Siding

One of the biggest decisions that homeowners make is which siding material to choose. As the most immediately apparent and defining characteristic of a home, a lot of effort goes into choosing the right material, color and style to give the home the precise aesthetic the owner seeks.

This year, there are several siding trends that are influencing the way homes look. From mixing textures to using contrasting siding and darker colors, homeowners are finding exciting ways to maximize their home’s visual appeal.

Here are four siding trends for 2022 that can inspire homeowners who are looking to install new siding or give their current siding a refresh.

1. Mixing Textures

This year, many homeowners are looking to provide their home with an additional layer of visual interest by blending different siding materials, textures and profiles.

For example, some are combining profiles by using fiber cement or vinyl siding on the home with multiple lap exposures on an elevation. Others are varying the direction of the siding using vertical board and batten siding. Not only is this option popular on its own, but it is increasingly being combined with traditional horizontal siding.

Some homes are also achieving a unique look by blending different types of siding materials together. For example, they might use vinyl siding across the lower half of the home with cedar shakes across the upper half. Textures such as steel, brick and stone are also being used to give the home’s exterior greater contrast.

On homes with large facades, combining textures, profiles or materials is a great way to provide some much-needed depth.

2. Fiber Cement Siding

When it comes to materials, fiber cement is being increasingly favored thanks to the many benefits it offers. Chief among them is the fact that it is long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear thanks to its composition of strong materials such as cement and wood fiber.

Another major benefit of fiber cement siding is that it can give a home the look of wood siding without requiring the same amount of staining, repainting and resealing that wood requires. It is also a good choice for homes that are situated in areas where there is a high risk of wildfires thanks to its fire- and heat-resistant qualities.

3. Contrasting Siding Trim

Using siding trim that contrasts with the color of the bulk of the siding is a great way to make a home stand out. This year, black accents are especially popular, particularly when paired with gray siding. Contrasting siding trim works with a broad range of materials, from vinyl to cellular PVC.

4. Dark Colors

In the last few years, dark siding has risen to prominence, and it remains in favor in 2022. Darker shades of siding were often avoided in the past as older materials used for siding tended to fade easily, but newer manufacturing techniques are giving darker siding shades greater lasting power, allowing homeowners to get a striking look without concerns about fading and maintenance.

Darker colors inspired by nature are especially popular right now. Some of the top shades for siding in 2022 include:

• Gray – Gray provides an elegant and dramatic look for those who are looking for something dark without making the statement that black does. It ranges in tonality and undertones, and homeowners are opting for everything from softer and more natural stone grays to grays with a blue undertone. Gray works well with a variety of architectural styles and complements most color palettes.
• Green – Green is one of the most natural color choices for siding, and it is a great way to set a home apart from the others surrounding it without being too bold. This year, sage – a green that is softened with gray undertones – is favored by homeowners who are looking to complement their home’s natural surroundings. Moreover, as a neutral color, it works well with a darker exterior door, shutters and windows.
• Blue – Siding manufacturers report that blue shades have been popular for several years now, but for 2022, bold and vibrant blues are taking center stage. For homeowners who are less adventurous, softer blues can provide a calming and soothing exterior that complements materials such as stucco and stone.
• Brown – Brown shades are in high demand this year, and homeowners are opting for everything from a lighter tan hue to rich, dark coffee browns. Every shade of brown looks good with traditional architecture styles while highlighting the undertones of natural materials such as stone and wood to give a home a calming and natural presence.

Contact The Siding Professionals

Whether you are looking to replace aging siding or give your home’s appearance an update, the experienced siding contractors at Adelphia Exteriors can help you choose the right siding for your home. Reach out today online or over the phone at (703) 386- 7357 to request a free siding evaluation.

Replacing your home’s siding with new and improved siding can increase the value of your home by approximately 76% of the project’s cost, according to Remodeling Magazine. This means the large majority of the money you spend on the siding you can likely get back when you choose to sell your home.

This is in addition to other money-saving benefits new siding can provide, such as improved energy efficiency, storm protection, and the possibility of reduced insurance rates, among other benefits that are discussed below.

How New Siding Installation Can Increase Your Home’s Value

There are several ways that new siding leads to an increased value of your home. Of course, the appraised valuation of your home increases when replacing old siding with new siding.

