Category: Siding

Choosing the finest solution for your home’s exterior is difficult. You have the option of hiring a contractor who puts quality work over price. Everything depends on the qualities you value most in a contractor.

It might be challenging to choose a contractor for your project when there are so many options available. Here are five suggestions to assist you in making the best choice:

 

1. Conduct research

You must thoroughly vet prospective contractors before hiring them.

Start by asking your loved ones if they can recommend any reliable siding contractors. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to locate someone who has had work done in the past and can guide you.

After you have created a list of potential contractors, check reviews written by actual customers on websites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor to get a precise assessment of their work and customer service. You can very much tell if a contractor would be a good fit for your job based on the criticism they receive, which tends to be more critical of their work and customer service.

Call to schedule appointments for potential contractors to provide you with estimates after you have narrowed down your list of candidates. Ask them about their background and the strategies they would employ to make your home better while they are there.

Once you have all the quotes, carefully examine them, and pick the contractor you believe is most qualified for the project and offers a fair price.

 

2. Experience and Expertise

Naturally, you would want someone with experience in the business who understands what they are doing when you are ready to employ someone to replace the siding on your home. The ideal contractor will know which techniques lead to quicker completion times in addition to having access to the right resources.

At your neighborhood hardware shop, you can typically locate a general contractor for small repairs. But if you want siding installed, you’ll probably need to find a contractor with the necessary training and experience. These professionals offer a wide range of services, including building decks, windows, and doors, to mention a few. Examples of such firms include TrimTech or CertainTeed, both of whom are experts in installing vinyl siding.

Here are some recommendations to make sure your potential contractor has the required experience:

Any contractor worth his salt won’t hesitate to show you instances of prior jobs from their portfolio that are comparable to yours. You can assess the caliber of their prior work and get an idea of what to anticipate by doing this.

Ask for references from a contractor’s prior customers to determine their competence. Once you have these people’s names, get in touch with them and find out about each one’s experiences working with the aforementioned contractor.

Why not get feedback from the former client regarding how happy they were with the project’s results? You should also get a breakdown of all prices and ask about any potential challenges. You can then decide whether or not to hire this contractor again in the future with confidence.

Verify the duration of the contractor’s existence. If they suddenly appeared, there is a higher likelihood that they are inexperienced and new to the field.

 

3. License and Insurance

A contractor must be hired to install new siding. Make sure the person you choose has all necessary credentials and insurance.

Make sure they have a valid state contractor’s license before hiring them if you want someone you can trust. Since each state has its own requirements for qualified contractors, this will at least let you know that they adhere to some base minimums.

Examine the insurance coverage of your contractor to confirm their suitability. An excellent firm will have workers’ compensation and liability insurance, which guards you against any harm or accidents that might happen during the installation procedure. Additionally, this policy provides benefits in the event that an employee becomes ill or is injured at work.

The majority of siding contractors are general contractors, which enables them to do a wide range of construction tasks. Due to the frequent overlap between installing siding and roofs, several jurisdictions additionally demand that companies obtain a roofing license before beginning to take on side jobs.

 

4. Interview Contractors

First impressions are crucial, and frequently, potential buyers or tenants will focus on the exterior of your home. Siding contractors may assist in enhancing the curb appeal of your property by either putting in new siding or fixing any damage. Ask the following questions and make sure to gather quotations from different companies before choosing a contractor:

What kind of material is the siding made of?

If you hire a contractor that is experienced in their field, they should be able to guide you in selecting the sort of siding that is most suitable for your house. Brick, for instance, will not fade as much as wood siding will with time.

Do you have any experience with the type of siding that I’m looking at purchasing?

Because installation of some types of siding might be challenging, not every contractor will be able to provide you with the ability to install the siding you want. If this is the case with the contractor you are conversing with, you should inquire as to whether or not they know of any other contractors who are capable of managing the installation.

What is your warranty? 

Because siding is an investment with a long time horizon, it is imperative that you select a material that is durable. If the contractor offers a solid warranty, it may be worthwhile to spend a little extra money on siding of a higher quality.

How long will it take to complete the installation?

The amount of time necessary to install siding is dependent on a number of different factors. Some examples include the dimensions of the windows and the number of entrances on your property. If you are planning to install new siding, make sure to get an estimate from your contractor.

How much will it cost? 

When you are attempting to decide whether or not you want siding installed on your home, one key question to ask your contractor is how much money the process will cost. If they try to avoid providing you a price quote, it could be an indication that they do not have sufficient experience for the project. Before moving forward with the installation of new siding, you should ensure that you have a realistic quote in hand before making any judgments.

Do you have any pictures of past work?

Check over a contractor’s previous work to get a sense of the quality of their work and to see if it meets the criteria you have set for it before you spend money on new siding. If a person displays their work in a gallery, it is likely that they are proud of it and are knowledgeable about the materials that were used, which means that you can be confident that the item you buy will be worth the money.

 

Conclusion

The process of employing a siding contractor does not need to be difficult. You need only check that they satisfy the requirements on this list, and then you’ll be set to go. And if you are looking for the best of the best, WIW Roofing is more than delighted to assist you in any way they can!

