protect them from falling.
8. Communicate with Your Contractor
Talk with your contractor about the details of your siding installation before the work is scheduled to begin. For planning purposes, ask about start and stop times. Mention your parking preferences. And find out what to expect if the weather doesn’t cooperate during the scheduled installation.
What to Expect Once Your Siding Crew Arrives
Your Current Siding Will Be Carefully Removed
Your existing siding and underlying materials will be removed using special tools and placed in a dumpster to be hauled off once your installation is complete.
Your Exterior Will Be Carefully Inspected for Damage
Once your old siding is removed, we’ll inspect your exterior walls for hidden damage. We’ll look for any harm done to your home from water infiltration, such as mold, mildew, rot, or structural damage.
Repairs Will Be Made as Needed
Any problems discovered during the inspection will be addressed at this time. Ensuring your home’s structure is in top shape before installing your Hardie siding is an essential step to ensure optimal long-term results from your new panels.
Your Home Will Be Covered in House Wrap
Your contractor may install or replace the weather resistant barrier (WRB) on your home. This is also referred to as house wrap. It safeguards your home by providing water resistance and breathability to your house structure.
Your New Siding Will Be Installed!
It’s finally here—the moment you’ve been looking forward to! Your new siding and trim will be carefully installed following the manufacturer’s best practices, so you’ll enjoy the long-lasting performance your home deserves.
Hardie siding and trim are designed to stand strong against the elements. Because they’re so sturdy, it takes two skilled crew members to carry and place each piece. It may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for a precise job handled by trained James Hardie professionals (like our team!).
Paint Will Be Applied as Needed
If you opted for siding and trim infused with ColorPlus® Technology shades in the factory, then there’s no need for painting after your siding is installed. Those vibrant hues are warranted to last 15 years. But if you chose pre-primed siding, this is the point when your house will be painted to complete its new look.
We’ll Clean Up Your Property
Your contractor will do a final walkthrough to confirm your new Hardie siding and trim were installed to their exacting standards. That way, you can know you’re getting the top-tier results you deserve. Then, the area will be cleaned up so it looks pristine again. Debris will be hauled away, and a magnetic tool will be run over your lawn to pick up any stray nails.
Enjoy Your New Siding!
Now that your siding transformation is complete, you can sit back, relax, and appreciate how stunning your exterior looks—knowing it will be well protected for decades!
Get Stunning, Long-Lasting Siding Installed by Our Trusted Team
When siding wears out, it leaves your home vulnerable to moisture intrusion and damage. Since 1997, Lakeside Renovation & Design has been honored to help thousands of St. Louis homeowners transform their houses into places they truly love—and we’d be thrilled to do the same for you!
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Siding to discover how to choose the perfect high-performance siding for your home, and learn how our expert installation process makes all the difference.