What To Expect During Your Siding Replacement Project

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No two homes are the same, and neither are siding projects. With that said, most siding replacement projects do follow a similar process. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare your home, reduce stress, and make the entire experience smoother from start to finish.
Whether you’re upgrading your curb appeal or replacing worn-out siding with more durable materials like James Hardie® fiber cement siding, here’s what you can expect.
How to Prepare Your House for a Siding Replacement
There are a few key steps you can take ahead of time to ensure your property is ready for your siding replacement project. These steps can help protect your belongings and make it easier for the installation crew to do their job safely and efficiently.
Make sure a power outlet is accessible. Crews will need power for tools, so it’s helpful to clear access to an exterior outlet.
Secure the interior. The vibration from siding removal and nailing can cause pictures and shelves to fall. Remove any hanging or leaning items inside, especially on outer walls.
Clear the perimeter of your home. Move patio furniture, planters, firewood stacks, and anything else blocking access to the siding. Consider wrapping shrubs or flower beds with protective landscaping fabric to shield them from damage. Cutting the grass short can also help the crew find any fallen nails or debris.
Plan for noise and disruption. Siding installation is a noisy process. If you work from home or have pets that are sensitive to sound, you may want to make alternative arrangements for a few days.
What to Expect Before Construction Begins
In the days leading up to your siding installation, a few essential deliveries may arrive. This includes the new siding materials and a dumpster for debris. These might be dropped off a day or two in advance.
If your city requires a permit for construction or parking a dumpster on the street, Wallcraft Exterior Solutions will handle those details in advance. Let us know your driveway preferences, and our team will place materials and equipment as close to the house as possible without limiting your access or damaging surfaces. If you’re worried about the weight of a dumpster on your driveway, we can lay protective boards under key pressure points.
How to Be Prepared During Siding Construction
On installation day, the crew will walk your property, set up their workstations, and begin removing the existing siding. Depending on the size of your home, we may take down one side at a time or remove everything at once.
It’s important to stay alert during construction. While our crew will clean up throughout the day and at the end of each workday, construction sites can be messy. Assume there are nails or tools around, and wear closed-toe shoes if you’re walking near the house. Scaffolding and ladders may also remain in place overnight, so ensure that kids and pets stay clear.
Unexpected Repairs
Removing your old siding may reveal hidden damage, such as rot, mold, or water intrusion. Although no contractor can predict exactly what’s behind your walls, experienced teams like Wallcraft Exterior Solutions have worked on enough homes in Georgia and Florida to know what signs to look for.
If something unexpected is uncovered, we’ll stop and walk you through the issue, then explain your options for addressing it. These repairs are best handled before your new siding is installed, and catching and repairing them now can prevent more significant problems down the road.
Installing Your New Siding
Once any repairs are made, we will install a weather-resistant barrier (WRB), also known as a house wrap. This breathable barrier helps protect your home from moisture while still allowing vapor to escape.
After the WRB is in place, your new siding will be installed. This includes trim, caulking, and painting or sealing, depending on the materials used. If you’re installing James Hardie® siding, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a durable, low-maintenance product that’s engineered for the Southeast climate.
How Long Does It Take to Side a House?
Siding replacement timelines vary depending on the size of the house, weather, and the type of siding being used. Most projects take between 7 and 14 days from tear-off to final walkthrough.
Factors such as custom trim work, painting, unexpected repairs, or weather delays may cause a slight schedule extension. At Wallcraft, we’ll keep you updated on progress and let you know if anything changes.
Communication and Cooperation
A successful siding project is built on clear communication. Before the job starts, let your contractor know about:
Preferred start and stop times
Weekend working hour preferences
Areas to avoid (like gardens or kids’ play spaces)
Music or noise level concerns
Parking instructions for crew vehicles and dumpsters
During the job, don’t hesitate to check in with the site supervisor. Please point out any questions or concerns immediately. It’s also helpful to walk the property with the supervisor before the final cleanup to make sure everything looks right.
A Better Siding Experience with Wallcraft Exterior Solutions
At Wallcraft Exterior Solutions, we know that siding replacement can feel like a major project, and it is – but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. We take pride in making the process straightforward, organized, and respectful of your home.
We specialize in installing James Hardie® siding and serve homeowners across Metro Atlanta and the Florida Panhandle. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and initiate the conversation.
FAQ About Your Upcoming Siding Project
When interviewing a siding contractor, ask about their licensing and insurance, the types of siding materials they offer, their experience with your chosen product, warranty details, project timelines, and how they handle unexpected repairs. Good communication from the start can help set clear expectations and avoid surprises later.
One of the most common mistakes with vinyl siding installation is fastening the panels too tightly. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature changes, and if it’s nailed down too tightly, it can warp, buckle, or crack over time. Proper installation techniques are critical to ensure long-term performance.
Materials like traditional wood siding, while beautiful, can be vulnerable to rot, pests, and high maintenance needs. Low-quality vinyl siding should also be avoided as it may warp in extreme temperatures and fade over time. Many homeowners today prefer durable, low-maintenance options like James Hardie® fiber cement siding for a balance of beauty and performance.
When hiring a siding contractor, look for proper licensing and insurance, experience with your preferred siding material, a strong portfolio of past work, positive customer reviews, and clear communication. A reputable contractor should also offer detailed estimates and explain the project timeline thoroughly.
A siding estimate should include a complete breakdown of material costs, labor, any additional repairs, warranties, project timelines, and cleanup services. It should be detailed and easy to understand, giving you a clear picture of what’s included—and what’s not—before any work begins.