Exterior vinyl siding often lasts for decades and only needs the occasional rinse from a garden hose. Vinyl lasts much longer than wood or aluminum, with none of the maintenance headaches.
That said, your home’s exterior is still constantly exposed to the elements, which means it will eventually wear out. When that happens, it’s not only unsightly, but it can also lead to high energy costs and expensive repairs if you don’t replace it.
If your home could use a vinyl siding replacement, you might be asking if there’s an ideal time of year to take the plunge with your siding project. The short answer is “yes”.
It turns out that there are right and wrong seasons to replace vinyl siding. Read on to learn about when to schedule a replacement so you can get the best results and save money too.
Why Do Seasons Matter for Vinyl Siding Installation?
Compared to other siding materials, such as wood and aluminum, vinyl is a more durable option. That’s why 32% of new homes use vinyl siding. Vinyl doesn’t rot, warp, or catch fire like wood can. It also doesn’t rust, lose its finish, or conduct electricity the way aluminum siding can.
Plus, vinyl doesn’t need to be repainted like wood and aluminum siding. You’ll only need to use a hose and some gentle soap to get vinyl back to its original appearance.
That said, one important consideration with vinyl is that it can be sensitive to temperature and weather conditions. It gets brittle in cold weather and expands in the heat.
While it won’t warp in the same way wood does, vinyl requires the proper installation to work to its full potential. It requires a specific nailing technique to allow it to naturally expand and contract with the seasons. But luckily, once it’s installed you won’t have to worry about this natural movement. That’s why installation is so critical.
High Temperatures Make Summer Installation Hard On the Siding
With more free time and lighter schedules, many homeowners are often ready to tackle home improvement projects in the summer months. The trouble is, busy contractors lead to higher prices and longer wait times.
Plus, the hot summer temperatures can also damage the siding itself. Heat makes the vinyl material expand, which can lead to issues during installation and cracks the winter as the siding contracts.
Keep in mind that a skilled contractor will still be able to install siding in the summer. So, if you’ve lost siding to storm damage, don’t wait until fall to replace it. Waiting can compromise the walls of your home and lead to more damage.
When a contractor installs the siding, they’ll have to carefully nail it down. If they nail it too tightly, it can break or crack when the temperature drops. If you’re attempting a DIY installation, it’s wise to avoid it in the summer, especially if you’ve never installed siding before.
Installing Siding During Winter Can Be a Hassle and a Liability
Aside from the snow and freezing weather that comes with winter, the cold temperatures make it the worst time of year to install vinyl siding. (Vinyl gets very brittle in cold weather so it can splinter or crack when you nail it on.)
Plus, it will be difficult to find a siding contractor who’s willing to do the outdoor winter siding installation. The winter weather can be hard on their crews as well as their machinery, and can also lead to higher pricing because of the inconvenience.
If there are multiple cracks in the siding during cold weather installation, you might have to pay for more materials to replace it. This can also prolong the construction time which is frustrating for everyone involved.
Spring Installation Can Lead to Moisture Damage
Spring is also not a great time for siding installation, because it often comes with heavy rain, which can lead to water damage.
If you’re replacing missing siding, water can seep under the siding and damage the walls of your home. Before fixing missing siding, make sure that you or your contractor look for structural damage.
Autumn Is the Perfect Time for New Vinyl Shake Siding
In most climates, fall is often the season with the mildest temperatures. The summer heat has receded, but the chill of winter hasn’t set in yet. That makes fall the ideal time to install new siding because you won’t have to worry about extreme temperatures.
Extreme cold or hot weather makes vinyl siding harder to install and more prone to breakage. You’ll get the best results when the weather is mild. Plus, many suppliers are often trying to clear out the inventory by the fall to make room for the new collection in the winter. That means you can often find many types of siding at discounted prices.
When you’re able to pay a lower price for siding and installation, you’ll get an even better return on investment for your home improvement project, and new siding will instantly refresh your curb appeal.
Siding professionals also often note a slow down in business during the fall. That means you might end up paying less for labor costs than you would in the busy spring and summer seasons.
Even better yet, installing new siding in the fall will also insulate your home from the cold winter temperatures. This will keep your home more comfortable and it may even lower your heating bills throughout the winter.
Is It Time for a Vinyl Siding Replacement?
If your vinyl siding is cracked or broken, it’s time for a vinyl siding replacement. For the best results, schedule a replacement from siding professionals in the fall.
If you’re looking for a great selection of vinyl shake siding, Factory Direct Siding can help. Shop our full collection of vinyl shake siding today.