As an exterior home improvement project, siding replacement or repair is something that many homeowners decide to undertake. Panels used for siding are often crafted from materials such as plywood, fiberglass, or composite, all of which are susceptible to deterioration when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

In order to keep the structural integrity of your home intact, you need to repair the siding if it shows signs of deterioration or fractures. If you choose siding that is made of the right material for your house, you might be able to prevent having to replace it.

When it comes to deciding whether or not to paint your roof white, there are a few different aspects to take into consideration. These aspects include the climate in your area, the type of roofing material that you have, and the overall aesthetic that you want to achieve for your home.

Doing so can help you prevent unpleasant surprises and guarantee a nice, problem-free experience throughout the operation, even though it is possible that you will not predict every aspect of what to anticipate throughout the process.

The following are the five most crucial points to keep in mind:

Replacing the old siding

One of the first steps to take when replacing siding is to take off the old material. This task may be challenging, especially if the old siding was constructed decades ago and was in bad condition.

You can remove nails or staples by pulling them out with a hammer and chisel, by using hand or power tools to cut them out, or by prying them up with a crowbar.

Following are some tips for removing outdated siding:

1. Start by removing any trim or ornaments that are fastened to the siding.
2. Start by removing the old siding before installing the new one. If it is nailed on, pry the nails out of the way with a hammer and pry bar.
3. Use a chisel to remove the siding if it is attached to the house.
4. Be careful when removing old siding to prevent causing damage to the walls or roof.
5. After removing the old siding, you can start painting the house.

To remove the old siding, use a pry bar. Pull the siding off your house by first removing the nails.

Prepare the external surface first before installing new siding.

After removing the old siding, you must prime the surface before installing the new material. For this phase, you can either paint the house or apply a primer.

Old siding can be painted over or new vinyl siding can be installed in its place. Simply painting over the current siding is less expensive and time-consuming.

Your home’s frame must first be inspected for damage and repaired as necessary before new siding can be added. After it is finished, clear the area around your property of any rubbish. Paint the panels’ exterior surface last.

Install the new siding carefully, keeping in mind proper spacing and alignment

Before starting to cut the panels, make sure you have precise measurements for the dimensions of your home.

Maintain new solar panel modules as level as you can while working. Pay close attention to the panels by windows and doors in particular.

Use a few screws or nails to secure the panels in place, and make sure they are not too close to any potential moisture sources.

Before putting on any trim or accessories, make sure the adhesive or paint is completely dry.

Check the house for flaws before painting it, and make any necessary repairs.

It is essential to keep in mind that if your new siding has any cracks or tears, you should not paint over them. Before you begin painting, you should fix any damage that has occurred.

Cleaning and setting up are two essential steps

It’s possible that updating the siding on your house might make a big impact in the way it looks and the amount of money it’s worth. However, even after the new siding has been installed, there is still more work to be done.

After the replacement of your siding, it is essential to clean the area and get it ready for the activities that will take place in the future. This includes cleaning the house of any dust or debris left over following the installation, as well as removing any old glue or sealant from the structure.

During the installation procedure, you will need to make sure that the newly installed siding is completely sealed and protected from the elements. In order to keep moisture from entering, all of the seams have been sealed with sealant, and the area surrounding the doors, windows, and any other openings has been trimmed and caulked. In addition to that, you need to paint or stain it so that it continues to seem like new.

You will be rewarded with a product that will last for a significantly longer period of time if you carefully clean and seal your newly installed siding.

 

In general, how much does it cost to replace siding?

Siding replacement is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, but there are methods to cut costs without sacrificing quality. The first thing that has to be done is to make a count of how much siding needs to be replaced. Once you have calculated the amount of space available on your home, the next step is to research the costs of siding supplies and installation.

The price of replacing siding will differ depending on the material that you choose to use. Vinyl is a popular option since it satisfies the need for a material that is both inexpensive and long-lasting. In most cases, the cost of installing vinyl ranges between $5 and $7 per square foot.

The cost of a deck made of stone or wood will change significantly depending on the material that is utilized. Materials like cedar or brick, such as those offered at an outside store, can have a price tag of up to $20 per square foot if purchased there.

 

If I want new siding, should I DIY or hire a professional?

It is possible that it may be difficult for you to replace the siding on your house on your own. Before undertaking any job, you should thus give serious consideration to whether or not you need to engage a contractor and whether or not you are capable of doing the task on your own. If you only need to fix a tiny area, like the area around one window, for instance, then doing the repair work yourself might save you both time and money.

Employing a professional siding installer is highly recommended if you intend to replace the majority of the cladding on your house.

When searching for the best contractor, it is important to take into account a variety of factors, such as their level of experience and whether or not they are certified. Check with the Better Business Bureau and ask for references from people you know and trust, such as friends and family.

After you have narrowed down your options to a few potential contractors, you should ask each one for recommendations and then follow up with those references. You will be able to get a clearer picture of what it is like to collaborate with the contractor if you do this. In addition, before making your ultimate decision, you should be sure to receive quotations from a number of different people.

After you have selected a contractor, the next step is to obtain a written contract that outlines the particulars of the work to be done as well as the components that are included in the overall cost. Be careful to inquire about the pricing of both the materials and the labor individually, in addition to any warranties or guarantees that may be offered.

It is absolutely necessary for you to give the contract a thorough reading before you sign it.

 

You can’t afford to put off worrying about the siding needs any longer! Get in contact with WIW Roofing right away, and we would be happy to be of assistance to you.