Did you know we install siding all winter long? Never worry about winter siding installation again. We have our Winter Worry-Free Installation Program for your peace of mind.
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We want you to know that winter is a great time to replace inefficient exterior products. These products cause energy bills to skyrocket! Winter doesn’t mean you must delay your home improvement projects until spring. Our team is trained to work in ALL weather. We understand your concerns, so we enhanced our Winter Worry-Free Installation Program.
No more worries about drafty windows, an old leaky roof, cracked siding, or high energy bills. Don’t wait until spring! Winter-Schminter—you’ve got nothing on Coastal!
With our Winter Worry-Free Installation Program, you’ll enjoy peace of mind. Our siding contractors work quickly without losing quality or craftsmanship. We also prepare your home to minimize heat loss during installation.
Can Replacement Windows Be Installed When It’s Too Cold for Siding Installation?
Even when temperatures dip, it’s never “too cold” for replacement windows. Siding work is a different story. Installing new windows doesn’t require tearing off your siding. Skilled installers, like ours, use the right tools and techniques. They can replace old, drafty windows no matter what Mother Nature brings.
So, if you’re shivering through the season with chilly glass and higher energy bills, don’t worry. You can still upgrade to energy-efficient windows from top brands like Andersen and Marvin. Enjoy a cozier and more comfortable home right away. There’s no need to wait until spring to save energy. Replace those windows now and keep the warmth inside where it belongs!
How Do You Install Siding in the Winter?
In a perfect world, siding installation would always happen in mild spring weather. But here in New England, the weather rarely cooperates.
The most popular time for siding installation is between April and October, when conditions are more predictable. Spring and fall are especially ideal because of mild temperatures and lower humidity. These factors help siding install smoothly and last longer.
Projects can still happen year-round depending on the siding type and urgency. However, scheduling during milder months helps avoid weather-related headaches.
So, how do you install siding in the winter? The first step is understanding how cold temperatures affect building materials—especially vinyl siding.
How Vinyl Siding Changes in Cold Temperatures
Temperature changes cause all building materials to expand and contract. In a building material, as the temperature rises, the material will expand in length; conversely, as the temperature drops, the material will contract in length. All building materials have this property, but vinyl tends to have a higher rate of expansion than materials like wood.
An average vinyl siding piece measuring 12′ long can expand up to ½” during the course of a year.
Vinyl Siding Shrinks in Cold Weather: Cut Accordingly
While ½” might not seem like much, the truth is that it makes a big difference when it comes to vinyl siding installations in the winter. Vinyl siding expands and contracts in reaction to temperature, so vinyl siding installers will need to cut the panels as necessary to work with growth and shrinkage.
Can you install siding in the winter?
Yes, and we’ll give an example. If it’s 30 degrees outside, vinyl siding installers need to consider that the vinyl will expand when it warms up to 80 or 90 degrees. This means they will need to accommodate the siding to expand by up to ½” inch in the heat.
But, there’s a catch—vinyl siding doesn’t love extreme temperatures. When it’s too cold (think below 35°F), vinyl becomes brittle and can crack during installation, which is why most pros aim for spring or autumn installs. That sweet spot for vinyl siding jobs? Late March through early November, if you want to avoid headaches.
How cold is too cold?
Vinyl siding can technically be installed until the mercury dips to about 35°F. Below that, things get risky. If you absolutely must tackle a siding project during the depths of winter, keep in mind some materials—like James Hardie fiber cement siding—can be installed in temperatures as low as 20°F, but vinyl really prefers a milder climate for a solid, lasting installation.
In a nutshell: you can install vinyl siding in winter, but it requires careful planning (and maybe a little luck with the weather).
This is when we’ll cut the siding at lengths to allow the vinyl siding to expand during the summer months. It’s critical to pay attention to window and door casings as well. When vinyl siding gets too close to the window and door casing, it expands until it hits the casing and then it begins to buckle. In this example, an extra 1/4″ space for expansion is wise.
The Art of Nailing in the Winter
Cutting the vinyl siding to proper lengths is both an art and a science, but it turns out that nailing is important in the winter as well.
Experienced vinyl siding installers know that the nail should never be tight against the nailing fin. This is because the head of the nail needs about 1/16” space between the nailing fin.
Furthermore, the nailing technique must allow for the vinyl siding panels to move freely. When the vinyl siding cannot grow during the summer, it results in buckling—which is bad news.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors is highly skilled and experienced at vinyl siding installation in the winter, providing you with a worry-free experience from start to finish.
Can Fiber Cement Siding Be Installed in Colder Temperatures Than Vinyl?
You bet! Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie, is a true New England workhorse and doesn’t shy away from those brisk, bone-chilling days. Vinyl siding becomes temperamental and brittle below 35°F, but fiber cement and hardboard siding stay durable and allow safe installation even when temperatures dip into the low 20s—or sometimes colder.
This flexibility means that even when the frosty winds blow, our team can keep your exterior projects moving forward. That’s precisely why we love working with fiber cement: it keeps its form, allows for a solid installation, and plays nicely with those unpredictable winter windows when vinyl might just call it quits.