Additionally, new siding improves the curb appeal for your home, which can lead to a faster sale. There are also cost-savings benefits of new siding as well, such as improved energy efficiency, added protection from weather damage, warranty and replacement coverage, and the possibility of better home insurance rates.

An Increase In Appraised Value

The primary way in which new home siding can increase the value of your home is by simply increasing the appraised home value of your home. An appraised value is an evaluation of your home’s value at a specific point in time that is derived by reviewing comparable properties in your area. If your home has new siding, then this adds value to a home that is essentially identical but with outdated siding.

So what does an increase in appraised value mean? This means that you can list your home for more than you otherwise would and still sell your home for that price, in many cases. You also have more assurance that the closing process goes smoothly as well without any setbacks related to the appraisal process.

Improved Curb Appeal

Many are familiar with what curb appeal means; this is simply a term used to describe the visual value a home has upon seeing it for the first time. The home’s siding is one of the first parts of a home that a prospective buyer notices.

While a dirty, damaged, and outdated home siding can immediately turn away many prospective buyers, newly installed and modern siding material is likely to capture the attention of the prospect at first glance, which can increase the likelihood that you sell your home faster than you otherwise would.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Most homeowners who replace their home’s siding with new siding see a noticeable decrease in their energy costs each month due to the improved insulation their windows provide. Modern siding designs are superior to siding materials from 15 years ago and are better able to keep air inside your home and avoid outdoor air from affecting your indoor temperature. Additionally, your home’s siding loses its climate control capabilities over time due to wear and tear and damage.

Increased Protection From Severe Weather

When your home’s siding starts to age and/or become damaged, then it can lead to an increased vulnerability when bad weather strikes. With outdated or damaged home siding, your home is far more vulnerable to structural damage from heavy winds and rainfall. Mold can settle into holes or gaps of house siding resulting in water damage and subsequent rot to your home’s foundation, which can be costly to repair. New home siding that is professionally installed, however, protects your home in a far superior manner.

Warranty And Replacement Coverage

New siding usually also comes with warranty and replacement coverage as well, whereas outdated siding has in most cases surpassed the warranty coverage time frame. By purchasing from a siding contractor that offers warranty coverage for the materials and their work, you can feel confident that your siding will last for a long time. You are protected from high repair and replacement costs if anything were to happen to your home’s siding earlier than anticipated.

Reduced Insurance Costs

New siding for your home may also lead to a reduction in your energy premiums as well. Many home insurance providers offer discounts when you make your home safer from damage, such as by installing new home siding. Be sure to contact your home insurance provider after you replace your home siding (or ahead of time), and find out if they offer any discounts for the upgrade that can make your home safer.

Contact Our Exterior Professionals To Get Started

The professional siding contractors at Adelphia Exteriors offer home siding installation and replacement services to help you improve the value, curb appeal, and protection of your home. To learn more about our exterior services and how they can benefit you, contact us today. We can guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Vinyl siding should last between 25 and 50 years. In some cases, vinyl siding may last much longer or wear down sooner. There are various factors that can affect the durability of your vinyl, and this review discusses these factors to help provide you with a more precise estimate as to how long your vinyl siding should last.

Vinyl Siding Explained

Vinyl is a type of strong and durable plastic material that is commonly used for residential and commercial siding in the United States. Its popularity is largely due to the combination of aesthetic quality and durability long-term. There are also multiple color and design options for homeowners to consider with vinyl siding as well.

Factors That Affect the Longevity of Vinyl Siding

The longevity of your vinyl siding depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of your vinyl, how well the vinyl siding is maintained, the quality of the vinyl siding installation, and climate conditions. The following is a more detailed look at the durability and life expectancy of vinyl siding.

The Quality of the Vinyl Siding

Perhaps the primary factor in determining the expected lifespan of your vinyl siding is the quality of the siding itself. Not all vinyl is created equal, and some is simply more durable and damage-resistant than others. It is strongly encouraged to spend more initially for higher quality vinyl as this will lead to a return on your investment over time; your siding contractor can help you determine the pros and cons of each vinyl siding brand and choose the most cost-efficient solution for your home.

