How Long Does Vinyl Siding Installation Take?

Low maintenance. No painting. Durability. These are some of the main reasons why homeowners choose vinyl siding for their homes. While vinyl siding is designed to last for decades, it will eventually need to be replaced after wear and tear. So when it’s time, how long does vinyl siding installation take? 

When Is It Time For a Vinyl Siding Replacement?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular home siding options — and for good reason. It’s a durable material that’s affordable and comes in a wide range of colors. Still, even this durable material eventually succumbs to wear and tear. It’s important to know when it’s time to replace your old siding.

Is the Siding Damaged?

Vinyl siding is pretty resistant to damage from things like hail and falling branches. However, that doesn’t mean it can never happen. If your vinyl siding has started looking damaged with cracks or holes, then it’s time to replace it.

Siding is often damaged from weather conditions or (believe it or not) landscaping. If shrubbery or trees are directly against your home’s exterior, they could scratch or damage the siding. Regularly clearing out your gutters is another way to extend your siding’s lifespan. Overflowing or clogged gutters and downspouts can pull on siding to cause damage.

Is the Color Faded?

Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, but it won’t fade like paint because it’s not simply applied to the surface; they are actually infused into the PVC during manufacturing so they don’t chip or peel like paint will. However, direct sunlight will eventually start to fade the color. This may be a good indicator that it’s time for a replacement.

If the color of your siding fades, there’s a chance your siding will still be under warranty, so check with your retailer.

Is the Siding Worn Out?

If your vinyl siding is worn out, it can make your home look dated. You’ll want to replace it with new siding that will improve the exterior appearance of your home. If you’re planning to sell your house, new vinyl siding will add value and attract potential buyers. 

What Affects the Siding-Replacement Timeline

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability, versatility and low maintenance. In fact, vinyl siding is the most popular home siding in the U.S. Vinyl siding is easier to install than other types of siding materials, making it a popular choice among homeowners and DIY-ers.

The vinyl siding installation timeline can take anywhere from one day to a week depending on the size of your home and the amount of siding being replaced. However, several factors determine the expected time frame for new siding installation.

Installing vinyl siding can be done by almost anyone with average carpentry skills and common tools. With some care, you should be able to install your new vinyl siding without the help of a professional contractor.

For the best results, follow the instructions that come with your vinyl siding carefully. Though vinyl siding is easy to install, it still requires a bit of planning. Draw a plan before you start so that you know how much material you will need, where your lines will run, and where your windows and doors are located.

Remove old materials such as existing siding before installing your new vinyl siding. Remove trim boards along outside walls as well as any nails or screws. Be sure to leave the exterior sheathing behind the trim boards in place; this is what the new vinyl will go on top of.

The biggest factor that affects siding replacement timelines is the size of the house. Naturally, larger houses with greater square footage will take longer to install than smaller homes. The more windows and trim your home has will add time as well to remove and replace siding. A home with more peaks, trim, and soffits will take longer to replace than one without them. More peaks or dormers will add extra labor time since they need to be measured and cut by hand. As you can imagine, the more square feet, the higher the average cost of installation when hiring contractors. However, vinyl siding is easy to install yourself if you want to eliminate all installation costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

While it’s possible to install your new vinyl siding yourself, is it better to just hire a professional siding contractor? Of course, hiring a contractor adds a labor cost to the overall siding project. While some think it’s worth adding to the overall vinyl siding cost, it’s not difficult to install.

To ensure that the siding job is done properly, most vinyl siding comes with easy-to-follow instructions. Installing siding is an easy DIY home improvement project. 

Vinyl Shake Siding Installation

When you think of vinyl siding, you probably think of the typical straight, horizontal siding. However, cedar shake vinyl siding offers the same benefits as traditional vinyl with an elevated style. However, installation may differ depending on the type of siding.

Cedar shake wood siding has a beautiful texture that many people love the look of, but they’re high maintenance. They have to be re-painted or stained every few years to keep that beautiful appearance. They are also susceptible to water damage and attract wood-eating insects and birds. Vinyl shake siding has the same look and texture as real cedar shakes but never needs painting or staining because of its durability and weather resistance. At Factory Direct Siding, the color is built into the vinyl so you won’t need a touch-up or paint.

Add Curb-Appeal With Premium Vinyl Shake Siding 

At Factory Direct Siding, home improvement is a breeze. Get the look of real cedar wood siding with all the benefits of vinyl siding. How long does vinyl siding installation take? We ship our siding with instructions that any DIY-er could follow for no additional installation cost! Plus, choose from over 35 color choices (double the amount of color options as competitors like James Hardie Siding). Contact us today to get started.