|
|
Grand Rapids Remodeling | Preparing for Installing Vinyl Siding
Installing vinyl siding is a relatively easy task and can add instant curbside appeal. No matter what style or color is chosen there is quite a bit of preparations before the actual installation. It would be ideal to have a homes exterior a monolithic slab with no obstructions. Of course we all know that this will never be the real world. Downspouts, cable, electric and gas meters are just a few of the obstructions that have to be considered before a Grand Rapids remodeling vinyl reside project.
The prep can make the project go smoothly and quickly without long stoppages. The following article is meant to be a general guide for preparation to install vinyl siding. Electrical meters and conduit can be the biggest holdup on a vinyl reside. There are two options when considering the homes electric. The first options are to just “J” channel up to the meters housing and mast. Although this method negates pulling the meter it is rarely done by a professional crew due to the aesthetics of the finished product and the chance for water intrusion. Pulling meter and mast away from the home is the better alternative. The vinyl siding panels are uninterrupted and clean and there is no chance for water to get behind the siding. Also if somewhere down the line the power company installs a different style meter it will not affect the exterior.
Whenever pulling the homes electric meter the power company must be notified. The power utility company takes a very dim view of just prying the meter off the side of the house, and if that’s done there is no way to reattach it. The power company must be contacted and an appointment scheduled. During peak times of the year the appointment might take 3-4 weeks. It is for this reason this is the first step.
The gas meter sometimes can be an issue. Although many gas meters have been swapped for the new sensors which normally can just be unscrewed and gently pulled out an inch to accommodate the width of the siding, many old style meters still exist. They usually are attached by a bracket and screws. It is a simple step to back the screws out and pull the meter away to provide clearance. Once the “J” channel and siding are nailed up the screws can be driven back in.
Often there are telephone and cable lines that are attached to the exterior. Do not bury the lines behind the siding. Once buried, the lines can never be followed if there is a problem and there is the potential to drive fasteners blindly through the cables with other projects. Unattach all these lines saving a couple of fasteners that can easily be taken out when the siding is being installed. There usually are other items that can be left till the siding begins such as exterior lights, postal boxes and downspouts. Obtain the tools and drivers to remove them but wait till the installation of “J” channel and corner posts begins. Be sure to walk the perimeter of the home and identify as many potential issues as possible to make the installation process go smoothly.
Installing vinyl siding is a relatively easy task and can add instant curbside appeal. No matter what style or color is chosen there is quite a bit of preparations before the actual installation. It would be ideal to have a homes exterior a monolithic slab with no obstructions. Of course we all know that this will never be the real world. Downspouts, cable, electric and gas meters are just a few of the obstructions that have to be considered before a Grand Rapids remodeling vinyl reside project.
The prep can make the project go smoothly and quickly without long stoppages. The following article is meant to be a general guide for preparation to install vinyl siding. Electrical meters and conduit can be the biggest holdup on a vinyl reside. There are two options when considering the homes electric. The first options are to just “J” channel up to the meters housing and mast. Although this method negates pulling the meter it is rarely done by a professional crew due to the aesthetics of the finished product and the chance for water intrusion. Pulling meter and mast away from the home is the better alternative. The vinyl siding panels are uninterrupted and clean and there is no chance for water to get behind the siding. Also if somewhere down the line the power company installs a different style meter it will not affect the exterior.
Whenever pulling the homes electric meter the power company must be notified. The power utility company takes a very dim view of just prying the meter off the side of the house, and if that’s done there is no way to reattach it. The power company must be contacted and an appointment scheduled. During peak times of the year the appointment might take 3-4 weeks. It is for this reason this is the first step.
The gas meter sometimes can be an issue. Although many gas meters have been swapped for the new sensors which normally can just be unscrewed and gently pulled out an inch to accommodate the width of the siding, many old style meters still exist. They usually are attached by a bracket and screws. It is a simple step to back the screws out and pull the meter away to provide clearance. Once the “J” channel and siding are nailed up the screws can be driven back in.
Often there are telephone and cable lines that are attached to the exterior. Do not bury the lines behind the siding. Once buried, the lines can never be followed if there is a problem and there is the potential to drive fasteners blindly through the cables with other projects. Unattach all these lines saving a couple of fasteners that can easily be taken out when the siding is being installed. There usually are other items that can be left till the siding begins such as exterior lights, postal boxes and downspouts. Obtain the tools and drivers to remove them but wait till the installation of “J” channel and corner posts begins. Be sure to walk the perimeter of the home and identify as many potential issues as possible to make the installation process go smoothly.
FAQ