To be more specific, however, the quality of the vinyl siding largely depends on its degree of thickness; the thicker the siding the longer it is likely to last. Thickness grades can range from .35 millimeters to .55 millimeters (the higher the grade the thicker and more durable the vinyl should be). Thicker vinyl siding usually costs more initially, but it also provides a more attractive appearance, and since it is more durable on average than thin vinyl siding, it usually comes with longer warranty coverage.

How Well the Vinyl Siding Is Maintained

When measuring how long vinyl siding should last, you are essentially asking how long can the siding last before replacement is necessary or is the recommended solution. There are several reasons why vinyl may need early replacement. Notably, siding may need replacement if it becomes damaged or worn down to an extent that it affects the home’s energy efficiency, appearance, and/or safety during bad weather.

With that said, the amount of maintenance that is provided to the siding plays a large role in how long it lasts, and it is easier to repair a small problem or provide preventive service to your vinyl siding rather than wait until larger repairs or replacement is necessary. You can maintain the strength, appearance, and functional capabilities of your vinyl siding by inspecting it for damage once a month and washing it periodically (several times a year or once every time the seasons change).

The Quality of the Vinyl Siding Installation

There is a big difference between professional and DIY vinyl siding installation. Siding installation is often far more complex than it seems, and there are various elements that a professional checks for before they begin vinyl siding installation, such as ensuring there is no underlying water damage that needs addressing.

Additionally, a highly skilled siding contractor is more likely to use higher quality materials, such as corrosion-resistant nails and taping joints. The end result is home siding that looks much better and is expected to last for much longer. Subsequently, it is encouraged to avoid DIY installations and choose a reputable and experienced siding contractor to handle your vinyl siding installation.

Weather Conditions

Of course, weather conditions can also impact the lifespan of your home’s vinyl siding. Extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning can damage your home’s siding earlier than anticipated.

While the weather is out of your control, you can mitigate the risk of wear and tear to your home’s vinyl siding from weather conditions by ensuring you choose durable and thick vinyl and having the siding professionally installed. This is particularly important if you live in an area that regularly receives bad weather throughout each year, such as homes near the coast or in areas where heavy winds or tornados are a possibility.

Adelphia Exterior Offers Vinyl Siding Installation

New vinyl siding is a great way to improve the look and durability of your home. If your existing vinyl is outdated, or if you are interested in replacing your current siding with high-quality vinyl siding (or another high-quality and cost-effective siding material), then call our remodeling contractors at Adelphia Exteriors today to get started.

The process of installing siding on a home can often be long and overwhelming. It typically involves setting a timeline and budget, choosing a material, and hiring a contractor. One other essential step in this process involves measuring exactly how much siding your property requires.

It’s critical to take this measurement as accurately as possible the first time to avoid costly mistakes that result in you going over your budget or extending the timeline of the installation. Here is a closer look at this subject.

How To Measure How Much Siding Your Home Needs

By accurately calculating the amount of siding your house needs, you’ll be able to gain a better sense of how much you’ll spend on this project. The first thing to know about siding is that one unit (i.e. “one square”) equals 110 square feet. Measurements for trim, on the other hand, are in linear feet. According to Forbes Advisor, it typically takes 3 or 4 days to install wood siding on a home, and the average cost of this installation normally falls between $600 and $800 for a wall measuring 16 x 18 feet.

If you choose to install wood (e.g. redwood, oak, spruce, cedar, pine, etc.) siding — which is generally less durable, more expensive, and more difficult to maintain than other siding materials such as vinyl — you can take the following six steps:

• Measure each side of your home’s width and height. You can get the total square footage for each side by calculating the product of these two values.
• Measure other parts of your property, such as dormers and gables. Any triangle-shaped areas should be calculated by multiplying the height and half of the length of the base.
• Measure each door and window’s width and height.
• Add the total square footage for each side and all other areas.
• Calculate the difference between the amount you computed in the previous step and the square footage of your house’s uncovered areas.
• Divide this figure by 100 to determine how many squares of siding you need.

You can use online calculators such as this one to confirm your measurements.

