There’s a lot that goes into siding installation. From the initial meeting with your contractor to removing the old, and finally putting on the new, your home will experience many different stages of transformation during the process. There’s a lot of potential for mistakes during these stages that can result in a less than ideal outcome for your project. Fortunately, you can take several steps to ensure your siding installation in Pittsburgh PA is done properly and reaches the standards set by CertainTeed.
A pre-installation meeting with your contractor is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your project runs smoothly. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss any specifics of the project that might not have been discussed in your initial phone call or email, such as start and stop times, which parts of your home you prefer workers to work on first (or last), parking preferences, weekend working hours, etc.
Before the contractors arrive, it’s also a good idea to move any cars that might be parked in the immediate area of your home. This will reduce the risk of your car getting damaged by loose debris that might fall from the walls as the siding is being removed and installed. Additionally, you should remove any pictures and shelves on the interior of your home to avoid them falling and becoming damaged as well.
The first step in a quality siding replacement is to ensure that the substrate and weather barrier are fully in place. If your contractor skips this step, it leaves room for moisture to seep into the wall and cause rot and mold. This is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s important to make sure your contractor does it.
After the substrate and weather barrier are in place, it’s time to begin the siding installation. Start at the bottom of the wall and work your way up, making sure there’s enough overlap to provide a waterproof protective seal. It’s also a good idea to apply some upward pressure as the installers nail each piece in place to help ensure the siding is being nailed securely but not overtightened, which can damage the siding and lead to future problems with your home’s exterior.
In addition to installing the new fascia, be sure your contractor is securing gutters and downspouts correctly, too. It’s not uncommon for these items to be misaligned, which can cause water leaks and other issues.
Lastly, be sure to ask your contractor how they plan on finishing your siding project. This includes trim, window and door caulking, and any other special details that might be necessary to protect your home from the elements and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Ultimately, your siding will only be as effective as the quality of installation, so make sure to choose a contractor who takes pride in their workmanship. This will help to guarantee a project that exceeds your expectations!