Can I DIY My Siding Installation?

Consider These 7 Things Before Attempting to Do It Yourself

Influencers and home remodeling TV stars make it all look so easy. They show off their do-it-yourself projects from start to finish, barely batting an eye when an obstacle crosses their paths.

Watching them may have made you think, “I could do that!”

For some projects, you probably can. But is siding installation one of them? To find out, ask yourself these seven questions.

Siding Installation How-to: What Do You Know?

If you’re considering installing your own siding, your first step is understanding the process from start to finish.

You’ll want to know how to:

• Remove your old siding.
• Install a barrier to protect your home from moisture.
• Install the new siding, and add trim around windows and doors.
• Consider whether there is adequate flashing around your doors and windows to prevent the collection of rainwater behind your siding.

This is the general process for all types of siding, but other types of siding or home styles may require additional steps. For example if you’re asking, “How do I install vinyl siding?,” you’ll need to know how to install a starter strip – the first piece of siding that helps keep everything else level.

Do You Have Siding Installation Tools?

Like any household DIY project, installing siding requires tools that you may not already own.

If you’re wanting to install siding yourself to save money, you’ll rapidly reduce your overall savings by purchasing the right power tools and hand tools.

Are You Confident You Can Prevent Rain Leaks?

Siding makes your home beautiful, but it also functions as a protective barrier. When properly installed, siding keeps rain and other outdoor moisture out. Even a tiny gap in your siding can let in water, and it only takes a little bit before real trouble begins.

Once water gets inside, you will see evidence of it, such as water-damaged walls, ceilings, and floors. If the water doesn’t dry out, you risk mildew and mold growth.

Inside your walls, mold might weaken the studs that hold up your house. Mold not only affects the structural integrity of your home, but it can make you and your family sick. You might begin experiencing breathing problems, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and coughing.

Mold remediation can be expensive and difficult, so it’s better to prevent it altogether with proper siding installation.

Do You Have Access to Quality Siding Installation?

Big box hardware stores stock basic materials in small quantities. Without construction knowledge, you may not be able to judge the quality of materials when making your selection, and the stores in your area may not carry what you want.

If you’re attempting DIY siding installation, you may have to place a special order to get what you need. Then, you’re at the mercy of manufacturers and distributors. You may also have to work with delivery drivers if you don’t have your own way to get your supplies back home.

Supply ordering and management is a multi-faceted process that can be time consuming and frustrating, especially if the quantity of siding pieces you need is unavailable. Depending on where you live, you may not have many options for sourcing these materials. However, professionals have access to wholesale suppliers and manufacturers that put them at an advantage.

Are You Prepared For Surprises?

Remodeling projects often come with unexpected surprises and costs. Professionals learn to anticipate these surprises and prepare for whatever happens next. House age, condition, and even location give professionals clues about what they might encounter.

When attempting DIY siding installation, you’ll need to create a plan for how you’ll address these surprises and fit them into your budget and timeline. In addition to knowing how to install siding, you’ll also need to know how to fix these new issues.

Do You Have the Time For Siding Installation?

Home renovation TV shows and social media remodelers make project timelines seem fast through the magic of editing. In reality, most home projects take much longer than you’d expect, especially if it’s your first time tackling one.

Experienced crews can install new siding on a house in as little as a couple days. Without the expertise and a sizable team to do the work, your installation could take weeks or months, depending on the amount of free time you have.

Extended timelines for siding installation are not recommended, because it can expose your home’s sheathing to the elements without the protective layer siding provides. This can allow in water and pests, as well as make your heating or cooling system less efficient.

Are You Physically Prepared?

Installing siding is physically demanding and requires multiple people to get the job done. Long pieces of siding, for example, can be floppy and unwieldy, so you’ll need a partner to help you move and hold them.

Consider the repetitive movement installing siding entails. Do you have what it takes to hammer nails into framing and siding, over and over again? Do you feel coordinated enough to carry heavy supplies up a ladder?

So, Should You Try DIY Siding Installation?

Siding professionals don’t recommend attempting a DIY project because of the depth of knowledge, skill, time, physical effort, and materials required. To avoid frustration and fatigue, call a professional siding company to help you. A pro can help you avoid the pitfalls of DIY home projects and make your home exterior beautiful.