So, if you’re eyeing a winter makeover, know that fiber cement siding gives you the versatility to get great results even in a New England deep freeze.
What Are the Temperature Limits for Installing Fiber Cement Siding?
Unlike vinyl, fiber cement and hardboard siding are far more resilient when it comes to cold weather installs. In fact, leading products like James Hardie fiber cement can be installed successfully even when temperatures dip down to 20 degrees—or colder! This opens up the installation season to pretty much all year long, no matter what New England weather throws your way.
That added flexibility means you don’t have to wait for a rare warm spell to update your home. With our trained team (James Hardie factory certified, by the way), you can expect a professional install that’s built to stand up to even the harshest winters.
Why Should You Install Vinyl Siding in the Winter?
If you are considering installing vinyl siding in the winter, we encourage you to take on this project! There are plenty of benefits of installing vinyl siding in the winter, such as:
- Improve the appearance of your home and prepare it for spring curb appeal
- Remove the risk of moisture damage or wood rot from old wood siding
- Add superior protection to the elements, ranging from snow to freezing rain and high winds
- Increase your property value if you plan to sell your home this spring
- Potentially lower energy bills by reducing heat transfer
- Maintain a comfortable home with insulated siding
During the winter season, you’re likely concerned about energy efficiency. Everyone knows that replacement windows are incredible upgrades for energy conservation, but what about vinyl siding?
Consider vinyl siding installation over wood siding in Essex, MA to improve your home’s insulation and energy savings during the colder months.
As one of the best reasons to install siding in the winter, insulated house siding can make a big difference in interior comfort levels as well as energy conservation. Let’s talk about insulated house siding and why you should upgrade with this product in the wintertime.
What is Insulated House Siding?
Insulated siding is designed with a solid-ridge foam as a backing. This foam stands as an additional barrier against heat transfer. Engineered as foam back siding, it makes it much more difficult for energy to escape through the wood studs.
Winter proof your home by ensuring your siding and windows are as energy-efficient as possible. Insulating windows for the winter and adding insulated siding can make a huge impact on how efficiently your home performs. Meanwhile, weatherstripping old windows is another helpful step to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
The Surprising Trouble With Studs (Wood & Metal)
Keep in mind that most types of exterior walls have insulation between the wall studs. The problem is that significant energy is lost through the wood studs themselves.
You might wonder how studs could possibly allow so much energy loss in a home. One important point that most homeowners don’t know is that wood studs take over about 25% of a wall’s surface. You don’t see them because they are inside the exterior framework, namely the drywall which is up against the exterior wall.
Think of this as 25% of your wall working against your attempts at keeping your home comfortable.
Whether you are trying to keep your home warm or cool, what metal studs are both poor insulators. Once the wood studs come in contact with the exterior cladding, it is easy for energy to pass through them. This is known as thermal bridging.
What is Thermal Bridging?
Thermal bridging is the process of energy moving through or across an object that is more conductive than the materials that surround it. The conductive material—metal and wood—allow the heat to pass right through.
From there, your energy bills can increase significantly. It’s very similar to having an entire wall of your home uninsulated.
How Insulated House Siding Can Help Your Home All Year Long
It’s true that thermal bridging is responsible for a considerable amount of energy loss in the winter. The good news is that you don’t have to settle with a poor-performing home. Insulated vinyl siding can stop heat transfer in its track, as it insulates right down to the wood studs.
In fact, insulated vinyl siding offers up to an 80% return on investment with roughly $70 saved annually.
Not only can thermal siding prevent energy loss, but it’s exceptional at withstanding the elements. That’s because quality vinyl siding is engineered with PVC, which is incredibly weatherproof. It can withstand all the weather we have here in New England without becoming damaged from moisture.
In addition to insulation and weather resistance, insulated vinyl siding is sustainable to the environment. If you are asking “is vinyl siding recyclable?” The answer is yes! Manufacturers can recycle it into other plastic-based items, which keeps old siding out of landfills. Because the material primarily consists of salt, the manufacturing process produces little to no waste, as workers return scraps directly into the product stream.
Why Choose Fiber Cement Siding Over Other Options?
If you’re weighing your choices for siding materials, it’s worth taking a closer look at fiber cement siding—and how it stacks up against classic options like wood or vinyl.
Unmatched Durability
Fiber cement siding is engineered to handle rough weather, which New Englanders know all too well. Whether it’s hail, blizzards, or drastic temperature swings, fiber cement won’t crack, warp, or suffer moisture damage as easily as some other materials. It also shrugs off pests and resists the growth of mold and mildew—a major plus in damp conditions.
Color Longevity and Low Maintenance
Unlike wood that may need to be painted every few years or vinyl that can fade and warp, fiber cement siding holds its color and appearance for decades. Many brands offer advanced color technology that delivers vibrant hues with less fading from harsh sunlight or storms, so your home looks sharp year after year with minimal upkeep.
Fire and Rot Resistance
Another significant advantage is fire resistance. Fiber cement siding won’t ignite or contribute fuel in the event of a fire, unlike wood, and it won’t rot or invite termites like traditional wood siding. That means peace of mind and fewer repair headaches down the road.
