If your home's siding looks old and won out, it's time to give your home a fresh new look. If your siding is many years old, there may be new options for you to consider for new siding. The first step is to have a siding contractor come to your home to give you an estimate for the work. They can help you compare different types of siding and their costs. Here's a look at the home siding installation process.

The Old Siding Has To Come Off

It's possible to have new siding put on top of old siding sometimes, but you'll need to discuss the pros and cons of this with the contractor. It may be best to tear off the old siding and underlayment so the contractor can check the wall for water damage. If the plywood is wet, it will probably need to be replaced. Once all the rotted material is removed and new dry plywood is in place, the underlayment can go on.

Underlayment And Siding Are Installed Next

Underlayment, or house wrap, is a water-resistant membrane that goes over the plywood to protect it from water damage. If water gets behind the siding, it will roll down the house wrap instead of soaking into the plywood. Once the house wrap is on, it's time to install the siding. Each type of siding has its own installation method.

For instance, vinyl siding has to be kept loose and hung from the walls since it expands and contracts with weather conditions. A home siding installation contractor knows the right way to install each type of siding, so they'll take the approach that's needed for your siding to have a long life. This also applies to adding insulation.

Some siding comes with insulation attached to the back of it. You might want insulation installed in wall cavities inside, or you might want foam installation sprayed on the outside before putting up the siding. All of these details are worked out in advance before installation begins. Siding is applied by starting at the bottom and working to the top.

Care is taken around windows and door frames to not leave gaps but to allow space for expansion and contraction if needed. It might be possible for the work to be completed in a single day, but it may take multiple days. Your home siding installation contractor may do a side of your house at a time so your home doesn't have to be exposed overnight with no siding.

For more information, contact home siding contractors near you.