What to Expect During Siding Installation

Getting new siding installed is a significant home improvement project, and knowing what to expect can help the process go smoothly. Whether you're replacing worn-out siding or upgrading to a more durable material, understanding each phase of installation helps you prepare properly and reduces stress. Here's what Lake County homeowners can expect during a professional siding installation.

Before Installation Day: The Planning Phase

The work begins long before any siding goes on your home. Proper planning ensures a successful installation that lasts for decades.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step is a thorough evaluation of your home's exterior. During this visit, your contractor will:

• Measure your home's exterior: Calculate square footage for all walls, accounting for windows, doors, and architectural features
• Inspect existing siding: Check for underlying damage, rot, or structural issues that need addressing
• Evaluate wall sheathing: Ensure the substrate is sound and can support new siding
• Discuss material options: Review different siding types suitable for Florida's climate
• Address moisture concerns: Check for proper drainage and moisture barriers

Choosing Your Siding Material

For Florida homes, material selection is critical. Your options typically include:

• Vinyl siding: Most affordable, low maintenance, available in many colors
• Fiber cement (James Hardie): Excellent durability, resists humidity and termites
• Aluminum siding: Won't rust, reflects heat, long lifespan
• Engineered wood: Natural appearance with better moisture resistance than real wood

Your contractor should explain how each material performs in Florida's hot, humid climate and help you choose based on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance tolerance.

Getting Your Estimate

A detailed written estimate should include:

• Material costs: Siding, trim, accessories, and underlayment
• Labor costs: Installation, tear-off of old siding if needed
• Disposal fees: Removal and proper disposal of old materials
• Permits: Required in most Lake County municipalities
• Timeline: Expected start and completion dates
• Warranty information: Both manufacturer and workmanship warranties

Permits and HOA Approval

In Florida, siding installation typically requires permits:

• Building permit: Required in most jurisdictions for siding replacement
• HOA approval: If you live in a community with an HOA, you'll need written approval before work begins
• Color and material restrictions: Some communities limit your options
• Inspection requirements: Plan for municipal inspections during and after installation

Your contractor should handle permit applications, though HOA submissions usually require homeowner involvement.

Preparing Your Home for Installation

Proper preparation protects your property and helps the crew work efficiently.

Exterior Preparation (1-2 Days Before)

• Move vehicles: Clear the driveway and areas near walls being sided
• Remove outdoor furniture: Patio sets, grills, and decorations should be stored safely
• Trim landscaping: Cut back bushes and branches touching the house (at least 3 feet clearance)
• Protect delicate plants: Cover plants you can't move with tarps or plastic
• Note sprinkler locations: Mark sprinkler heads to prevent damage
• Secure pets: Keep dogs indoors or away from the work area

Interior Preparation

• Remove wall decorations: Vibrations from installation can knock items off walls
• Protect fragile items: Move breakables away from exterior walls
• Expect noise: Siding installation is loud; plan accordingly if you work from home
• Ensure electrical access: Crews may need to plug in tools

What Your Contractor Should Do

Before installation, a professional contractor will:

• Deliver materials: Siding, trim, and accessories arrive on-site
• Set up staging area: Establish where materials will be stored and cut
• Review the work plan: Confirm the installation sequence with you
• Identify utility lines: Mark locations of gas, electric, and water lines

Day 1: Tear-Off and Inspection

If you're replacing existing siding, the first day focuses on removal and inspection.

