Building a new home is an exciting journey, but understanding the construction timeline can help you plan better and set realistic expectations. The home construction process involves several key phases, and this article will help you understand where siding fits in the overall home building timeline. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: when does siding go on new construction? The answer depends on several factors, but typically, siding installation happens during the exterior finishing phase, after the roof and before final inspections. The timing can also vary depending on the type of houses being built, such as a single family home, semi custom home, custom home, or a brand new home.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this comprehensive guide:
- Understanding the new construction timeline and where siding fits
- The complete siding installation process broken down into 7 clear steps
- Common delays and how to avoid them
🔎 Understanding the New Construction Timeline
New home construction follows a specific sequence of events. Understanding the steps involved in the building process helps homeowners plan effectively and manage expectations. Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a logical progression from foundation to move-in ready, which is a key part of both the building process and the overall construction process. Siding installation typically occurs during weeks 12-16 of construction, depending on the home’s size and complexity.
The exterior envelope of your home must be properly sealed before interior work can be completed. This means your roof, windows, doors, and siding all work together to create a weatherproof barrier. Rushing this process can lead to moisture problems, energy inefficiency, and costly repairs down the road.
Most contractors, in coordination with your home builder, prefer to install siding after the roof is complete but before interior finishes like flooring and painting. This timing protects the interior from weather damage while allowing easy access for exterior work.
Pre-Siding Preparation Steps
Before any siding can be installed, the pre construction phase must be completed, including permitting, planning, and approvals before any site work begins. These preparatory phases ensure your siding will be properly supported and sealed against the elements.
- Foundation and Framing: Begin with site excavation to clear and level the ground, followed by pouring foundation walls using wooden forms. Depending on the design, you may have a full basement, crawl space, or slab foundation, with the basement floor poured and waterproofed as needed. Proper drainage must be established, and it is essential to ensure proper drainage around the foundation to prevent water issues. Before the foundation is closed up, rough plumbing is installed, including plumbing pipes, water supply lines, and sewer lines, to meet code requirements. Once the foundation is fully cured, framing is completed, including structural elements, roof trusses, exterior walls, and interior walls, to avoid exterior damage later.
- Roof Installation: Install a complete roof system (shingles, gutters, and flashing) to protect workers and materials; typically takes 2-3 days.
- Windows and Doors: Properly install and seal all exterior windows and doors before siding to ensure a weatherproof seal; usually takes 1-2 days.
- House Wrap and Insulation: Apply a weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) and, if needed, external insulation to improve energy efficiency and prevent water infiltration.
Once all pre-construction steps are complete, construction begins.
✅ 7 Steps of The Complete Siding Installation Process
Installing siding on new construction involves careful planning and precise execution. Here’s how professional contractors approach this important phase:
1. Material Delivery and Site Preparation
The siding materials are delivered to your home and carefully inspected by the installation team to ensure everything is in perfect condition. Damaged or defective materials are flagged immediately and replaced to avoid any delays during installation. The work area is then prepared by clearing away any debris, obstacles, or hazards to create a safe and efficient workspace. Staging equipment, including scaffolding and ladders, is set up to ensure the team can access all parts of the home safely. This preparation step may take up to half a day but is critical in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted installation process.
2. Starter Strip Installation
The starter strip is a critical component of the siding installation process. It’s installed along the perimeter of the home at the base of the wall and acts as the foundation for the entire siding system. This strip provides a level guide for the first course of siding and ensures proper alignment for all subsequent rows. Even a minor error during this step can cause cumulative alignment issues across the entire wall, resulting in an uneven finish. Professional installers take extra care with this step, using precise measurements and tools like laser levels to guarantee everything is perfectly straight.
3. Corner Trim and J-Channel Installation
Corner trim pieces and J-channels are installed next, forming the framework that gives your siding a clean, polished look. Corner trims cover the edges of the siding at the vertical corners of the home, while J-channels are placed around windows, doors, and other openings. These components are not just aesthetic; they are functional as well, helping to channel water away from vulnerable areas like window sills and door frames. When properly installed, the combination of corner trim and J-channels acts as a protective barrier, preventing water infiltration and protecting the structure from moisture-related issues such as mold, rot, and structural damage over time. Attention to detail is critical here to ensure both appearance and weather protection.
