Thinking About New Siding? Here's the Deal.
So, you're eyeing your house, maybe the old siding looks a little tired, or you're just itching for a fresh look. New siding can seriously transform a place, not just boosting curb appeal but also protecting your home from our wild North Platte weather. Those summer hailstorms and brutal winter winds? They're no joke. But hold on a minute. Before you jump in, you've got to figure out: is this a DIY job, or is it time to call in the pros?
I've been in this business a long time, seen countless homes around here. From the older spots downtown to the newer builds out by Lake Maloney, I've seen 'em all. And let me tell you, there's a big difference between watching a few YouTube videos and actually installing siding the right way. Let's break down what you really need to know.
Before You Even Think About Tools
First things first: planning is absolutely everything. You can totally handle this part yourself, and you should. Here’s what you need to nail down:
- What kind of siding? Vinyl is super popular because it's easy on the wallet and doesn't need much looking after. Fiber cement (like Hardie Plank) is tougher, looks sharp, but costs more. Wood siding? Beautiful, yes, but it demands more upkeep. Do your homework, think about your budget, and what kind of look you're going for.
- Measure, measure, measure. Get really accurate measurements of all your walls, gables included. Don't forget to subtract windows and doors, but remember you'll need extra material for waste and overlaps. Always buy about 10-15% more than you calculate. Trust me, it's way better to have a few extra pieces than to run out when you're halfway done.
- Check your local codes. North Platte has building codes you'll need to follow. A quick call to the city's building department can save you a massive headache down the road.
- Inspect your sheathing. This step is critical. Before any new siding goes up, the wood sheathing underneath has to be in good shape. If you find rot, water damage, or mold, you've got to fix that first. This is where a lot of DIYers get in over their heads. If you spot significant damage, that's a big red flag to call a pro.
- Gather your tools. You'll need a good tape measure, tin snips, a utility knife, a level, a chalk line, a hammer or nail gun, a zip tool (for vinyl), and safety gear – gloves, eye protection, you know the drill.
During the Installation: Where DIY Gets Tricky
Alright, so you've planned, you've got your materials. Now for the actual work. Here's what you can realistically do yourself, and where you might just hit a wall.
What you can probably DIY:
- Removing old siding. If it's vinyl or aluminum, taking it off is usually pretty straightforward. Just be careful not to damage the sheathing underneath.
- Installing house wrap. This is a crucial step for keeping moisture out and improving energy efficiency. It's not too hard to install house wrap correctly, making sure to overlap seams and tape them up tight.
- Basic straight runs. If you're just tackling a simple, straight wall with no windows or doors, putting up vinyl siding can be manageable for someone who's handy. You'll start with a starter strip, then work your way up, locking each piece into the one below it.
When to seriously consider calling a pro (like us at Valley Siding Inc):
- Cutting around windows and doors. This demands super precise measurements and cuts to get a tight, waterproof seal. Flashing around these openings is absolutely essential to prevent water from getting in. If you mess this up, you're looking at rot and mold later.
- Working with gables and complex angles. Cutting siding to fit gables, especially with different pitches, is tough. It takes practice and specialized tools to get clean, professional-looking cuts that fit snugly.
- Multi-story homes. Safety is a huge concern here. Working on ladders or scaffolding at height is dangerous, especially when you're also trying to handle long pieces of siding. We've got the right equipment and training for this kind of work, you know?
- Fiber cement or other heavy materials. These aren't like vinyl. They're heavy, they're brittle, and they need special cutting tools (often with dust collection systems because of silica dust). It's a much more involved process.
- If you find unexpected issues. Remember that sheathing inspection? If you tear off the old siding and find extensive rot, pest damage, or structural problems, that's a job for a professional contractor. You really don't want to just cover up bigger issues.
- Time is money. A professional crew can side a house in a fraction of the time it would take a homeowner. If your weekends are precious, hiring out might just be worth it.
After the Install: Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Once the siding is up, you're not entirely done. You'll want to do a thorough walk-around. Check all seams, make sure everything is locked in, and look for any gaps. If you did the work yourself, you'll be responsible for any touch-ups or repairs. If you hired us, we'll make sure it's perfect before we leave.
Maintenance for most modern sidings, especially vinyl, is pretty minimal. A good wash with a hose and a soft brush once a year usually does the trick to get rid of the dust and grime that builds up from our dusty Nebraska winds. Keep an eye out for any loose pieces or damage, especially after a big storm. Catching small issues early can prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Look, I'm not saying you can't tackle some home improvement projects yourself. There's a real sense of accomplishment in that. But when it comes to something as important as your home's exterior, which protects your biggest investment, sometimes it's smarter to bring in someone who does this every single day. We know the ins and outs, we've got the tools, and we stand by our work. If you're on the fence, give Valley Siding Inc a call. We're happy to talk through your project and give you an honest opinion.