Common Siding Measurement Errors

There are many mistakes you can make if you’re new to measuring siding for your home, but you can avoid three in particular by taking the correct precautions:

1. Not ordering enough siding: As crucial as it is to stay under budget for this type of home project, you also want to make sure you don’t underestimate the amount of siding you need. If you do, your installation will take longer. Remember that wood siding is not as susceptible to damage as other materials, so there is generally less risk of waste.
2. Wrong measurements: As with virtually any other project that involves measuring, it’s always a good idea to measure your home’s total square footage for siding more than once (or to ask someone else, such as an experienced contractor, to confirm your measurements). This can also help you avoid spending more than you need to on siding.
3. Ignoring additional costs: The total cost of siding installation includes more than just the material itself. You also have to consider the cost of trim, sealant (or caulk), flashing, tools, nails, and labor. Be sure to conduct as much research as possible to learn how much each of these things costs, on average, in your area.

Additional Tips For Measuring Siding

Here are three additional tips that can make the process of measuring siding for your home easier:

• Divide irregularly-shaped areas into smaller, traditional shapes. When in doubt about how to calculate the area of an irregularly-shaped area of your home’s exterior, use standard shapes like triangles and squares and relatively simple calculations.
• Add 5-10% extra siding. This will help you factor in mistakes. If you end up with extra siding, you can keep it for a future home project.
• Perform door and window repairs first. Doors and windows represent essential aspects of your home, so be sure to repair your framework first before moving onto siding. An experienced contractor can help you identify and repair any cracks and warping.

Once you’ve measured your home for siding, the next step is to choose a substrate.

Get High-Quality Siding Installation From Adelphia Exteriors

Contact the professionals at Adelphia Exteriors to learn more about how to measure the amount of siding your home needs. Although we began as a small painting company, we have since grown to become a large firm that is dedicated to providing both residential and commercial clients throughout the DC Metro area with high-quality, efficient, and affordable home improvement services such as siding, roofing, and insulation installation and replacement.

At Adelphia, our Northern Virginia contractors understand how important it is for a home to have siding that effectively protects it from inclement weather while keeping the property energy-efficient and warm. They can also provide recommendations on what type of siding you should choose (wood, vinyl, fiber cement, etc.) based on your budget, needs, and goals. Call Adelphia Exteriors today at (703) 386-7357 or contact us online to request a free siding evaluation.

A home’s siding is one of its most evident characteristics (aside from its doors, windows, roof, and gutters) and is typically something that takes significant time and effort to install. From planning to completion, there are several moving parts to siding installation and issues (some of which are unforeseen) that can arise during this process. Here is a close look at how long it takes to install siding.

Siding Installation Timeline

According to Modernize®, it normally takes between 10 and 14 days to install siding on a new house. However, the time frame for this type of project can often vary depending on factors such as your home’s style and size and whether your siding needs painting. The total timeline for siding installation includes the process of removing your current siding, prep, insulation additions, replacing your siding, and any touch-ups, such as trim work.

Considerations That Can Affect Siding Installation

Several issues can affect the timeline of your siding installation, including:

Wood Rot

Wood rot is a classic example of the type of issue that isn’t discovered until you remove your siding. This occurrence can delay your installation for days at a time, depending on the level of rot and the materials you have available to repair the issue.

Toxic Substances

Many homes built before 1979 often contain a host of toxic substances such as asbestos, which is fire-retardant, and lead paint, which can also harm both your home’s interior and exterior. If you or anyone else associated with your property notices these materials (following an inspection or on your own), be sure to alert your siding contractor immediately so that you can efficiently get rid of them.

Damaged Sheathing

Damaged sheathing is also a common issue many homeowners encounter upon removing their siding. It often takes time to repair ruined sheathing, so be sure to hire an experienced contractor. There are several things you can do to repair exterior sheathing rot, including using a good caulk and taping the joints.

Weather Events

Inclement weather such as heavy rain (that leads to flooding), hail, and wind can also impact the timeline of your siding installation. If you live in an area where these types of events are common, be sure to routinely monitor the weather so that you can choose a day with clear skies to have your new siding installed.

Pest Infestations

Many homes can also unfortunately become infested with pests such as rats and insects. If this is the case with your house, be sure to respond promptly and hire an exterminator (or fumigate your home). Pests can easily linger in your gutters, which are generally connected to the siding. Thus, your siding installation can be impacted by these animals.

What Can I Do To Prepare My House For New Siding?

