There is a vast difference between shingle roofing systems and wood siding installation. Siding is what holds the roof to the house and is what you see when you look out your window or walk through your neighborhood. You might not even notice it because siding protects your roof from rainwater, wind, and snow. When you buy a new house, the siding is usually the first thing you notice, so you should make sure it looks good. It’s important that the siding you choose matches your home and does its job. Otherwise, you will just be wasting your money.

When choosing a wood siding installation, your best bet is to consult with local building codes and get recommendations from professional siding contractors. The recommended overlaps for various siding profiles can be found in the attached siding books. Most professional industry standards for adequately installing materials come from manufacturers and trade groups in the residential construction industry. Homebuilders, however, generally follow manufacturer instructions for their projects. Natural wood siding installation usually requires special tools and techniques. Qualified Siding Contractors will tell you which type of wood is best for your home based on climate and other environmental factors.

If you are installing real wood siding, you might want to check with your city government to find out if the sidings have to go through a certain certification process. Certification ensures that your sidings are durable and will withstand weather and environmental extremes. You might also want to ask your contractor if there are any zoning restrictions regarding installing vinyl sidings. Some areas require that sidings be finished with a wood exterior while others don’t.

There are many things to consider when planning a wood siding installation. The first thing is whether to use aluminum or vinyl sidings. Aluminum sidings can be painted to match your home and come in various colors and patterns. Vinyl sidings are more permanent and can also be painted to blend with the appearance of your home’s exterior. Both materials are more expensive than wood siding but tend to last longer without needing to be replaced as often.

Next you need to calculate your wood siding costs according to square footage. For instance, a single story home may cost less to install because there are fewer panels to cover the entire roof. For double or even triple stories you will need to calculate the same wood siding installation costs for each floor, since the number of panels will increase dramatically. You should also figure in labor costs for finishing and installation workers, since they may add significantly to the final price.

One of the most expensive wood siding installation mistakes is to choose inferior materials or to install wood siding materials that peel or crack. You should always purchase starter strips in order to keep your house looking good after it has been installed. Starter strips are available from hardware stores and from online suppliers. Once you have chosen the type of starter strip you want, you should always buy a few extra packs in case you might want to use different colors or sizes when installing the sidings. Wood siding installation starter strips come in a wide array of colors and styles and are easy to install if you follow the directions carefully.

Another thing to consider when you’re planning your wood siding installation is whether you will purchase ready to install sidings or if you will use do-it-yourself kits. Ready to install sidings have everything pre-cut and ready to start building your home. However, do-it-yourself kits may be less expensive but take longer to build than the kits that come with the sidings. Installing sidings yourself can also be rewarding if you have some knowledge on woodworking because this task requires precise measurements and a lot of handiwork.

Another important consideration when doing wood sidings installation is the selection of the right siding nails. The right air space between the edge of siding nails and the surface of the wall is critical. Air space helps prevent moisture from penetrating into the wall joints, which could lead to rotting or peeling. It’s a good idea to consult a professional before choosing air space between your siding nails.