When you’re about to have your siding replaced, there are simple things you can do to alleviate stress and make way for its installation to run smoothly.
New siding adds beauty and protection to your exterior, and before you have it installed, it’s important to prep your home for the process. You’ll avoid damage to your property and create a more streamlined process by following these simple preparation tips before your siding crew arrives.
Getting Ready for Siding Replacement
1. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture from Damage
Cover your outdoor furniture, and if possible, move it away from your home’s perimeter. You’ll safeguard it from damage and dust while making it easier for the contractor to access your exterior.
2. Clear the Clutter Away from Your Exterior
Make sure the siding crew doesn’t feel like they have to find their way through an obstacle course to get to your house. Put all outdoor décor in the garage for now. If your children have toys, bikes, or other items outside, gather them and bring them indoors if possible. Protect your grill from damage by covering it and giving it a more remote location temporarily.
3. Trim Your Trees and Shrubs
The siding team will need ample space around your home’s perimeter to remove your current panels and install new ones. If you have trees with branches that brush up against your home exterior, trim them back to create easy access for the siding crew. Shrubs should be pruned so they are at least 6 inches away from your siding. Cover your vegetable garden on installation day with a loosely fitted tarp to keep dust and debris from invading.
4. Cut Your Grass
Once your siding installation crew is finished working on your exterior each day, they will clean up after themselves so your yard is free and clear of unsightly debris and dangerous nails. Cutting your grass super short before your installation will make it easier for them to find any nails and help prevent accidents.
3. Batten Down the Hatches Inside Your Home
There can be a bit of a rumble when your current siding is removed and new planks are installed—so remove any fragile décor from the outside walls of your home interior. Take your artwork off the walls, and relocate any glass objects to avoid damage.
4. Turn Off Your Exterior Power
Avoid the possibility of electrical shock by cutting off your exterior power before the siding contractor arrives each day of your installation.
5. Keep Your Driveway Clear
The siding contractor will have a dumpster placed in your driveway so they can dispose of your old siding appropriately. Park your car either in the garage or down the street when your new siding is being installed to protect it from damage.
6. Communicate with Your Siding Contractor
Keep the communication fluid with the contractor’s point person or project manager before and throughout your siding replacement. If you have any parking preferences for their crew, let them know in advance. Also, ask specific questions like:
- What dates will my siding replacement begin and end?
- How does that change if the weather is not optimal?
- What time should I expect your crew to arrive and leave each day?
- Is there anything else I should know about the installation process?
7. Make Plans for Your Young Children and Pets
Siding installation can be pretty noisy. So your children and pets don’t have to endure the sounds associated with the removal and installation of your home’s protective layer, plan ahead for an outing for your young children, and consider getting a pet sitter.
8. Office Elsewhere While Siding Is Installed
If you work from home, consider relocating your office temporarily to a coffee shop or library so you don’t have to try to concentrate amidst the siding installation bustle.
Enjoy Gorgeous New Siding on Your Pennsylvania Home
Now that you’ve learned how to prep your house for your new siding, you can sit back, relax, and leave the heavy lifting to your siding contractor.
As a family owned and operated company, Porter Family Exteriors provides a convenient 3-D tool that allows you to design your home exterior with new siding, trim, and accessories to get the updated home style you’ve dreamed of. Take a moment to learn more about how our siding services can beautify your home and safeguard it from the elements. Contact us for a quote!
