What Makes Siding Last Long? – Part Two: Installation

How your siding is installed factors into how functional and how great an investment it will be. We highly recommend commissioning professional help to get it installed, and these are some of the most important reasons why:

Technicalities

There are specifications in the installation of certain types of siding, all of which have to be strictly adhered to if you want successful results. Vinyl siding, for instance, should have a house wrap underneath it to protect your home from moisture penetration. Fiber cement, on the other hand, should have pre-drilled holes near any edge for easy nailing. And metal siding should be installed with the panels lined up straight against each other to ensure a watertight seal.

In addition, some provisions in building codes may prescribe a specific approach to your siding project. If you live in a historic landmark district, for instance, you need a design review approved before you can apply for the zoning, building, curb cut, or revocable permits.

Warranty

Another reason why it is better to relegate a siding installation job to a professional is to ensure product coverage after the service. If you opt to install your own siding, you can still take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty (in some cases). But professional contractors also offer warranties (in some cases) on top of the manufacturer’s.

Choosing an Installer

When selecting your siding professional, always consider:

• Experience. The years a contractor has spent in the industry are an indication of the depth of his or her knowledge, which is important in navigating around technicalities and other particulars important to the job. It is also a testament to his or her skill, as an unsatisfactory siding professional will not have been entrusted with a significant number of jobs to work on.
• Reputation. A contractor can be skilled, and still be a horror to work with. In addition to the technical knowhow, choose a siding professional who is known to provide great customer service rather than someone with a bad attitude. Hire someone you know you’ll get along with, from the consultation all the way to clean-up. Moreover, make sure you’re happy with the price quoted for the job.

You still have some work to do, though, after the installation. To cap off the series, let’s discuss siding maintenance.