There are many things you can do to ensure that your siding installation goes smoothly, such as:

• Ask your contractor how new siding can impact your downspouts and shutters and whether these must be removed.
• Move objects such as potted plants, outdoor furniture, and garden/lawn care equipment away from your home and trim all shrubs and trees.
• Mow your lawn so that it’s as short as possible just before your new siding is installed. This can help contractors more easily recover loose staples or nails.
• Siding installation is often a loud process. Therefore, try to keep yourself and your family out of the house on this day if possible. If your pets and children must stay home for whatever reason, be sure to monitor them as much as possible and ask the installation crew to be careful around them.
• Provide your contractor with at least one functioning power outlet.
• Park your cars far away enough from your home to minimize the possibility of damage.
• Place a dumpster near your house to throw out debris (you may need a permit for this depending on your homeowner’s association or municipality).

All of these precautions can help make the siding installation process significantly smoother, so be sure to take them, regardless of the type of home you own or the material you want for your siding (fiber cement, vinyl, metal, wood, etc.). Make sure to also maintain clear and effective communication with your siding contractors to avoid costly mistakes and you’ll soon have brand new siding that will make your house stand out more than you could have ever imagined.

Get Efficient Siding Installation From Adelphia Exteriors

Reach out to the professionals at Adelphia Exteriors to learn more about how long it takes to install siding for your home. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality and efficient siding installation services to clients throughout the DC Metro area. Our team members are highly flexible and pay excellent attention to detail. At Adelphia, we understand that siding isn’t simply an aesthetic component of a home.

It also shields your property from adverse weather and insulates your house so that it remains energy-efficient and warm. We can help you by recommending materials for siding based on your needs and budget and by efficiently installing or replacing your siding to increase your home’s value and curb appeal. Call Adelphia Exteriors today at (703) 386-7357 or contact us online to request a free siding evaluation or for more information about our services.

Asbestos fibers were commonly used in siding construction between 1920 and 1980, until the negative health effects of asbestos were discovered. It is important to remove asbestos siding and replace it with a healthy and safe material to avoid symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and tightness, respiratory complications, etc.

This review offers a step-by-step guide to replacing asbestos siding. However, to ensure the safety and efficacy of the project, it is strongly encouraged to hire a professional siding contractor.

The Process To Safely Replace Asbestos Siding

We strongly encourage hiring a professional for asbestos siding replacement as the job can be dangerous and complex. In addition, some municipalities require that you hire a professional. If you live in a municipality that does not require professional replacement of asbestos siding and you choose to do it yourself, make sure you follow the process below and have all the necessary materials and safety equipment listed.

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment, Tools And Materials

The first step is to gather everything you will need for the project. This includes safety equipment, construction tools, and your materials. Specifically, you should gather and organize:

• Polyethylene plastic sheeting
• Asbestos waste disposal bags
• Liquid cleaning detergent
• Disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots
• Safety goggles
• Pry bar and nail puller
• Utility knife
• HEPA respirator
• Garden hose w/ spray nozzle
• Garden pump sprayer

You may need additional materials depending on the type of siding, the age, and environmental factors. Since much of the equipment can be costly, it is often best to hire a professional who already has the asbestos siding replacement equipment necessary.

Step 2: Obtain The Proper Permit And Post Signs

You may also need to obtain a permit depending on the area you live in. You can contact your local permit department, which can either provide you with an asbestos removal permit or direct you to the agency that can. You should also post signs around your property to let visitors and neighbors know to stay away during the duration of the asbestos removal project.

Step 3: Protect Yourself With Safety Equipment

You should make sure you protect yourself properly by wearing all of the necessary safety equipment. This, of course, includes anyone else who is assisting you or who is around the asbestos siding. Most notably, you should wear disposable clothing, gloves, boots, and safety goggles.

Step 4: Remove The Asbestos Siding

Once you are well equipped with safety equipment, the next step is to remove the asbestos siding. You can remove the siding by pulling the nails and prying each panel away one at a time. The goal is to limit how much is broken to reduce asbestos exposure. It is important to keep the siding wet with a soaking solution that includes cleaning detergent and immediately discard the siding into waste disposal bags, ensuring the siding does not touch the ground or any surfaces.

Step 5: Double-Bag Or Wrap Asbestos Containers

Polyethylene bags are recommended for disposing of the asbestos siding. It is best to double bag the asbestos siding to limit the amount of exposure. You can also use asbestos containers and wrap them as well.

Step 6: Clean Your Work Area

You should always keep yourself and the work area as clean as possible through the entire asbestos siding removal process. This should include using a pre-made cleaning solution regularly. Once the project is finished, conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire perimeter of your home.

