You are looking at James Hardie siding for your home here in Pittsburg. This is a good choice. James Hardie siding is tough stuff. It is built to handle our Kansas weather, including the muggy summers and the short, cold, windy winters we get in Pittsburg. Getting new siding is a big project. It is not like picking up a gallon of milk. You need a plan, and that is what Top Notch Siding Inc. is here to help you with.
The Project Timeline: What to Expect for Siding in Pittsburg
Let us talk about how long a James Hardie siding project usually takes in Pittsburg. For most homes, a James Hardie siding project, from tear-off to final touches, will run about one to two weeks. This is a general timeframe, and a few things can make it take longer.
- Home Size and Complexity: A smaller, simpler ranch house in Pittsburg might be done in 5 to 7 working days. If you have a bigger, two-story home around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, or a home with many gables, dormers, or fancy trim, you are looking at more like 8 to 12 working days. This could even be two to three weeks for James Hardie siding.
- Tear-Off: We cannot put new James Hardie siding over old siding. The old siding has to come off first. That tear-off can add half a day to a full day to the James Hardie siding project, depending on what is currently on your Pittsburg home.
- Surprises Underneath: This is an important part of the James Hardie siding installation. Once the old siding is off, we might find wood rot, moisture damage, or other issues with your home's sheathing. We have to fix these things before the new James Hardie siding goes on. This can add time to the James Hardie siding project. A good contractor will talk to you about these possibilities before starting the James Hardie siding work.
- Weather: This is Kansas. We get rain, we get wind, and sometimes we get both in Pittsburg. We try to schedule around the forecast for your James Hardie siding installation. Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. Bad weather means delays, plain and simple, for your James Hardie siding project. May and June are typically our wettest months here in Pittsburg. Keep that in mind if you are planning for James Hardie siding during those times.
- Material Delivery: Sometimes there are delays getting all the James Hardie materials to the job site. This happens with James Hardie siding materials.
What Happens During James Hardie Siding Installation in Pittsburg?
Once we start the James Hardie siding project, here is a general idea of the process. It is not a quiet job, so be ready for some noise and activity during the James Hardie siding installation.
- Prep Work and Tear-Off: First, we will get a dumpster on site for the James Hardie siding project. The James Hardie materials will also be delivered. Then, the crew will start pulling off your old siding. This is usually the loudest and dustiest part of the James Hardie siding job. We will set up tarps to catch debris, but you should expect some mess during the James Hardie siding tear-off.
- Inspections and Repairs: With the old siding gone, the sheathing will be inspected. Any necessary repairs to the underlying structure will be made. This is important for the longevity of your new James Hardie siding.
- House Wrap Installation: Next, a water-resistive barrier, or house wrap, will be installed. This protects your Pittsburg home from moisture before the James Hardie siding goes on.
- Siding Installation: Now for the good part. The crew will start installing the James Hardie planks and trim. This involves careful cutting and fastening according to James Hardie's specific instructions for James Hardie siding. James Hardie siding is heavy stuff. It needs to be installed right to live up to its warranty and performance.
- Finishing Touches: All the joints and gaps will be sealed with exterior-grade caulk. This makes sure everything is tight and protected for your James Hardie siding. Then, there is a thorough clean-up of the job site for the James Hardie siding project.
How to Get Your Pittsburg Home Ready for James Hardie Siding
You can do a few things to make the James Hardie siding process smoother for everyone involved:
- Clear the Perimeter: Move any outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, or anything else within about four feet of your house. If you have shrubs or plants you cannot move, we will cover them with tarps during the James Hardie siding installation.
- Protect Valuables: Take down anything hanging on interior walls that might get shaken loose by the vibrations of construction for the James Hardie siding.
- Vehicle Access: Make sure there is clear access for the crew's vehicles and the dumpster for the James Hardie siding project.
- Kids and Pets: Keep kids and pets away from the work area for their safety. There will be tools, materials, and debris during the James Hardie siding installation.
- Communication: If you have any specific concerns or requests about the James Hardie siding, talk to your project manager before work starts.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign That James Hardie Siding Contract in Pittsburg
Before you commit to anyone for James Hardie siding, you need to ask the right questions. Do not be shy. It is your home and your money for the James Hardie siding.
- Are you licensed and insured? This is important. You need to see proof of their business license, liability insurance, and worker's compensation for James Hardie siding work.
- How long have you been in business under this name? You want a company that is established and is not constantly changing names to avoid problems. Top Notch Siding Inc. has been serving Pittsburg homeowners for many years. We are proud of our reputation for James Hardie siding.
- Are you certified by James Hardie? James Hardie has specific installation guidelines for James Hardie siding. You want a contractor who knows them inside and out for your James Hardie siding project.
- Can I see references or a portfolio of your work? Ask for recent James Hardie siding projects. You can even drive by a few if they are local in Pittsburg.
- What is the payment schedule? A reputable contractor will not ask for full payment upfront for James Hardie siding. A common request is about a third of the project cost as a down payment. Make sure it is all in the contract for your James Hardie siding.
- Who will be doing the actual installation? Employees or subcontractors? Either can be fine for James Hardie siding, but you need to know who is responsible. You also need to know that they are properly insured.
- How will you protect my property and landscaping? Good contractors take steps to protect your windows, gardens, and driveways during James Hardie siding installation.
- What kind of warranties do you offer? Ask about both material warranties from James Hardie and a workmanship warranty from the contractor for your James Hardie siding.
- Will the estimate be itemized? You want a clear breakdown of costs, materials, and what is included for your James Hardie siding project.
- What is your communication plan during the project? How will they keep you updated about the James Hardie siding? Who is your main point of contact?
Taking the time to plan and ask these questions will save you headaches later on. A James Hardie siding project is a big investment for your Pittsburg home. You deserve to feel confident every step of the way with your James Hardie siding.