Removing Old Siding

The crew systematically removes existing siding:

• Section-by-section removal: Prevents exposing large areas to weather
• Careful extraction: Avoiding damage to underlying sheathing
• Debris management: Old siding loaded into dumpster or truck
• Salvaging reusable pieces: If matching old siding elsewhere, some pieces may be saved

Exposing What's Underneath

Removing old siding often reveals issues that weren't visible before:

• Wood rot: Common in Florida due to humidity and rain
• Termite damage: A reality in our region that must be addressed
• Moisture damage: Water intrusion from failed caulking or flashing
• Outdated moisture barriers: Old housewrap or felt paper that needs replacement
• Sheathing damage: OSB or plywood that has deteriorated

Addressing Underlying Issues

Before new siding goes on, problems must be fixed:

• Replacing damaged sheathing: New OSB or plywood installed where needed
• Treating or replacing rotted wood: Crucial for preventing future problems
• Termite treatment: If active infestation is found, treatment is essential
• Structural repairs: Addressing any framing issues

These repairs may add time and cost, but skipping them guarantees future problems.

Day 2-3: Moisture Barrier and Prep Work

With a clean, repaired substrate, the crew prepares for siding installation.

Installing the Moisture Barrier

Proper moisture management is critical in Florida's humid climate:

• Housewrap installation: Tyvek, felt paper, or similar products create a weather barrier
• Proper overlapping: Upper sheets overlap lower sheets to shed water
• Sealing penetrations: Windows, doors, and utility penetrations are sealed
• Tape at seams: All joints and tears are sealed with appropriate tape

Installing Trim and Accessories

Before main siding panels go up, trim pieces are installed:

• Starter strips: Guide the first course of siding
• Corner posts: Inside and outside corners are finished first
• J-channel: Installed around windows and doors to receive siding edges
• Utility trim: Allows siding to lock under eaves and overhangs
• Drip cap: Installed above windows and doors to direct water away

Window and Door Preparation

Special attention goes to openings:

• Flashing installation: Proper flashing prevents water intrusion
• Caulking: High-quality, paintable caulk seals gaps
• Trim verification: Ensuring all trim is level and secure

Days 3-7: Main Siding Installation

This is when your home's appearance really starts to transform.

The Installation Process

Siding goes up systematically:

• Starting at the bottom: First course snaps into starter strip
• Level and plumb: Each course is checked for alignment
• Proper nailing: Siding is nailed through designated slots, not too tight
• Expansion gaps: Room is left for thermal expansion (especially important in Florida's heat)
• Staggered seams: Overlaps are staggered for better appearance and weather resistance

Working Around Features

Skilled installers carefully work around:

• Windows and doors: Precise cuts for clean fits against trim
• Electrical boxes: Outlets and fixtures are accommodated
• Vents and exhausts: Dryer vents, bathroom exhausts, and other penetrations
• Hose bibs and utilities: Proper clearance and sealing
• Architectural details: Gables, dormers, and other features

Quality Checkpoints

Throughout installation, the crew should verify:

• Alignment: Horizontal courses should be level
• Fastening: Nails centered in slots with proper pressure
• Fit: Panels lock securely together
• Appearance: Consistent color and pattern

What Happens During a Typical Installation Day

Understanding the daily rhythm helps you plan around the work.

Morning Arrival

• Crew arrives: Typically 7:30-8:00 AM in Lake County
• Site setup: Ladders, scaffolding, and tools positioned
• Material staging: Today's siding and supplies organized

Work Hours

• Peak productivity: Morning through early afternoon
• Breaks and lunch: Crew takes normal breaks
• Afternoon work: Continues until 4:00-5:00 PM typically
• Weather adjustments: Rain may cause delays or early stops

End of Day

• Site cleanup: Debris removed, materials secured
• Protection: Exposed areas covered if work isn't complete
• Progress update: Crew leader may discuss the day's progress

Weather Considerations in Florida

Florida's weather affects siding installation in unique ways.

Rain Delays

Siding installation requires dry conditions:

• Morning showers: May delay start but work can proceed after drying
• Afternoon thunderstorms: Common in summer; crews may stop early
• Extended rain: Multiple days of rain can significantly extend timelines
• Moisture concerns: Housewrap and sheathing should be dry before covering

Heat Considerations

Florida's heat affects both materials and workers:

• Vinyl expansion: Installed loose to allow for heat expansion
• Worker safety: Crews may start earlier to beat afternoon heat
• Material handling: Some materials become more pliable in extreme heat
• Summer adjustments: Projects may take slightly longer in peak summer

Hurricane Season Planning

If your project spans June through November:

• Weather monitoring: Contractors watch tropical developments
• Securing materials: Materials must be secured if storms approach
• Work acceleration: May increase crew size if storms are forecast
• Potential delays: Active hurricane season can extend timelines

Final Steps: Completion and Inspection

The last phase ensures everything is done correctly.

