Can You Replace Siding in the Winter? Pros, Cons, and What To Expect
Winter isn’t the most popular time for home improvement projects, but that doesn’t mean homeowners can’t be proactive in Minnesota’s chilliest months. The key to successful winter siding replacements is working with an experienced professional who understands how to handle the materials safely and protect your home from damage.
What Is the Process Like for Cold-Weather Siding Projects?
To replace siding in the winter, contractors focus on managing temperature fluctuations to avoid damaged materials. While previous iterations of vinyl siding were vulnerable to cracks and splintering in cold weather, today’s materials are more durable and remain workable at temperatures below 35 degrees.
Vinyl is popular for cold areas because of its affordability and durability, but fiber cement is also a reliable choice for Minnesota homes.
When installing all-new siding in winter, experienced contractors will slow down their work to remove and replace the siding in sections. Removing the siding all at once, as one might in the summer months, would leave homeowners exposed to the winter chill and compromise weatherproofing.
This approach can delay the process somewhat, but it better protects the insulation and leaves the home warmer during the project. Additional delays can arise during extreme temperature fluctuations because extreme temperatures below freezing make vinyl siding difficult to work with and compromise contractors’ safety.
Specifics of an Expert’s Approach to Winter Siding Installation
Experienced contractors also approach cutting the material with additional care during the coldest months, as vinyl sections can expand by up to a half inch when summer rolls around. This makes it vital to account for the expansion in every cut, especially around window casings and doors where the siding can buckle if it expands too much.
Experts also consider this expansion when nailing the siding in place, as it needs to be secure enough to withstand the wintry winds but not so tight that it can’t expand freely in the hot months without buckling.
Pros and Cons of Replacing Siding in the Winter
It can be worth it to replace siding in the winter when approaching it carefully, but the process has benefits and drawbacks. The benefits of cold-weather siding repairs include off-season discounts with siding professionals and the potential to address failing siding immediately before the rest of the winter season, which can cause structural weather damage.
The cons of winter installation include the following:
- Issues with overnight temperature drops causing sudden expansion/contraction in vinyl sections
- Slower installation process and potential below-freezing delays
- Potential failure of adhesives
Homeowners can typically avoid the worst of these issues by working with a seasoned remodeling professional. These experts have experience with the local climate and understand the need to cut larger sections of material to accommodate shrinkage and the importance of cold-weather adhesives that withstand sudden fluctuations.
Only replace siding in the winter with an expert who will protect your home from damage and emphasize proper waterproofing and insulation during the installation process.
Trust Elite Remodeling Services With Your Home
It takes a seasoned professional to replace siding in the winter. Elite Remodeling Services offers expert siding services to Minnesotans throughout the year, including the coldest months.
Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of winter siding projects and offers seamless installation that doesn’t compromise your safety or comfort. Allow our contractors to tackle your winter siding project to ensure high-quality, lasting work that protects your home from damage in every season.
Our experienced team is proud to serve Minnesota residents in the following areas: Farmington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, and all surrounding cities.
Call 952-646-2480 to professionally replace siding in the winter months.
