So, you're thinking about new siding for your house. That's a big project, no doubt, and a smart one, especially with our crazy Lehi weather. But before you even pick out colors or materials, there's a crucial step: getting the old siding off. It's not just ripping it down; there's a lot more to it than most folks realize. I get a lot of questions about this part of the job, so I figured I'd lay out the honest answers to the most common ones I hear.
Do I really need to remove my old siding, or can I just go over it?
This is probably the question I hear most often. And the short answer? You should almost always remove it. Look, I know it seems easier and cheaper to just slap new siding right over the old stuff. Some contractors will even tell you it's fine. But here's the deal: when you cover old siding, you're often covering up problems. You can't inspect the sheathing underneath for rot, mold, or insect damage. You also can't properly seal up air leaks. Plus, adding a second layer of siding adds weight to your home's structure, and it can make your window and door trim look recessed and, well, just plain odd. If you've got old, wavy siding, the new stuff will just follow those same imperfections. For a job done right, one that'll really last, take the old stuff off. It's an investment in your home's health, not just its looks.
What kind of mess should I expect during siding removal?
Let's be frank: it's going to be messy. You're literally tearing material off the outside of your house. There will be dust, debris, nails, small pieces of old siding, and possibly insulation. We do our best to contain it, using tarps and setting up designated waste areas. We'll have a dumpster on-site, and we're constantly cleaning up as we go to keep the work area safe and as tidy as possible. But don't expect your yard to look pristine during the process. We'll do a thorough cleanup at the end of each day and a final sweep when the job's done, but plan for some temporary disruption. It's just part of the process.
How long does siding removal usually take?
That really depends on a few things: the size of your house, the type of siding we're removing, and how many layers there are. A smaller, single-story home with one layer of vinyl siding might only take a day or two. A larger, two-story home with old, nailed-on wood or fiber cement siding, especially if there are multiple layers or a lot of intricate architectural details, could take several days, maybe even up to a week. We'll give you a more accurate timeline once we've assessed your specific home. We always work efficiently, but we don't rush. Rushing leads to mistakes, and that's not how Classic Siding Inc operates.
What happens if you find damage underneath the old siding?
This is a common concern, and it's exactly why we recommend removing the old siding. If we find rot, water damage, or structural issues with your sheathing or framing, we'll stop work and bring it to your attention immediately. We'll show you exactly what we've found, explain how bad the damage is, and discuss the best course of action. We can often handle minor repairs ourselves, but for more extensive structural issues, we might recommend bringing in a specialist. We'll give you an estimate for any additional work needed before proceeding. It's an unexpected cost, sure, but it's far better to fix these problems now, while everything's exposed, than to cover them up and let them get worse.
Can I stay in my house during siding removal?
Absolutely, most people do. It's not usually necessary to vacate your home. However, you should expect some noise, especially during the day, and possibly some vibrations. We'll be working around your house, so access to certain areas might be temporarily restricted. We'll communicate with you about our daily plans and any areas we'll be focusing on. We also recommend keeping pets indoors and supervising children, just for safety, as there will be tools and debris around. We try our best to minimize disruption to your daily life.
What about lead paint or asbestos siding?
This is a serious question, and it's something we take very seriously. If your home was built before 1978, there's a chance the old paint could contain lead. If it was built before the 1980s, especially if it has old fiber cement shingles, there's a possibility of asbestos. We're trained to identify these materials. If we suspect lead paint, we'll follow specific containment and disposal protocols to keep everyone safe. If we suspect asbestos, we'll recommend testing. If it tests positive, we'll advise you on the necessary steps, which usually involves bringing in a certified asbestos abatement company. This isn't something to mess around with; safety is always our top priority, and we comply with all EPA and local regulations. We see a lot of older homes in the Willow Creek area of Lehi, for example, where this is a real consideration.
What happens to all the old siding material after it's removed?
We're responsible for properly getting rid of all the old siding and construction debris. We'll load it into a dumpster that we arrange to have on-site. Depending on the material, some of it can be recycled. For instance, old vinyl siding can often be recycled, and we try to do that whenever possible. Other materials, like old wood or fiber cement, usually go to a landfill. We make sure everything is handled according to local regulations. You don't have to worry about hauling anything away; that's all part of our service. We'll leave your property clean and ready for the new siding installation.