James Hardie Siding Installation in Royal Oak MI: The First Few Days
We are a few days into a James Hardie siding installation in Royal Oak MI, and this project is already a great example of why the work behind new siding matters so much.
The finished siding will eventually get most of the attention. However, the first few days of a siding project often involve a lot of prep work. That has definitely been the case on this Royal Oak home.
After removing the existing vinyl siding, our crew uncovered an older layer of asbestos shingle siding underneath. Before moving forward, we needed to properly prepare and encapsulate the existing surface.
Brandon has been on site throughout this stage of the project, working with our crew and keeping an eye on the details.
We also had another supervisor watching closely. The homeowner’s golden retriever spent plenty of time at the front window making sure our guys stayed on task.
Starting With the Existing Vinyl Siding
When we arrived, the home still had its existing vinyl siding.
Before installing the new James Hardie siding, our crew began by carefully removing the vinyl. Tear-off gives us a much better look at what is actually underneath the exterior.
Sometimes we find exactly what we expect.
Other times, an older home gives us a surprise.
This Royal Oak house gave us one.
Once the vinyl came off, we discovered a hidden layer of older asbestos shingle siding.
This is also why we like documenting our projects with photos. We have photos of the home before work started and after the vinyl came off. You can clearly see how much can be hidden behind an exterior that looks fairly straightforward from the street.
Homeowners considering a similar project can read our frequently asked questions about siding replacement to learn more about what goes into replacing siding.
Preparing for James Hardie Siding in Royal Oak MI
A siding transformation does not happen the moment the first new piece of siding goes up.
There is a lot of work that happens first.
On this project, our crew spent the first few days tearing off the existing siding and preparing the exterior for the new James Hardie installation.
Proper preparation gives the new siding system a solid, consistent surface. It also gives our crew an opportunity to address details before they disappear behind the finished exterior.
It isn’t necessarily the most exciting part of a siding project, but it is one of the most important.
We would rather take the time to get the preparation right than rush to start putting new siding on the house.
If you’re researching the product itself, our guide to James Hardie siding in Michigan covers why we recommend fiber cement siding for Michigan homes.
Discovering Asbestos Shingle Siding Under the Vinyl
The biggest surprise came during tear-off.
Underneath the vinyl siding was a layer of older asbestos shingle siding.
Older homes throughout Metro Detroit can have several generations of exterior materials hidden underneath what you see today. That’s one reason homeowners don’t always know exactly what is behind their current siding until work begins.
Rather than disturbing the existing asbestos shingles unnecessarily, the system called for encapsulating the existing layer before moving forward.
Our crew installed 1/4-inch fan fold insulation over the existing surface. We then installed house wrap as part of the preparation for the new siding system.
The result is a properly prepared exterior that allows us to move forward with the James Hardie installation.
We took photos throughout this process. They show the exposed shingles, fan fold installation, house wrap, and our crew completing the prep work.
We recently documented similar behind-the-scenes preparation during a siding replacement project in Dearborn. That project also shows why house wrap and other details deserve attention before the finished siding goes up.
Why Siding Prep Work Matters
Homeowners understandably get excited about siding colors, profiles, trim, and the finished appearance.
We do too.
But there is a lot happening underneath the siding that you will never see once the project is complete.
The first few days can involve tear-off, inspection, preparation, flashing details, weather-resistant barriers, and working around windows, doors, corners, and other exterior features.
Every house is a little different.
That is especially true with older homes in Royal Oak. You never know exactly what previous owners or contractors may have installed over the years.
Taking the time to prepare everything correctly helps set up the rest of the installation for success.
Our guide to installing James Hardie siding goes deeper into the installation process and why the details behind the finished product matter.
Why We Chose James Hardie for This Royal Oak Home
James Hardie is a fiber cement siding product designed for long-term exterior performance. It is also a popular choice for homeowners who want the appearance of a premium exterior without going back to traditional wood siding.
We install both vinyl and James Hardie, so we don’t believe one siding material is automatically right for every house.
Budget, appearance, maintenance, durability, and the style of the home all matter.
If you’re deciding between materials, our comparison of siding options for Oakland County homes breaks down James Hardie, vinyl, aluminum, and LP siding.
We also put together a more detailed article explaining why Oakland County homeowners choose James Hardie.
Brandon on Site With the Crew
Having good communication between our crew and the homeowner is important throughout any exterior remodeling project.
Brandon was on site during these first few days to check on the project and work with our team as the preparation moved forward.
When something unexpected appears during tear-off, communication becomes even more important.
Finding another siding layer underneath the vinyl changes the preparation process. We want to identify those situations, determine the right way to move forward, and make sure the work gets done correctly.
That’s part of the reason we stay involved throughout our projects instead of simply sending out a crew and waiting for the finished photos.
Our Golden Retriever Supervisor
Brandon wasn’t the only one keeping an eye on the crew.
The homeowner’s golden retriever found a great spot at the front window and spent plenty of time watching our guys work.
Based on the amount of supervision we received through that window, we’re pretty sure the crew passed inspection.
It’s one of those small things that makes a project memorable. We spend a lot of time working at people’s homes, and every job has its own personality.
This one just happens to have a four-legged project manager.
Next Up: The James Hardie Transformation
With the tear-off and much of the preparation underway, the exciting part of this Royal Oak siding project is getting closer.
Soon, the layers of fan fold and house wrap will disappear behind the finished exterior. Most people will only see the new James Hardie siding when they drive past the house.
That’s why we wanted to document these first few days.
The photos show what goes into a siding project before the transformation happens. They also show why proper preparation is such an important part of the job.
We have plenty of photos of our crew working through each stage, and we’ll have even more as the new siding goes up.
If you want to see what a completed Hardie transformation can look like, check out this James Hardie siding project in Ann Arbor.
Stay tuned for the finished Royal Oak transformation.
Looking for James Hardie Siding Installation in Royal Oak MI?
If you’re considering new siding for your home, Level Up Improvement provides professional siding installation throughout Royal Oak and Southeast Michigan.
Whether we know exactly what is underneath your existing siding or discover a surprise during tear-off, our goal stays the same. We want to prepare the home correctly and install an exterior you can feel confident about.
We’re based right here in Royal Oak and serve homeowners throughout Oakland County and the surrounding communities. You can see our complete Southeast Michigan service area to find out if we work in your neighborhood.
We’re excited to show you how this James Hardie siding installation in Royal Oak MI turns out.
Ready to talk about your own siding project? Contact Level Up Improvement for a free estimate.
Level Up Improvement
4425 Fernlee Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48073
313-287-9525