When is the best time to install new siding?

Does it matter when you replace your siding? As long as it gets done, that’s what counts, right? 

Well, actually, it turns out that’s not quite true, especially if you’re installing vinyl siding. This is because vinyl is susceptible to extreme temperatures, so experts warn that replacing your siding in winter or the summer could impact the quality of your installation. Plus, there are some parts of the year when you could save money installing siding! 

If you’d like to know the short answer, installing new siding in the fall is usually best, but the longer answer needs a little more explanation. Read on to find out more about the best time of year to install new siding. 

Installing new siding 

Many homeowners love to undertake interior renovations, whether it’s to boost your home’s property value, add some personality to your home, or modernize facilities. 

However, don’t forget about the outside of your home too. Replacing your siding is crucial to ensure your curb appeal stays high and your home is protected. Thankfully, installing new siding isn’t a regular occurrence and only needs to be done if your siding is 10-15 years old or there are signs of damage and deterioration. 

So, when’s the best time of year for a siding installation? 

Thanks to its affordability, durability, variety of styles, and low maintenance, vinyl siding is one of the most popular installation options.

However, vinyl can also be challenging to install in certain temperatures; for example, scorching hot or ice-cold days don’t create the optimal conditions for installing vinyl siding. If installed in the wrong climate, it can create long-lasting issues in the functionality and structure of your home. 

Summer

Over time, sun and heat exposure is one factor that leads to the gradual deterioration of vinyl siding. While it will last 10-15 years, remember, vinyl is plastic and will mildly morph, stretch and expand if exposed to high temperatures for a long time. 

This isn’t a problem once it’s installed, but it can make installing siding complicated. For example, if you install vinyl siding on a red-hot day in the summer, the vinyl could end up expanding as much as five-eighths of an inch, which would then contract in winter. This can cause structural challenges, as well as create aesthetic issues. 

There are ways to install siding in the summer; just ensure that you work with a contractor that understands the challenges of vinyl siding and will work to counteract the expansion. There are a few ways to do this, for example, not nailing panels in completely so that they have enough space to contract. 

Winter

While summer is less than ideal for installing siding, winter at the other end of the temperature spectrum is also not ideal. Installing siding on a cold winter’s day can cause most siding materials to contract and become brittle in the cold. This can make it difficult to install, as trying to affix the siding to your home could lead it to crack or break. 

The contraction happens across all the materials, including width, which can cause issues if the siding panels are secured too tight. When the temperatures heat up, the siding will expand and could crack or become dislodged. Additionally, it can even create pressure on windows or doors and cause damage as the siding expands. 

Generally, we wouldn’t recommend installing new siding below 50 degrees. 

Spring

While spring brings more stable temperatures, it typically means more rainy days. The rain itself won’t cause any challenges to siding that has already been installed on your home; it’s when your home is exposed during siding installation that you could run into issues. 

Exposing your home’s walls and sheathing could lead to mold, as it’s a highly favorable environment for mold to develop and settle in. As well as being detrimental to your home’s stability, it can also be damaging to your health. 

However, spring temperatures are ideal, and if you can keep an eye on the weather to avoid a storm, you could be in luck. 

Fall

Despite the difficulties and risks to siding that we’ve laid out above, many homeowners still choose to get siding installed during the summer and winter, often because they might have more time to work through their renovation lists and think ahead to the holidays.

However, those dry, crisp fall days are perfect for installing siding. Plus, lower demand means that you could save money, as there are more siding contractors available, and materials will be in less demand. 

Another benefit of choosing fall to install your siding is that you’ll be prepared for the winter. New siding is an excellent way to ensure your home is adequately insulated, protecting you from freezing temperatures and wet or icy weather. This is because new siding protects your home from moisture and helps to insulate your home, in turn lowering your energy bills as you lose less heat from inside. 

While many siding professionals agree that fall is the perfect time for siding installation, spring, cool summer days, and milder winter days could also work. You’ll just need to be flexible and work with your siding contractor.

Choosing the best material for your siding installation

If you already have vinyl siding, that doesn’t mean you have to choose vinyl for your new siding. Vinyl is just one of the most popular siding types, as it is durable, affordable, easy to clean, and is available in a variety of colors and styles.

In fact, replacing your siding allows you to completely change the look and feel of your home, whether you’re trying to up your curb appeal or opt for a new style. Different materials will offer their own design factors, and the most popular siding options are vinyl, metal, pine & cedar, stucco, brick, and fiber-cement. All options have pros and cons, offering unique style and color choices. 

Ready to install new siding? 

Our siding experts are on hand to make the process as easy as possible for you. Our siding installation service will keep your home protected from the elements and your curb appeal high for years to come. 

Plus, you’re automatically eligible for our Customer for Life program when you hire Arrow! We send out one of our experts free of charge each year to conduct a thorough 5-point inspection of your home, including an annual roof & gutter inspection!

Get in touch today for siding installation services in Leawood, Prairie Village, Lansing, Olathe, Less Summit, Shawnee, Overland Park, Raymore, Kansas City, Lenexa, and the nearby areas. Simply drop us a call at 1-913-703-3000 or contact us online to get started.