Whether you're trying to save money or you simply love home improvement projects, you're questioning whether you should handle new siding installation on your own. There's no sugarcoating it; replacing siding by yourself isn't an easy task. Check out these siding material considerations to determine if you're up for this DIY home improvement job.
Do You Have the Know-How To Handle the DIY Siding Installation Process?
This may seem like a silly question, but do you know what installing siding involves? It's not as easy to install siding as the pros make it look on TV. To replace your existing siding with new siding, you'll need to:
- Remove the old siding and fix any underlying material impacted by rot and pest damage, if necessary.
- Install a weather-resistant barrier called a house wrap to prevent moisture damage.
- Add insulation, if desired, to improve the energy efficiency around walls, windows, and doors.
- Cut edges and corner pieces so they're perfectly aligned with your home's exterior and all adjoining walls.
- Add soffit, fascia, and under-sill trim to complete the look.
Do You Have the Right Tools for the Cutting Process?
The installation process for siding panels requires a handful of tools, many of which you probably don't have. In addition to your wood siding, you'll need a tape measure or measuring square, power drill, hammer, zip tool, and kick out, plus these commonly used tools:
- Tin snips, a utility knife, or a circular saw/power saw to cut siding
- An unlocking tool to remove a siding panel without damaging it
- A nail hole slot punch to enlarge holes in the siding panels
- A snap lock punch to create holes (unless you have pre-notched cutouts)
- A brake to bend a siding piece
- Chalk line
- Starter strip
- Fiber cement
How Fast Do You Want Your Home Exterior Upgrade Done?
If you're handling your own siding installation process, be aware that you can't install new siding systems in one day. It can take days, weeks, or even longer to install siding if you're working alone. And if something goes wrong during your siding project, you'll have to extend the timeline further.
The weather can throw a wrench in your plans too. Siding experiences expansion and contraction when the temperature changes, and you'll need to take this into consideration when cutting everything from the top panel to the corner post.
Did You Get All Required Permits?
Depending on your city, your DIY siding adventure could come to a standstill without the correct permits. Installing siding is a big job, and many cities require you to apply for a permit first.
Not sure how to apply for a new siding installation permit? Let our experts handle siding installation instead.
Leave Your Siding Project Planning in the Hands of the Professionals
The thought of DIYing new siding installation is exciting, but if you don't know a top siding panel from inside corner posts or a locking edge, it's best to call us at Patriot Homes. We offer a wide range of beautiful exterior siding options. To schedule installation for aluminum or wood siding, call (763) 957-2006. We also offer professional roof installations, window replacement & gutter replacement.