4. First Course Installation
The first row of siding, or the “first course,” is the foundation for the entire siding system. Using the starter strip as a guide, the installation team carefully attaches the first course, ensuring it is perfectly level. This step is crucial because even a slight misalignment here will affect every row above it, leading to a crooked or uneven appearance. To ensure precision, professional installers use tools like string lines, laser levels, and measuring tapes. This step often takes longer than subsequent courses because of the attention to detail required, but the effort pays off in the form of a flawless final result.
5. Subsequent Courses
Once the first course is securely in place, the remaining siding panels are installed from the bottom up. Each panel overlaps the one beneath it to create a weather-resistant barrier that protects your home from the elements. Contractors ensure consistent spacing between panels and check alignment frequently to prevent errors from compounding as they move up the wall. This step requires both precision and efficiency, as installers must balance speed with accuracy to maintain the quality of the installation. Regular checks for alignment and secure fastening help ensure the finished product looks clean and professional.
6. Trim and Flashing Installation
The final trim pieces are installed around windows, doors, and other openings to provide a finished, polished look. At this stage, exterior finishes such as siding, brick, or stucco are completed, and exterior doors are installed as part of the exterior finishing process. Flashing is also added to these areas to direct water away from the home and prevent moisture from seeping into vulnerable areas. Flashing and house wrap help block liquid water from entering the structure while allowing water vapor to escape, reducing the risk of wood rot. This step requires a high level of expertise, as improper installation can lead to water damage and reduce the siding’s lifespan. Installers must also follow local building codes to ensure compliance and avoid future issues. The combination of trim and flashing not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also ensures long-term durability and weatherproofing.
7. Final Inspection and Cleanup
Once the installation is complete, the team performs a thorough inspection to ensure every detail meets quality standards. As part of the final inspection process, they check mechanical systems, mechanical trims, light fixtures, the electrical panel, interior doors, interior trim, shower doors, hard surface flooring, walls and ceilings, floors, the floor structure, and interior walls to confirm everything is properly installed and finished. They also verify the installation of hard surface flooring and the application of a primer coat to walls and ceilings during the final finishing phase. They check for proper alignment, secure fastening of panels, and effective weatherproofing in all areas. Any corrections or adjustments needed are made at this stage to ensure a flawless finish. After the inspection, the worksite is cleaned up, with all debris, tools, and leftover materials removed. The team then conducts a final walk through with the homeowner, allowing them to point out any issues or concerns and ensuring complete satisfaction with the project. This final step ensures the home is left looking clean, polished, and ready to enjoy. Completing landscaping is also part of the final steps before move-in.
👉 Common Delays and How to Avoid Them
Several factors can delay siding installation on new construction projects. Weather conditions and unexpected events can delay construction, so understanding these potential issues helps you plan accordingly and work with your contractor to minimize delays.
Weather-Related Delays
Extended periods of rain, snow, or extreme temperatures can halt siding installation. While the weather is unpredictable, experienced contractors monitor forecasts and adjust schedules accordingly. Having flexible timelines helps accommodate weather delays.
Material Delivery Issues
Supply chain disruptions can delay material delivery, especially for custom colors or specialty products. Ordering materials well in advance and having backup options helps prevent delays. Your contractor should coordinate delivery timing with installation schedules.
Inspection Requirements
Building inspections must be completed before siding installation can begin. Passing the framing inspection is essential, as it ensures the rough framing, plumbing, and electrical systems meet code requirements before siding work proceeds. Scheduling inspections promptly and addressing any issues quickly keeps projects on track. Working with experienced contractors familiar with local inspection requirements helps avoid delays.
🏡 Trust the Experts for Your Siding Needs
At Maumee River Roofing, we know that timing and quality are everything when it comes to siding installation on new construction. Our experienced team works closely with your construction timeline to ensure your project stays on track while delivering exceptional results.
With our commitment to proper preparation, skilled installation, and use of high-quality materials, you can trust us to protect your home and enhance its curb appeal for years to come. Ready to get started? Contact Maumee River Roofing today for a free consultation and let us bring your vision to life!
