Siding is a great addition to your home’s exterior. Not only is it capable of adding flare to your rather boring façade, but it may also function as an extra shield against the elements. Having siding installed on your home or building, however, is not a simple work. Here’s what you need to know about siding installation and finding the right contractor for the job.
Siding Thickness
Although this seems to be a generic question, it can reveal a number of things that are critical to your decision-making. First off, the thickness of the siding depends on the type and quality of the material it is made of. Most popular choices these days are vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and metal. Standard vinyl siding is between 0.035 and 0.055 inches thick, and since it is basically made of plastic, it may come in slightly thinner pieces than wood and fiber cement. The same can be said about metal siding, which may exhibit strength and durability despite being slightly thinner than other materials.
The Best Time to Install Additional Insulation
Unfortunately, no matter how sturdy and tight you think the walls are, some of your home’s energy is still leaking through it. That’s unless you have premium grade insulation in place. If you don’t have one, then it’s time you consider installation of siding on house. Adding insulation is an entirely different project, though, and so it may cost almost just as much as the siding installation. Better discuss this with your contractor so that they can give you cost-saving options.
When to Secure Permit for the Installation
Any significant structural work requires a permit issued by the local government. As to whether or not siding installation qualifies as a significant structural work depends on its nature and scope. If it’s simply replacing a few broken slats or if you are only installing siding on top of an existing one, usually no permit is needed. But if you are planning to dismantle and replace everything, your contractor has to secure permit. The whole point of this process is for the local government to make sure that the project conforms to building standards.
Contractor License
It’s important to note that builders have to obtain permits before they handle any kind of project. In some states, the government requires separate permits for each major kind of work. For instance, electrical and plumbing system installations are often performed by contractors that are licensed to do those kinds of work. Their license is usually based on certain qualifications, such as having licensed electricians and electrical engineers or plumbers and mechanical engineers in their team. In the case of siding installation, the contractor must have a separate license proving that they indeed have expertise in all projects related to siding.
Being inquisitive when you are evaluating a siding contractor will help you avoid making wrong decisions. If you have further questions about the things you should know about siding installation, reputable siding contractors in Chicago like Muller Exteriors can surely provide useful answers.
