Siding is an important component of a home’s exterior. If you’ve owned your home for several years, your siding has probably seen a fair share of abuse from the elements. Depending on how long it has been since it was installed, you might need to arrange a new siding installation. Older siding may not be as sturdy as newer varieties, and the siding on your home protects it from water, wind, and various other hazards.
While you will need to evaluate your options in terms of material, finish, texture, and other details, you must also decide how soon to have your siding replaced. If you are heading into the colder months, you might be surprised to learn the benefits of having your siding replaced this winter instead of waiting for the spring.
In This Article
Common Misconceptions About Timing Home Exterior Work
Most homeowners mistakenly believe that most home exterior work requires warm weather. In many cases, they assume the team performing the work will be more comfortable when it’s sunny and pleasant outside. While it’s kind to be considerate of the people working on your home, the reality is that removing and replacing vinyl siding can be tough work, and many siding replacement teams don’t mind working in cooler temperatures at all.
Aside from keeping your installation team a bit cooler while they work, there are several other benefits to choosing the winter months for new vinyl siding installation. Another common misconception about siding replacement is that it needs to be warm for the installation to be effective, but this is not true. It’s possible to have your siding replaced in the winter, and it may even be preferable to choose the winter for this kind of job for several reasons.
More Expedient Installation Time
One of the most expensive parts of having your siding replaced is the time and labor cost. The longer a job requires and the busier the company gets, the more expensive their labor rates become. The winter months are typically the slowest for most siding replacement teams and other contractors who perform home exterior work. This means you should not only have a much easier time scheduling your vinyl siding replacement during a time that works best for you, but you also will have far less competition for installation services. You may even pay less than you would have during busier months.
More Efficient Installation
It’s not uncommon for siding installation teams to contend with trees, brush, and overgrown plants around the sides of houses during warmer weather. By choosing to have your siding replaced over the winter, you ensure your installation team does not need to worry about your landscaping. This can significantly speed up installation time, ultimately saving you money on labor costs and reducing the overall cost of your new siding.
Safer Labor
If you are concerned about your siding installation team working in the cold, just remember that it is easy to layer clothing comfortably without interfering with the ability to work. Moving around and placing new siding also warms up your installation team, and there is a far lower risk of injuries from exposure during the winter than the summer. For example, your siding installation team may need to contend with high temperatures and humidity during the summer, not only making them more uncomfortable but also increasing the risk of heat injuries.
Better Protection for Colder Weather
Replacing your siding sooner rather than later means more reliable protection for the winter ahead and the winters to come. Modern vinyl siding is incredibly robust. If you choose the right siding installation team, you can have peace of mind about your new siding’s quality and reliability. Scheduling your siding replacement early in the winter means you won’t need to worry about repainting or repairing old siding due to severe winter weather for at least several years. Having this protection installed now saves you many possible headaches in the future.
More Efficient Energy Usage
Wintertime is peak energy consumption time for many households throughout the US. If you are accustomed to your energy bills rising as the temperature drops, new siding could potentially improve your home’s insulation and help you keep more heat inside. This means your heating system will not need to consume as much energy or run as often to keep your home comfortable during the winter.
Insulated vinyl siding is particularly effective in colder areas. The purpose of siding is to keep cold air and moisture from entering your home through the walls, and newly installed vinyl siding is one of the best choices when it comes to overall protection for your home’s exterior. Having your new siding installed over the winter means you will be able to immediately take advantage of the insulation it can provide. You’ll see this performance reflected in your lower energy bills over the winter as well.
Boost Your Property Value
Whether you’re planning to sell your home come the spring or want to spend a few more years in your home, replacing your siding now means a higher property value when you list your home for sale. Consult with your siding insulation team to determine what type of siding offers the longest-term performance. If a potential buyer notices the siding on your home is only a year or two old, they will recognize that they will likely not need to worry about the siding for many more years. This makes your home more attractive on the market, and your real estate agent can provide you with guidance for other cost-effective repairs and renovations that can boost your property value.
Choose the Right Siding Installation Team for Winter Work
Replacing your siding over the winter comes with many advantages, including saving your time and money. One of the most important aspects of arranging your siding installation job is ensuring you choose an experienced and reliable team to handle the project. Take your time when choosing a professional siding installation team and choose one with solid credentials and an inspiring portfolio of past siding replacement projects.