Step 7: Remove And Dispose Of Contaminated Clothing And Equipment

It is best to dispose of any clothes that you wore while you were around the asbestos siding. Of course, you want to ensure you are not wearing any clothes that you value during the project, in addition to the disposable coveralls and other safety clothing you choose to wear. Any contaminated equipment should be disposed of as well.

Step 8: Remove The Asbestos And Debris

The last step is to remove the asbestos and the rest of the possibly contaminated debris. Find your local disposal site and be sure to clearly mark all asbestos containers. Once you are finished, be sure to take one last long shower.

Once again, given the detailed process and the dangers involved with asbestos siding removal, we strongly recommend and encourage hiring a professional siding contractor to handle the process for you.

Hire A Professional For Asbestos Siding Replacement

The best way to ensure asbestos siding is removed safely is to hire a professional siding contractor. At Adelphia Exteriors, we have years of experience with siding removal and replacement, and we can assist you throughout the process. To learn more and to get the process started, give us a call at Speak To An Exterior Home Contractor (703) 386-7357 or send us a message today.

Asbestos siding poses a health risk to everyone who lives in the home. It is important to identify asbestos siding and properly replace it for precautionary reasons. This review discusses what asbestos siding is, what the signs are, and when to consider a professional siding inspection to check for asbestos.

What Is Asbestos Siding?

Asbestos fibers were often used to reinforce residential siding materials. This was done before the health concerns of asbestos fibers were realized. Although asbestos fibers are no longer added to siding material, many older homes still have it within their siding material, which can pose health risks.

The potential side effects of asbestos include shortness of breath, wheezing, a persistent cough, tightness in the chest, facial swelling, weight loss, and a loss of appetite. It is important to identify whether or not your home has asbestos siding before these potential side effects develop.

What Are The Signs Of Asbestos Siding?

The best way to determine if you have asbestos siding is to have a siding professional inspect it. If necessary, they can have it tested to verify if your home has asbestos siding. However, there are also signs of asbestos siding that homeowners can check.

These warning signs include a manufacturer that is known to have produced asbestos siding, siding that was installed between 1920 and 1980, multiple nail holes at the bottom of shingles, 12 x 24 shingles, and grooves or wood-grain patterns. The following is a more detailed look at each potential sign of asbestos siding.

The Manufacturer Produced Asbestos Siding

If you know the specifics of your home’s siding, such as the manufacturer and the year that it was installed, then you can contact the manufacturer to determine if they have ever used asbestos in the past. In addition, many newer siding shingles have a manufacturer code on the back of them.

You can check this manufacturer code to determine if your home’s siding is asbestos free. Asbestos siding is not likely to have a manufacturer code that is visible, but you may be able to determine whether the siding contains asbestos by checking if there is a manufacturer’s code.

The Home Is Built Between 1920 And 1980

Asbestos siding was most commonly used between 1920 and 1980. This is particularly true for siding that is cementitious, although it may exist in other siding materials as well.

If your home was built between these years and the original siding has not been replaced, then there is a relatively good chance that the siding contains asbestos, and you should strongly consider ordering an inspection with a licensed siding professional. Homes that were built after 1980 or before 1920 are far less likely to contain asbestos, but it is encouraged to verify this is the case for precautionary reasons.

Multiple Nail Holes At The Bottom Of Shingles

There are design and installation aspects of asbestos siding that are different from modern siding. Notably, this includes multiple nail holes at the bottom of the shingles. In addition, asbestos siding shingles typically have a more dense aspect and efflorescence, which is characterized as a white or grayish tint that results from salt deposits that remain after water evaporates.

12 x 24 Inch Shingles

Another common sign that your home’s siding may contain asbestos is the size of the shingles. Manufacturers that produced asbestos siding usually used 12 x 24 inch shingles. Of course, shingles that have these sizes do not necessarily mean that your siding has asbestos, but it should be considered a possible sign, especially if there are other signs that indicate the possibility of asbestos siding.

Grooves Or Wood-Grain Patterns

Asbestos siding often contains grooves or wood-grain patterns that are not commonly seen in more modern types of shingles. One way to determine if your home’s siding may have asbestos is to compare the pattern of your shingles with more modern shingles that do not contain asbestos. If your shingles are similar to modern designs or do not have grooves or wood grain patterns, then it is less likely that the shingles contain asbestos.

