What to expect during siding installation is a question every homeowner should understand before starting their project. Knowing the process, timeline, and what happens at each stage reduces stress, helps you prepare, and ensures you can make informed decisions throughout the project. At Weatherguard Construction, we have completed thousands of siding installations across Stillwater, Woodbury, Eden Prairie, and our entire service area. Here is a detailed look at our siding installation process from start to finish.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Estimate (Day 1)
Every siding project begins with a thorough consultation at your home. During this visit, your Weatherguard Construction project consultant will:
- Inspect your current siding — Assess condition, identify damage, and determine if underlying issues exist
- Take measurements — Precise measurements of all exterior walls, windows, doors, and architectural features
- Discuss material options — Review siding materials (LP SmartSide, fiber cement, vinyl, and more), profiles, colors, and design possibilities
- Evaluate structural concerns — Check for signs of moisture damage, rot, or structural issues that need addressing
- Review your budget and priorities — Understand your goals for the project and align material and scope recommendations
- Provide a detailed estimate — Itemized pricing covering materials, labor, permits, and any additional work
This consultation is free, with no obligation and no high-pressure sales tactics. We believe you deserve all the information you need to make a confident decision. Book your free consultation today.
Phase 2: Material Selection and Design (1-2 Weeks)
Once you decide to move forward, the design phase begins:
Color selection — Choose from dozens of color options. For LP SmartSide and other paintable products, the color possibilities are virtually unlimited. We provide large color samples and can create digital renderings of your home in different color schemes.
Profile selection — Decide on horizontal lap, board and batten, shake panels, or a combination. Many homeowners choose mixed profiles for added architectural interest.
Trim and accent decisions — Select trim style, corner treatment, window surrounds, and any accent details that will complete the look.
Material ordering — Once selections are finalized, we order all materials to ensure everything arrives before installation begins. Lead times vary by product and season, but typically range from 1-3 weeks.
Phase 3: Pre-Installation Preparation (1-3 Days Before)
Before the crew arrives, you will need to prepare:
Around your home:
- Move vehicles away from the work area
- Relocate patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and decorations away from the house
- Trim any shrubs or plants growing directly against the siding
- Ensure gates are unlocked for crew access
- Note any fragile landscaping features for the crew
Inside your home:
- Remove items from walls adjacent to exterior walls (vibration from demolition can dislodge items)
- Expect some noise and vibration during old siding removal
- Plan for limited access to certain exterior doors during installation
Our project manager will walk through all preparation details with you in advance and answer any questions.
Phase 4: Old Siding Removal (Days 1-2)
The first stage of on-site work is removing your existing siding:
The removal process includes:
- Setting up fall protection, scaffolding, or ladder systems as needed
- Carefully removing existing siding panels, starting from the top and working down
- Removing old trim, corner pieces, J-channel, and accessories
- Inspecting and removing any damaged or deteriorated housewrap
- Disposing of all debris in on-site dumpsters
During removal, we also inspect:
- Wall sheathing for moisture damage, rot, or soft spots
- Framing condition around windows, doors, and corners
- Insulation for moisture damage or settling
- Electrical penetrations, outdoor outlets, and fixture mounting
Any issues discovered during removal are documented and discussed with you before proceeding. Our commitment to transparency means you are never surprised by hidden conditions.
Phase 5: Sheathing Repair and Preparation (Days 2-3)
With the old siding removed, we prepare the wall surface for your new siding:
Sheathing repair — Any damaged or deteriorated sheathing is cut out and replaced with matching material. This step is critical and should never be skipped, even if it adds time.
Housewrap installation — New, high-quality weather-resistant barrier (housewrap) is installed over the entire wall surface. We install housewrap with meticulous attention to overlap directions, seam taping, and integration with window and door flashing.
Window and door flashing — Proper flashing around every window, door, and penetration is installed following manufacturer specifications and building code requirements. This is the single most important moisture management detail in the entire project.
Furring strips or rain screen — For optimal moisture management, we may install furring strips or rain screen products that create an air gap between the housewrap and the siding, allowing drainage and drying.
Phase 6: Siding Installation (Days 3-7)
The main event — installing your new siding:
Installation sequence:
- Starter strips — Installed at the base of each wall to establish the first course
- Corner posts and trim — Inside corners, outside corners, and window/door trim are installed to frame the siding field
- Siding panels — Installed from bottom to top, with each course properly leveled, nailed, and aligned
- Window and door integration — Siding is precisely cut and fitted around all openings with proper clearances
- Soffit and fascia — If included in the project, soffit and fascia are installed during this phase
- Touch-up and detail work — Caulking, sealing, and any final trim adjustments
For LP SmartSide installations, all cut edges are sealed with LP's recommended sealant, nailing follows LP's specified patterns and spacing, and proper gap allowances are maintained for thermal expansion.
Phase 7: Painting (Days 7-9)
For paintable siding products like LP SmartSide:
- Primer inspection — Factory-applied primer is inspected for any damage during installation. Touched up as needed.
- Two coats of premium paint — Applied using high-quality exterior acrylic latex paint in your chosen color
- Trim and accent painting — All trim, corner boards, and accent areas are painted in contrasting or complementary colors
- Quality inspection — Each wall is inspected for complete, even coverage with no holidays (missed spots)
Phase 8: Final Inspection and Cleanup (Day 9-10)
The final phase ensures everything meets our standards:
- Thorough inspection — Every wall, transition, trim detail, and penetration is inspected by our project manager
- Punch list — Any items requiring attention are identified and addressed immediately
- Complete cleanup — All debris, nails, materials, and equipment are removed from your property
- Magnetic nail sweep — We sweep your yard and driveway with magnets to collect any stray nails
- Final walkthrough — We walk the project with you, explain maintenance requirements, and answer any questions
- Warranty documentation — All warranty information, maintenance guides, and project documents are provided
Typical Timeline Summary
For a typical Minnesota home (1,800-2,500 square feet of siding area):
- LP SmartSide or fiber cement: 7-10 working days
- Vinyl siding: 5-7 working days
- Mixed materials with accents: 8-12 working days
Weather delays can extend these timelines. Minnesota's spring and fall seasons offer the best conditions for siding installation, but our crews work through most weather conditions except active precipitation and extreme cold.
Weatherguard Construction serves homeowners across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO. Call (651) 439-4320 or book online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my home during siding installation?
Yes. Siding installation is entirely exterior work, and you can live in your home throughout the project. Expect some noise during removal and nailing, and temporary limited access to certain exterior doors. Our crews typically work 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
What happens if bad weather occurs during my project?
We monitor weather forecasts closely and plan accordingly. Light rain does not typically halt work, but heavy rain, thunderstorms, and extreme cold may cause delays. We always ensure your home is weather-protected at the end of each workday — we never leave exposed wall areas unprotected overnight.
How do I choose the right siding color?
We recommend viewing large samples in natural light on different sides of your home at different times of day. Colors look dramatically different in morning versus afternoon light and in sunlight versus shade. Our design team can also provide digital renderings to help you visualize options.
Do I need a permit for siding replacement?
Most Minnesota municipalities require a building permit for siding replacement. Weatherguard Construction handles all permit applications and inspections as part of our service, so you do not need to worry about this step.
