So, you're thinking about new siding for your house here in Lawrence. Good call. It's a big investment, and naturally, you've got questions. I get 'em all the time. Instead of just rattling off answers one-on-one, I figured I'd put together a list of the most common things people ask me about siding installation. This isn't marketing fluff; it's what I've seen and what you need to know.
How long does a siding installation typically take?
That's probably the most frequent question I hear. Everyone wants to know how long their house is going to be a construction zone. The truth is, it varies a lot, but I can give you a general idea. For an average-sized home here in Lawrence — say a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot ranch or two-story — you're usually looking at anywhere from one to three weeks. Smaller, simpler homes might be quicker, maybe even under a week if everything goes smoothly and the weather cooperates. Bigger, more complex homes with lots of gables, bump-outs, or intricate trim work can push it closer to three or even four weeks. Things like unexpected rot behind the old siding, or really bad weather (think those spring thunderstorms we get here in Kansas), can definitely add time. We always try to give you a realistic timeline upfront, but it's good to build in a little buffer for the unexpected, right?
Do I need to be home during the installation?
Not really, no. We're working on the exterior of your home, so we don't typically need to come inside. We will need access to electricity, usually an outdoor outlet, and sometimes a water spigot for cleaning. We'll also need a place to set up our equipment and store materials, which usually means a clear driveway or a section of your yard. We'll discuss all that before we start. Most homeowners just go about their daily lives – head to work, run errands, whatever. We'll keep you updated on progress, and if anything comes up that needs your attention, we'll certainly give you a call. The main thing is to make sure pets are secured and any valuable outdoor items are moved out of the work zone.
What happens to my old siding? Do I have to deal with disposal?
Absolutely not. That's our job. When we give you a quote, it always includes the complete removal and disposal of your old siding. We'll tear it off, load it into a dumpster, and haul it away. You won't have to lift a finger or worry about finding a landfill. It's all part of the service. We make sure to clean up the site thoroughly at the end of each day and especially when the job is done. We're talking magnets for nails, sweeping up debris – we don't want you stepping on anything or your kids finding a stray piece of old siding. We take pride in leaving your property cleaner than we found it, except with shiny new siding, of course.
Will new siding really lower my energy bills?
It can, yes, but it's not a magic bullet. New siding itself, especially if it's installed with an insulated backing or over a house wrap, definitely adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. This can reduce drafts and help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If your old siding was cracked, warped, or had gaps, you're probably losing a lot of conditioned air, and new siding will make a noticeable difference. However, if your attic insulation is poor, or your windows are old and leaky, new siding alone won't solve all your energy efficiency problems. It's one piece of the puzzle. We often recommend pairing new siding with good quality house wrap and sometimes an additional layer of rigid insulation for maximum impact, especially with the wild temperature swings we get here in Kansas.
What kind of warranty do you offer on the installation?
That's a critical question you should always ask any contractor. At Lawrence Siding Pros, we stand behind our work. We offer a solid warranty on our installation labor, typically for X years (I'd specify the exact number here if this were a real post, but let's say 5-10 years for this example). This covers any issues directly related to how we put the siding on – things like improper fastening, flashing problems, or anything that's clearly a fault in our workmanship. The siding material itself comes with its own manufacturer's warranty, which can be anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the product you choose. We'll go over both warranties with you in detail so you know exactly what's covered and for how long. Make sure you get all this in writing, always.
What should I do to prepare my home for the siding crew?
Good question! A little prep on your part can make the whole process smoother. First, clear anything away from the perimeter of your house – patio furniture, grills, planters, garden hoses, anything you don't want to get dusty or potentially damaged. If you have any delicate plants or shrubs right up against the house, you might want to cover them with tarps. Take down anything hanging on your exterior walls, like decorative signs, light fixtures (if you're replacing them, otherwise we'll work around them), or hose reels. Make sure your driveways and walkways are clear for our trucks and equipment. Inside, if you have anything fragile hanging on walls that are directly being worked on, especially on the second floor, you might want to take them down temporarily. The vibrations from the work can sometimes cause things to shift. And like I mentioned earlier, secure your pets. We don't want any furry friends getting out or getting scared by the noise.
That covers most of the common questions I get. If you've got more, don't hesitate to ask. That's what we're here for.