Vinyl siding replacement in Pittston
Vinyl is the most common siding on houses around Pittston. Here is what a replacement involves, the choices you will make, and what to ask before you sign.
What a full replacement usually involves
- Removing the old siding, down to the sheathing in most cases, so the contractor can see what is underneath.
- Fixing what they find: soft or rotted sheathing, damaged trim, missing flashing.
- House wrap or a weather barrier over the sheathing, lapped and taped so water that gets behind the siding can drain out.
- Flashing and trim at windows, doors, corners and the roof line.
- The new panels, hung loosely enough to move as they expand and contract with the temperature.
- Cleanup and disposal of the old siding.
Ask the contractor to walk you through each of these steps for your house, and to put them in the written estimate.
Choices you make
- Profile. Traditional lap, Dutch lap, board and batten, or shakes and scallops for gables and accents.
- Thickness and grade. Thicker panels usually resist waves and wind better. Ask what grade they quote and why.
- Insulated vinyl. Panels with foam backing are stiffer and add a little insulation. They cost more.
- Color. Ask what the manufacturer’s warranty says about fading for the color you pick.
- Soffit, fascia and trim. Usually done at the same time, so everything matches and seals properly.
Over the old siding, or tear it off?
Some contractors install new siding over old, flat siding to save labor. The risk is that rot or moisture underneath stays hidden. If the old siding is loose, wavy, wood, or already showing water damage, ask why tearing it off is not the better plan.
Older houses in Greater Pittston
Many homes around Pittston were built before 1960, and plenty have been re-sided more than once. Under today’s siding you may find wood clapboard, insulbrick, or asbestos-cement shingles. Asbestos-cement siding needs careful handling; ask the contractor how they will deal with it if they find it.
Request a vinyl siding estimate
Send a request and choose “Full siding replacement.” Mention the size of the house, what is on it now, and any colors or profiles you like.
Storm damage instead? See storm-damaged siding. Weighing other materials? See siding materials.