As a homeowner in Janesville, Wisconsin or the surrounding areas, you may be considering a siding replacement for your home. Exterior siding plays a critical role in protecting your house from the elements, boosting curb appeal, and even improving energy efficiency. When it comes time to replace your siding, you likely have many questions about the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address the most common questions homeowners have about siding replacement services near you to help you make an informed decision.
Why Should I Consider Siding Replacement?
There are several compelling reasons why you may want to consider a siding replacement for your home:
1. Damage or deterioration: Over time, your home’s siding can become cracked, warped, loose, or rotted due to constant exposure to harsh weather conditions like sun, wind, rain, snow and ice. This damage compromises the protective barrier that the siding creates for your home, leaving it vulnerable to the elements.
2. Outdated appearance: If your home’s exterior looks dated, faded or worn, a siding replacement can give it a much-needed facelift and significantly boost its curb appeal. New siding comes in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles to completely transform and modernize your home’s look and feel.
3. Energy efficiency: Old, damaged or poorly-insulated siding can allow for unwanted heat transfer, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Replacing your siding, especially when combined with a new insulation barrier, can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and potentially lead to lower monthly utility bills.
4. Pest infestation: Deteriorating siding can create openings that allow insects and other pests to infiltrate your home’s exterior and cause further damage. Replacing compromised siding eliminates these entry points and helps to prevent future pest problems.
5. Home value: Upgrading your siding is one of the home improvement projects that can offer a strong return on investment by increasing your property value and attracting potential buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future. Fresh, modern siding makes a great first impression.
When Is the Right Time for Siding Replacement Services?
Knowing when the right time is to move forward with a siding replacement project can be tricky. Here are some key indicators that it may be time to replace rather than try to repair your home’s siding:
– Your siding is visibly cracked, loose, rotting, warping or blistering
– Your monthly energy bills have been steadily increasing due to siding deterioration
– You’re noticing signs of mold, mildew or fungus growth on your siding
– Peeling paint or wallpaper inside your home, which can indicate moisture intrusion
– Bubbles or blisters forming on the siding surface
– Dry rot or decaying siding pieces
– Visible holes or damage from insects or other pests
– The siding has become significantly faded or looks incredibly worn and outdated
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s wise to search for siding replacement near me or siding replacement Janesville WI and contact a reputable siding replacement company for a professional inspection and consultation. An experienced siding replacement contractor can thoroughly assess the extent of the damage and advise you on whether a full replacement or targeted repairs are recommended for your situation.
What’s Involved in the Siding Replacement Process?
Replacing your home’s siding is a significant exterior remodeling project. While the specific steps involved may vary based on your unique home and siding type, here’s a general overview of what you can expect when you hire a professional siding replacement contractor:
1. Consultation: The process starts with an on-site meeting with a professional from a local siding replacement company to discuss your needs, assess your home’s current siding, take measurements, and provide an accurate estimate for your project based on the size and scope.
2. Selection: You’ll then review the various siding material, color and style options with your contractor and choose the products that best fit your vision for your home and budget. Your siding replacement contractor will order the necessary quantity of siding, trim and other materials and schedule your installation.
3. Preparation: Prior to beginning your siding replacement, the installers will thoroughly prepare the work area around your home’s perimeter using drop cloths and plastic sheeting to catch debris and protect your landscaping. Doors and windows will be masked off and nearby trees or shrubs may need to be trimmed back to make space for work.
4. Removal: The old siding is then carefully removed piece by piece, along with any rotted or damaged underlayment, flashing or trim. The exposed walls will be inspected for any signs of mold, rot or pest damage, which will be addressed and repaired as needed before proceeding.
5. Insulation and moisture barrier: If you’re adding an insulation layer to your exterior walls, the new material will be properly installed over the sheathing at this stage. A house wrap or weatherproof moisture barrier will then be added to protect your home against water intrusion and drafts.
6. Siding installation: The new siding will be hung according to manufacturer specifications, starting at the bottom of the walls and working up to the eaves. Pieces are securely interlocked and fastened to the substrate structure. Starter strips, corner posts and J-channels around doors and windows are installed to allow for natural expansion and contraction. All seams are properly caulked and sealed as needed.