Finishing Touches

As installation wraps up:

• Final trim installation: Last pieces of trim and accessories
• Caulking: All gaps and seams sealed
• Touch-ups: Any minor issues addressed
• Hardware reinstallation: Shutters, house numbers, and fixtures go back

Site Cleanup

A professional contractor leaves your property clean:

• All debris removed: Old siding, cut-offs, and packaging disposed of
• Nails collected: Magnetic sweep of driveway and yard
• Landscaping restored: Plants uncovered, furniture can return
• Final sweep: Work areas cleaned

Walk-Through Inspection

Before final payment:

• Joint inspection: Walk the entire project with your contractor
• Check details: Verify all trim, caulking, and flashing is complete
• Note any concerns: Address issues before crew leaves
• Review maintenance: Learn how to care for your new siding

Municipal Inspection

If permits were pulled:

• Inspection scheduling: Contractor arranges final inspection
• Inspector visit: Building official verifies code compliance
• Permit closure: Documentation that work was done properly

Timeline Expectations

How long does siding installation take? It depends on several factors.

Average Timeline by Project Size

• Small home (under 1,500 sq ft): 3-5 days
• Average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): 5-7 days
• Large home (2,500-4,000 sq ft): 7-10 days
• Very large home (4,000+ sq ft): 10-14 days

Factors That Extend Timelines

• Extensive repairs needed: Rot, termite damage, or structural issues
• Complex architecture: Multiple stories, dormers, or intricate trim
• Weather delays: Rain, extreme heat, or storm threats
• Material changes: Custom orders or color changes mid-project

Realistic Expectations

Add buffer time to any estimate:

• Best case: Quoted timeline
• Typical case: Add 1-2 days for minor issues
• Complex projects: Add 3-5 days for unexpected repairs

Communicating with Your Contractor

Good communication ensures a successful project.

Before Work Begins

• Confirm start date: Get specific dates in writing
• Establish point of contact: Know who to call with questions
• Discuss daily updates: Agree on how you'll be kept informed

During Installation

• Daily check-ins: Brief updates on progress and any issues
• Immediate notification: If problems are discovered or changes needed
• Approval for changes: Any scope changes should be discussed before proceeding

If Issues Arise

• Document concerns: Take photos and notes
• Communicate promptly: Don't wait until the end to raise issues
• Request written change orders: For any modifications to the original scope

After Installation: What's Next

Your new siding is up, but a few things remain.

Initial Care

• Wait to clean: Give caulk time to cure (typically 24-48 hours)
• Avoid pressure washing: Can damage new caulk and sealants
• Inspect after first rain: Verify water sheds properly

Understanding Your Warranty

• Manufacturer warranty: Typically covers material defects for 25-50 years
• Workmanship warranty: Covers installation issues (varies by contractor)
• Keep documentation: Store warranty cards and receipts

Ongoing Maintenance

Florida conditions require attention:

• Annual inspection: Check for damage, loose pieces, or caulk failure
• Gentle cleaning: Rinse periodically to remove dirt and mildew
• Trim vegetation: Keep plants away from siding
• Address issues promptly: Small problems become big ones if ignored

Ready for Your Siding Project?

At Pro Specialty Services, we guide Lake County homeowners through every step of the siding installation process. From initial consultation to final inspection, we keep you informed and your home protected. Our experienced crews understand Florida's unique challenges and install siding that performs beautifully for decades.

Contact us to schedule your consultation and get a detailed estimate for your siding project. We'll explain exactly what to expect and keep you informed every step of the way.