Residing In Style: A Guide To Transforming Your House's Exterior

Residing your house is a great way to improve its value and protect it from the elements. It can be a noisy and time-consuming process, so it's important to prepare both the interior and exterior of your home beforehand. You'll also need to gather the right tools and materials, such as safety equipment and siding panels, and be prepared for unexpected repairs. Removing the existing siding is the first step, followed by installing the soffit and fascia, and then tackling the exterior walls. It's important to work from the top down when removing old siding and from the bottom up when installing new siding. Overall, residing a house can be a challenging project, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a rewarding way to enhance your home.

Prepare the outside of your house

Before starting your residing project, there are several steps you should take to prepare the outside of your house. Firstly, cut the grass short to make it easier for the crew to find any debris or misplaced tools. This will also help to protect your lawn from being damaged by falling debris. Next, move any objects that may obstruct access to your exterior walls, such as patio furniture, outdoor decorations, or stacks of firewood. This will ensure that the crew can work efficiently and safely.

Additionally, trim back any bushes, shrubbery, or perennials that could be damaged during the residing process. Move your potted plants to a safe location, away from the work area. It is also important to discuss with your contractor any additional prep work that may be required, so you understand your responsibilities for this home improvement project. You may also need to decide on the best placement for a dumpster to hold the old siding and other debris.

If you have children or pets, it is recommended to vacate the premises during the residing process due to the loud noises and potential hazards. Inform your neighbours about the work to be carried out, and be mindful of their children and pets as well.

Prepare the inside of your home

Before residing your house, it is important to prepare the inside of your home. The process of installing new siding can cause a lot of noise and vibration, which may result in items falling off your interior walls. To avoid any damage to your favourite paintings or decorations, it is recommended to remove them from the walls before the residing process begins.

If you work from home, have children who nap, or have skittish pets, you may want to consider vacating the premises during the installation. The process can be loud, and there may be dangerous tools and debris left around.

It is also important to note that unexpected repairs may be needed during the residing process. For example, your contractor may uncover water damage or other siding damage that needs to be addressed. This may result in additional costs, so it is important to be prepared for any unexpected expenses.

Overall, preparing the inside of your home is crucial to ensure the safety of your belongings and family, as well as to minimise any potential damage that may occur during the residing process.

Choose the right material

When choosing the right material to reside your house with, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should assess the suitability of the materials for your particular project and situation. Cost, aesthetics, practicality, and longevity are key considerations. For example, natural stone siding is the most expensive residential exterior home building material, but it is also one of the most durable and can last over 100 years. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is a popular choice due to its low maintenance, affordability, and ease of installation.

The climate of your region is another important factor when choosing materials. For instance, wood siding may be susceptible to damage from long rainy seasons and termites in warmer climates. Stone veneer siding, made from Portland cement and aggregates, is a durable option that can withstand the elements. It is also low maintenance, only requiring occasional crack filling.

The availability and ease of delivery of your chosen materials are also worth considering. Rare or unique materials may be difficult to source and could cause delays to your project. Additionally, if you are building in a remote location, you may need to consider the size and condition of access roads for delivery vehicles.

The performance and durability of the materials are crucial factors. For example, wood siding requires regular refinishing, whereas vinyl siding is generally low maintenance. Fiber cement siding is a durable and versatile option, especially for coastal areas prone to hurricanes and flooding, as it is moisture and rot-resistant. It is also pest-resistant and weather-resistant, making it ideal for areas with temperature extremes.

Finally, the weight and thickness of the materials are important considerations. Thinner materials, such as Neolith's ⅛-inch slabs, are suitable for cabinetry and interior cladding, while thicker options (¼-inch) are better for flooring, and even thicker (½-inch) for countertops.

In summary, by carefully considering your project goals, budget, climate, and the performance characteristics of different materials, you can make an informed decision about the right material to reside your house.

