Many homeowners don’t think of exterior home improvement projects when it’s chilly out. And, that’s understandable. Some worry that replacing siding in winter will expose their home to moisture or potentially damage the materials. Winter is actually a fine time of year to install new siding, with an asterisk. The key is working with a seasoned manufacturer-certified installer who is trained to work in all temperatures and knows how to properly handle materials to avoid damage while keeping your home protected from the elements.
Process
Many installers strip the entire house first and then start the installation and waterproofing process. This practice speeds up the project (a benefit to the installer) at a sacrifice to the homeowner’s comfort and potentially to the longevity of the siding. Instead, an experienced contractor will take a disciplined approach. At B&B Siding and Roofing how we approach siding on a cold February day in the same as we would on any other day throughout the year when we recognize potential weather developments. We work in tighter sections of the house. This process limits open surface exposure as we cover the wall with water-resistant materials immediately after stripping. These materials include weather-resistant synthetic house wrap, water-resistant wall insulation, and lastly vinyl siding, which is essentially waterproof. As soon as our team completes the siding installation all penetrations are sealed.
Durability
Another concern is material durability. In the past, the biggest risk of installing vinyl siding in the winter was that the product was more likely to crack when cutting it in temperatures below 35 degrees. Today’s siding is much better engineered. It has much more durability in temperatures below 35 degrees, which makes it safe to work with all year round.
Insulation
A common question we get is will removing the siding make the house colder? Typically not. Most siding products by themselves have a very small insulation value so removing it briefly won’t have a significant impact. The rooms that share the exterior wall where the work is being done may be slightly cooler only on the day(s) that your house wrap is replaced. As mentioned, installing in tighter sections helps mitigate heat loss.
One of the best ways to reduce your utility bills and improve the comfort of your home is adding a layer of exterior thermal insulation beneath your siding. If you’ve ever had to deal with a bathroom that was cold year-round or a sweltering upstairs bedroom that you couldn’t cool between May and September, you’ll want to consider insulation.
Timing
Why not wait until it’s warmer? Winter is arguably the toughest time of year for your home. Snow, high winds, and the freeze-thaw cycle are more likely to allow moisture to leak through old siding, potentially damaging the structure beneath it. Failing siding does not protect your home from the elements so the sooner you replace it the better.
Warranty
Another factor is material and workmanship warranties. When evaluating contractors, get the assurance that your investment will endure. Those installers who carry the industry’s top products, such as Royal and Exterior Portfolio, can offer double lifetime material warranties. This warranty can increase the value of your home as it transfers to the next owner if you ever sell. Regarding labor warranties, the industry standard is three years. For peace of mind, look for an industry-best lifetime labor warranty, which covers the work for as long as you own your home.
Windows
Often homeowners elect to replace their windows at the same time they are updating their siding to make their home more energy efficient. Do it! According to HomeAdvisor, 25% of the costs for heating and cooling your home comes from the energy lost through your windows. By installing new windows you could start saving thousands of dollars in energy costs – this year! At B&B we install the industry’s top-performing brands including Andersen and Pella.
You don’t need to put up with drafty windows, high energy bills, or cracked siding just because it’s winter. At B&B Siding and Roofing, we work year-round. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter the end result will be the same. Our proven process guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have about siding replacement. After talking with them, you’ll be empowered to successfully work with a contractor, regardless of who you choose.