When the rainy gray clouds move across Portland every winter, homeowners find themselves paying attention to the fact that their siding is beginning to wear out. The next question is, should you wait till spring to replace it? The question is not a yes or no. The winter siding project in the Portland distinct climate is a sensitive call, which has both considerable advantages and actual setbacks. This guide will take you on a tour of all you should know to make a good decision.
Can You Replace Siding in Winter? The Portland Perspective
It is true, you can change your siding during winter. In cases involving common problems such as rot, mold, or structural water damage that are urgent, time can be used to aggravate the situation, resulting in much costlier repairs. Winter installation is not always the best idea, but with correct planning and skills, it may be relatively successful.
The winters in Portland are not as severe as in other areas of the nation, yet they have their major drawback in the form of constant rain. One of the local contractors observes that the rains are heavy during the winters in Portland, and this is the reason why replacing siding is not usually a good idea during this season. But other professionals confirm that it can be done with the proper methods and equipment; it is not impossible. Your circumstances, the materials used, and your contractor are what can make it or break it.
Benefits of Winter Siding Replacement
Choosing a winter project isn’t without its advantages, which can be compelling for many homeowners.
- Easier Scheduling & Potential Savings: Siding contractors are not as busy during winter. This translates to the fact that you are probably going to receive a more convenient schedule, a faster project turnaround, and even a discount than those two busy seasons (spring and summer).
- Repair Quickly: If the subwall you are inspecting has rot or water damage, do not wait until spring to repair it; this will provide plenty of moisture all winter to cause even more damage. A winter replacement prevents damage to its tracks.
- Reduced Disturbance in Outdoor Living: Your garden is not in blossom, and you are not as likely to be using your deck or patio. This will reduce the effects of the project on your pleasure in your outdoor space.
Challenges of Winter Siding Replacement
The potential drawbacks are primarily weather-related and must be seriously considered.
- Moisture/ Rain: Portland faces its greatest winter challenge. Siding in wet conditions may tend to trap water behind the new panels, thus resulting in rot and mold. Moreover, fiber-cement siding slicing can cause dust, which, combined with precipitation, may produce a cement-like slurry that will leave a permanent stain on the panels.
- Temperature Issues: There are materials that are cold-sensitive. An example is the vinyl siding, which can get brittle in the case of freezing and therefore is likely to crack during handling and installation. Proper installation methods must be put in place, considering the thermal expansion and contraction.
- Reduced Daylight Hours: The reduced time of daylight may result in a time extension of the project, since the crews have less time to work every day.
Material Considerations for Winter Installation
Your choice of siding material greatly influences a winter project’s success.
- Vinyl Siding: Vinyl is cheaper; however, it is more susceptible to cold. When it gets cold, it contracts and may become brittle, so the installers need to leave proper expansion gaps. When it is fitted very snugly when it is cold, it may buckle up as the temperature increases.
- Fiber-Cement Siding (e.g., James Hardie): It is more likely to be a better winter option. Fiber-cement does not experience problems associated with expansion/contraction on temperature fluctuations, as seen in vinyl, and it is rot-resistant. The only warning is not to install during the rainy period, as there is a problem with cutting dust.
Whether it is a house wrap or not, the installation of a sound weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) is not open to debate in Portland. This coating plays a vital role in controlling the heavy moisture and keeping out the air, and safeguarding the fabric of your home.
How to Ensure a Successful Winter Siding Project
If you decide to proceed, these steps are essential for a positive outcome:
- Select a Local, Experienced Contractor: This is the most important thing to do. An experienced contractor in Portland will be aware of how to operate in winter, when it is dry, and will have ways of installing that are appropriate to cold and wet conditions.
- First Important: Weather Barrier: This is one area you should not compromise on, and make sure you have a strong house wrap and have it fitted well, all the seams sealed well with tapes. It is the leading waterproofing of this house against winter.
- Schedule Strategically: Discuss the timing of the project with your contractor to schedule it during a drier season, like a break between rainstorms. Other house owners have been successful scheduling late winter when El Niño trends are drier.
- Proper Pre-Installation Inspection: Before laying down the new siding, a reputable contractor will totally remove the old siding and thoroughly inspect the subwall to determine whether there is any hidden damage to the subwall.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Then can you sideline in Portland during the winter? The response is an affirmative no, with a qualified yes as far as preparation and staff are concerned.
Depending on the state of your house, your preferred material, and most importantly, the experience of your contractor, is the determinant of this decision. Waiting until spring could be a wise decision in favor of non-emergency updates, in favor of good weather. For the damaged siding or those who need to have flexibility in their schedules, a winter project can be a good option.
Let Clear Choice Windows & Doors Guide You
It is more convenient to sail through these decisions by having a reliable expert. We have almost 20 years of experience working with Tigard and Portland, as well as nearby areas, which makes us more aware of the complexities of exterior work in our climate.
We provide consultations without any obligation, which are transparent to examine your siding needs. We are structured to give you clear choices and fair prices so that you have all the facts to make the most appropriate choice for your home regardless of the time of the year.
Don’t let the winter weather leave you guessing. Contact Clear Choice today for a free, in-home consultation. Call us at (503) 643-3887 or visit our website to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a beautiful, durable exterior.
Recent Comments