When To Consider A Siding Inspection For Asbestos

If you have concerns that your siding contains asbestos based upon the warning signs, then we encourage you to schedule a siding inspection. If your siding contains inspection and/or is outdated, then siding removal and replacement are recommended. This can increase the value of your home and keep you safe from any health concerns that asbestos siding has been known to cause.

If you are concerned your home’s siding may contain asbestos, then we encourage you to reach out to Adelphia Exteriors by phone or message today for an inspection in the northern Virginia area.

By properly preparing your home and siding for the arrival of the siding contractor, you can help ensure a fast and successful professional siding installation project. This review offers insights into exactly how you (the homeowner) can prepare for a siding installation.

7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For A Siding Installation

You can prepare your home for siding installation by removing unwanted boards, installing flashing and insulating sheathing, removing outdoor furniture that could cause delays, trimming shrubbery and trees around your home’s siding, and removing valuables from the interior walls.

The following is a more detailed look at each tip for preparing your home for a siding installation.

1. Remove Loose, Rotten, Or Outdated Boards

Boards that are rotted will need to be removed. The siding contractor can handle this for you, or you can remove the rotted boards yourself if you know how to do so. Boards that are loose may need removal as well, or they may be able to be nailed securely into place. Outdated boards that are no longer in optimal condition will need replacement as well. In some cases, shutters and downspouts also require removal before siding installation begins.

2. Install Flashing to Direct Water Away From Your Home

Flashing guides water away from your home to prevent build-up along your home’s foundation. Flashing is strongly encouraged (if not required) during a siding installation project if your home does not currently have it in place. Aluminum trim coil material works well for home flashing as it is highly resistant to water and damage. Flashing should be installed below, on the sides of, and above any openings (i.e. windows).

3. Consider The Installation Of Insulating Sheathing

The sheathing is the interior layer that provides a nailing base and an extra layer of protection from weather elements. You may need to replace your existing sheathing if it is outdated or damaged.

We recommend choosing a sheathing material that offers optimal insulation. In addition, some building codes require the installation of a weather-resistant barrier over the sheathing as well for added protection. This can help you keep your energy costs down each month and can reduce the risk of water damage inside your walls and home.

4. Remove All Outdoor Furniture That Could Cause Delays

Outdoor furniture and other equipment around the perimeter of your home can get in the way of the siding installation team, leading to delays as they have to move the furniture to a safe place. By moving the furniture (and other equipment such as lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, etc.) that are along your home’s siding, you can speed up the siding installation process.

5. Trim Shrubbery And Trees Around Your Home’s Exterior

Shrubbery and trees that block your home’s siding can make it challenging for the siding installation team. While preparing your home for a siding installation, consider trimming back any branches and bushes that may obstruct the contractor’s ability to reach all areas of the home’s siding.

6. Removal Valuables On The Interior Of Your Home’s Siding

Home siding installation often requires nailing boards and panels into place. This may lead to vibration on the interior portion of the home, particularly on the other side of the exterior siding. In some cases, this can lead to wall decor and other valuables to fall from the walls. To prevent this from happening, be sure to take down any valuables that are hanging or against the walls inside your home.

7. Turn Off Power To Exterior Lights

It is also important to shut off the power to exterior lights, skylights and other electronic fixtures that could cause an electric shock to minimize the risk for the siding installation team. Be sure to also notify them that the fixtures are turned off or let them know beforehand if you are unsure of how to shut off the power to exterior fixtures.

When To Consider Siding Installation For Your Home

Your home may need siding installation if your siding panels or boards are or look outdated or damaged. Siding can last between 15 and 40 years depending on the material chosen, and outdated or damaged siding can begin to affect the curb appeal of your home, lead to higher energy costs each month, and make your home less resistant to heavy rainfall and storm damage.

The best way to determine if a siding installation is recommended for your home is to schedule an inspection with a licensed professional siding contractor.

Contact The Siding Installation Pros At Adelphia Exteriors

You can reach one of our dedicated siding installation professionals at Adelphia Exteriors by giving us a call or contacting us online today. We are glad to answer your initial questions and help you get started with siding installation. We can ensure you are well prepared each step of the way.