All-Season Installation
One more hidden gem: fiber cement siding can be installed even in freezing temperatures. This flexibility means you don’t have to wait until spring or summer to upgrade your exterior, making it ideal for anyone looking to winterproof their home.
A Worthwhile Investment
To sum it up, fiber cement siding offers year-round protection, longevity, and style—all with fewer maintenance worries. It stands strong against the unpredictable New England climate, making it a smart, long-term choice for any homeowner.
Can You Install Vinyl Siding in the Winter?
With this investment for your home, you might be wondering about the best-insulated vinyl siding. Coastal Windows & Exteriors provides top-of-the-line foam-backed siding for New England residents. We install siding with unparalleled performance standards and incredible craftsmanship. Yes, even in the winter!
See Our Before & After Siding Installation Projects:
- Vinyl Siding Installation in Tilton, NH
- Vinyl Siding in Georgetown, MA
- Vinyl Siding in Newburyport, MA
- Vinyl Siding in Lynn, MA
- Vinyl Siding Installation in Saco, ME
Coming in an array of styles, our insulated vinyl siding looks like real wood. It’s available in classic siding panels as well as vinyl cedar shakes with a hand-split appearance.
As your local certified and insured vinyl siding installers, contact Coastal Windows & Exteriors for insulated house siding and more! We are also proud to be James Hardie preferred contractors and offer James Hardie siding installers services for your exterior home remodeling needs.
Is It Possible to Install Siding During the Iowa Winter?
Absolutely—installing siding in Iowa’s chilly winter months is possible, as long as you choose the right materials and experienced installers. While vinyl siding can generally be installed until temperatures drop to about 35 degrees, fiber cement and hardboard siding—such as those from James Hardie—have far more flexibility.
Thanks to their durable design, contractors can often install products like fiber cement siding even when the mercury dips as low as 20°F. As a result, you don’t have to put your exterior renovation plans on hold all winter.
If timing is tight or your home’s protection can’t wait for spring, choose materials that manufacturers design specifically for cold-weather performance. With the right siding and a skilled crew, you can tackle that exterior update without worrying about the Iowa frost slowing you down.
Why Fiber Cement Siding Stands the Test of Time
If you’re looking for siding that’s truly built to last, fiber cement is tough to beat. Its unique blend of cement, cellulose fibers, and sand creates an incredibly strong product—and industry experts praise it for its remarkable durability.
Fiber cement siding is specifically engineered to resist warping, cracking, and swelling, even after years of braving the shifting seasons here in New England. Whereas some materials can fade or deteriorate under harsh sunlight or moisture, fiber cement holds its color exceptionally well and maintains its attractive appearance year after year.
But the benefits don’t stop there:
- Superior Weather Resistance: From icy winters to humid summers, fiber cement stands strong against rain, snow, wind, and even hail.
- Outstanding Longevity: Many brands, like James Hardie, back fiber cement siding with lengthy warranties—some up to 30 years—protecting your investment for decades.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, fiber cement won’t succumb to rot or pest damage, so upkeep is a breeze.
- Year-Round Installation: Thanks to its resilient composition, it can be installed in a wide range of temperatures—even when it’s freezing outside.
It’s no wonder homeowners across the region are choosing fiber cement for lasting peace of mind and curb appeal that endures. If you’re aiming for strength, style, and sustainability in one package, fiber cement siding delivers it all in spades.
When Is the Best Time to Replace or Install Siding in Iowa?
If you’re considering a siding upgrade in Iowa, timing can make all the difference. In general, spring and fall are prime seasons for siding installation. The moderate temperatures and lower humidity typically found during these months create optimal conditions for proper installation and curing of materials.
While the majority of homeowners choose to tackle siding projects from April through October, installation is possible year-round with the right planning. Certain materials and project scopes may even allow for winter installation—just like we do here in New England with our foam-backed siding—so you don’t have to put your home improvement plans on hold.
No matter the season, working with experienced, certified professionals ensures your new siding will look great and protect your home for years to come.
When Is the Best Time to Install Vinyl Siding in Des Moines?
Timing is everything when it comes to vinyl siding installation—especially with Iowa’s unpredictable weather. While insulated vinyl siding will keep your home cozy year-round, it’s important to choose the right season for your project to ensure flawless results.
Generally, the sweet spot for vinyl siding installation in Des Moines falls between late March and early November. Here’s why:
- Optimal Temperatures: Vinyl siding performs best when installed in moderate weather. Extreme cold (below 35°F) or sweltering heat can affect how the material expands and contracts, making spring and autumn the ideal seasons.
- Fewer Weather Delays: Spring and fall tend to bring more predictable weather patterns, so your installation is less likely to be delayed by heavy rain, snow, or summer storms.
- Professional Availability: Scheduling during these months can often give you more flexibility in choosing your preferred installer, such as those recognized by James Hardie and other national leaders.
To sum it up: Aim for mid-spring through fall for your vinyl siding project in Des Moines. That way, your home can enjoy a fast, professional transformation with lasting protection—no matter what Midwest weather throws your way.