Install soffit and fascia

Soffits and fascias can be wrapped in prefinished aluminium, which means you'll never have to scrape, prime, or paint those roof edges again. Aluminium soffits and fascias are also long-lasting and low-maintenance, as they won't peel or rot.

If you're installing aluminium soffits and fascias, here are the steps you should follow:

Prepare the Edges of the Old Roof:

• Remove existing shingle moulding, frieze boards, and gutters.
• Replace any rotten fascia and repair fascia boards as needed.
• Cut in additional soffit venting and remove existing soffit grilles to improve airflow.

Prep the Soffit and Vent:

• Remove existing vent covers if present.
• Add more holes if additional ventilation is required.

Install the Soffit Panels:

• Install the Aluminium J-channel. Nail it against the existing soffit into the soffit framing.
• Measure the distance from the inside of the J-channel to the outside of the wooden soffit to ensure consistent depth.
• Cut the soffit panels a quarter of an inch shorter than the measurement.
• Slip the first panel into the J-channel against the wall, with the groove side facing the installation direction.
• Square up the panel to the house using a carpenter's square.
• Nail the outside of the panel to the bottom of the wooden fascia.
• Use a trim nail punch to drive nails into the outer V-grooves and the groove flange.
• For wider soffits, add a nailer across the centre for more support.

Add Additional Panels and Nail Them Together:

• Slip the tongue of the next panel into the groove of the previous panel.
• Mate the tongues and grooves together as you slip the sides into the J-channel.

Cut Holes for Lights (if needed):

• Cut circular openings for soffit lights using a screwdriver and curve-cutting snips.
• Recessed lights can be adjusted to sit flush with the new surface.
• Extend conventional electrical boxes with extension rings to bring them flush with the aluminium.

Install the Fascia Panels and Drip Edge:

• Create a flat fascia surface by sawing off projecting trim on corners of boxed returns.
• Cut and bend fascia corners to fit snugly around the boxed returns.
• Trim the second piece of fascia by removing the lip and bending it to fit around the boxed return, overlapping the bottom piece by half an inch.
• Install the gable fascia, starting at the lowest fascia on the gable end.
• Nail the fascia in place and cut the ends flush with the eave ends.
• Bend or clip the bottom tip of the fascia flush with the bottom of the soffit.
• Run one fascia long at gable peaks, marking the top cut of the second overlapping piece.
• Bend the ends of horizontal fascias with a folding tool to wrap around corners snugly.
• Install the drip edge by slipping it under the roofing material and nailing it through the aluminium fascia.

Finish Trim:

Use a drip edge, gutter, or all-purpose trim to cover and finish the top edge of the fascia trim.

Work around window trim

Trimming a window is a moderately difficult task that requires carpentry skills and tools such as a hammer and a saw. It is important to prepare the jambs before beginning the installation process. This can be done by holding a straightedge across the window and checking that each jamb is flush with the wall. If they protrude, plane them down to the wall. If the jambs fall short of the wall, measure the gap and rip jamb extensions from 1x stock that are 1/4 inch thinner than the jamb thickness.

The next step is to cut and install the trim. The trim should be cut with a miter saw at a 45-degree angle, with the shorter edge placed horizontally along the upper reference mark. The trim should then be positioned so that its angle rests on the vertical reveal line, and a mark should be made where the reveal line intersects the opposite end of the trim. The direction of the saw blade should be changed, and a corresponding 45-degree cut should be made. The trim should be repositioned to check that its shorter edges meet the vertical reveal lines, and incremental cuts should be made to adjust the length as needed. The trim can then be attached to the jamb with nails. This process should be repeated for the vertical trim pieces, and then the bottom trim, ensuring that the miter angle is correct before cutting the bottom trim to size.

Once the trim has been installed, the nail holes should be filled with putty and sanded down. The trim should then be prepared for staining or painting by caulking the gap between the trim and the wall. If the trim is to be stained, the caulk should be applied before the stain.

Frequently asked questions