One of the best times to buy appliances from a major retailer is during a holiday weekend. Experts report that the best time to buy a car is typically at the end of the year, during holidays, or on a Monday. You may be wondering if there is also a “best time” to buy new vinyl siding. The answer to that question isn’t simple, as it depends on several factors.
Vinyl siding is a plastic product and, as with any plastic product, it expands and contracts based on whether the environment is hot or cold.
When vinyl siding is installed, the installer accounts for the expansion and contraction of the vinyl due to temperature changes. Certainteed, one of the major vinyl siding manufacturers, recommends that if the temperature is above 40 degrees, the installer leave 1/4” for expansion and contraction into receiving channels like cornerposts and J-Channel, and if the temperature is below 40 degrees they recommend a 3/8” gap.3
Technically siding can be installed at any time of the year, but if it is being installed in extreme heat or cold, it should be installed by a siding professional who is experienced in installing vinyl siding in adverse weather conditions.
Each season of the year in northern climates has its own set of concerns. The high temperatures of summer can cause vinyl to stretch and expand. In 100 degree weather, for example, a vinyl siding plank can expand as much as 5/8”.4
An experienced vinyl siding installer will allow space for even contraction which will eliminate this issue.
In winter, vinyl siding will contract with the cold, so it is also important to hire an installer experienced in cold weather installations. Another issue in the cold is that the vinyl material becomes more brittle and can crack or break apart when nailed.5 An advantage of installing vinyl in the slow winter months is that many companies will offer a discount on the installation costs in an effort to keep their crews working all year.
Spring is a good time to install vinyl siding. Spring rains and sudden temperature drops can affect the installation, both in terms of how long it takes and in terms of water infiltration into your home’s sheathing and walls. Contractors can generally work around these conditions.
The absolute best time to get a home sided is in the fall. Siding materials tend to go on sale in the fall, when the new inventory comes in.6 Most people have their siding installed in the spring and summer, so the fall is a slower time for most siding contractors.
This translates into faster installation times because of crew availability. Vinyl siding installers may also offer discounts in the fall. Fall is also a good time to prepare your house for winter by having your vinyl installer also install house wrap. House wrap reduces the movement of air into your home and keeps water out of your walls.
If moisture does get in your walls, house wrap is designed to breathe, letting the air pass through to the outside. House wrap seals the estimated half mile of cracks and crevices in the wall cavity of most 2,500 square feet homes.7 Between the new vinyl siding and the house wrap, your home will be winterized and your home heating bills will generally be lower.
In summary, vinyl siding can be installed during any season of the year, with advantages and disadvantages in each season. The key to getting the best price and the best quality of workmanship is to hire a reputable vinyl siding installer who is experienced in installing year-round.
Siding Pros Near You
Contact Level Up Improvement in Dearborn for all your residential siding needs. We are Certainteed Certified quality specialists and install top rated siding on Michigan homes throughout Metro Detroit Michigan.
Visit us online to learn more about our home improvement services including roof installation as well as our leading edge products such as James Hardie and our exclusive partnership for 5-star excellence!
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1 Here’s the Best Time to Buy Appliances by Lauren Murphy and Samantha Allen, 2/23/2024
Link: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/interior/when-to-buy-appliances/
2 When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car? by Rebecca Betterton, 4/6/2024
Link: https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/siding/best-time-siding-replacement
3 The Top Ten Tips for Installing Vinyl Siding
Link: https://www.certainteed.com/how-to-install-vinyl-siding
4, 6 What’s the Best Time of the Year for a Siding Replacement? by Emily Bloch, 2/16/2023
Link: https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/siding/best-time-siding-replacement
5 What Is the Best Time of the Year for Siding Replacement? Factors & Seasons, by Jeff Weishaupt, 3/5/2024
Link: https://housegrail.com/best-time-of-year-for-siding-replacement/#:~:text=When%20to%20Get%20a%20Siding%20Replacement%201%20Fall,still%20has%20some%20hindrances.%20…%204%20Summer%20
7 Tyvek Home Wrap Makes Your Insulation Work Better!
Link: https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/c9/c99d12f5-555b-4a75-90fc-16fc6f040583.pdf