7. Trim and finishing details: Finishing touches, like the soffit, fascia and decorative molding are then added for a polished, cohesive final appearance. All edges are caulked and gaps are sealed to keep out moisture and pests.
8. Cleanup and disposal: Finally, all construction debris is cleaned up and hauled away from your property, leaving your home and landscaping tidy and pristine so you can simply enjoy your beautiful new siding.
Depending on the size of your home and scope of your siding replacement project, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete. Your siding replacement company should provide you with a detailed project timeline prior to beginning the work so you know exactly what to expect.
How Do I Choose a Siding Replacement Company Near Me?
Selecting the right siding replacement contractor for your project is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in finding a reputable and qualified professional for the job:
1. Start by seeking referrals from family, friends, neighbors or colleagues in your area who have recently had their siding replaced and were pleased with their contractor.
2. Research local siding replacement companies online, paying attention to reviews, ratings and customer experiences. Check each company’s standing and history with the Better Business Bureau.
3. Verify that the siding contractors you’re considering are properly licensed and insured to perform work in your area. Request to see proof of current liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
4. Look for a well-established siding company with at least a few years of experience working with the specific type of siding material you’re choosing. Proven expertise and a solid track record of successful siding replacement projects is critical.
5. Meet with at least three potential siding replacement contractors and obtain free, detailed written estimates for your project. Be sure each bid specifies the full scope of work, materials, labor, projected timeline, and warranty details.
6. Ask each siding replacement contractor for a list of references and follow up with them. Inquire about the company’s quality of workmanship, reliability, communication, and problem resolution, and whether the client would hire them again.
7. Don’t automatically choose the company with the lowest estimate. Cost is certainly one important factor, but also heavily consider the contractor’s experience, knowledge, and the overall rapport you have with them before deciding. The lowest price often means subpar work and costly headaches later.
8. Insist on a detailed written contract before making a final commitment or allowing any work to begin on your siding replacement. Review it carefully to be sure you fully understand all aspects of the project, product details, and payment terms, which typically include a deposit to secure your spot on the schedule and a final payment only once all work is completed to your satisfaction.
By following these important steps, you can feel confident in choosing a reliable siding replacement contractor who will deliver the attractive, long-lasting results you deserve for your investment.
How Do I Maintain My New Siding?
While brand new siding is designed to be very durable and withstand the forces of nature for many years, a bit of basic preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping it looking great and performing properly over time:
– Wash your exterior siding annually (ideally every spring) using a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush, mild detergent and water to remove built up dirt, debris, pollen and mildew. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pressure washing, which may damage the siding finish.
– Keep trees, shrubs and landscaping trimmed back a safe distance from your home’s siding to prevent branches from scraping against it and trapping excess moisture against the surface.
– Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly and directed to discharge water at least a few feet away from your house to prevent it from running down your siding, which can cause premature deterioration.
– Periodically examine your siding up close, being on the lookout for any visible cracks, gaps, separations or warping that should be repaired promptly to avoid moisture intrusion and further damage.
– If your siding is painted rather than factory finished, watch for the early signs of peeling, blistering or cracking paint, which is a sure indicator that the siding may need to be repainted in the near future.
When you follow these simple yet effective maintenance tips, you can relax and enjoy your home’s beautiful new siding for many years to come without worry.
Turn to the Experts at Wisco Roofing and Windows for Your Siding Replacement Needs
For exceptional quality and service on your Janesville WI area siding replacement project, trust the friendly professionals at Wisco Roofing and Windows. With over 30 years of experience, we’re the local siding replacement contractor homeowners turn to for top-tier solutions, unmatched workmanship, and caring support through every phase. Our highly skilled siding replacement contractors are here to guide you through the process, from selecting the ideal siding to complement your home to ensuring an efficient, precise installation you’ll love for decades. We’re committed to providing an outstanding customer experience and back our work with strong warranties for peace of mind. Ready to start exploring your siding replacement options? Contact Wisco Roofing and Windows today at (608) 563-0542 to request your free consultation and project estimate. We look forward to bringing your vision for your home to life!