If you’re thinking about replacing the siding on your home, one of your first questions is probably pretty practical: How long is my house going to be a construction zone?
Most siding replacements aren’t completed in a couple of hours, but they also shouldn’t leave your home under construction indefinitely. The actual timeline depends heavily on the size and design of your house, how much siding is being replaced, what contractors find underneath the existing siding, weather, and several other factors.
At Barringer Brothers Roofing, we’ve served homeowners throughout O’Fallon, IL and the Metro East since 2004, earning 200+ five-star reviews. In addition to roofing, we provide siding replacement and installation for homeowners looking to update and protect their home’s exterior.
So, how long does siding replacement take? Here’s what can affect your project’s timeline.
How Long Does Siding Replacement Take?
For many homes, siding replacement can take several days to a couple of weeks, but there isn’t a reliable one-size-fits-all number.
A relatively straightforward home may move along quickly, while a larger house with multiple stories, numerous windows, detailed exterior features, or repairs needed underneath the existing siding can take longer.
That’s why it’s better to get a timeline based on your actual house rather than assuming your project will take the same amount of time as your neighbor’s.
The Size of Your House Matters
This one’s pretty straightforward: more house generally means more siding.
A small single-story home with a simple exterior will typically require less work than a large two-story home.
But square footage isn’t the only factor.
Two similarly sized houses can require very different amounts of work depending on their design. A tall two-story home with multiple exterior sections may require additional setup and labor compared with a simple rectangular ranch.
Your Home’s Design Can Affect the Timeline
Look at everything that interrupts the siding on the exterior of a house:
Windows. Doors. Corners. Gables. Utility connections. Exterior lights. Vents.
Installers have to work around all of them.
Large uninterrupted walls can generally progress differently than sections requiring numerous cuts and detailed finishing around openings.
That’s one reason you can’t determine exactly how long siding replacement will take simply by knowing the home’s square footage.
Complexity matters too.
Does the Old Siding Have to Come Off First?
The existing exterior and scope of the project can also affect the timeline.
When old siding is being removed, that adds another stage before the new siding can be installed.
Removal also gives contractors an opportunity to see what’s happening behind the exterior material.
And occasionally, that’s where the timeline can change.
What Happens If There’s Damage Under the Old Siding?
This is one of the variables that’s difficult to predict before work begins.
Your siding covers portions of your home that you don’t normally see. Once existing materials are removed, previously hidden problems may become visible.
If damaged or deteriorated material needs to be addressed before the new siding can be properly installed, that can add time to the project.
It’s better to address a legitimate problem while the area is accessible than cover it up just to keep the original schedule.
Windows and Doors Add Detail Work
A house with a lot of windows isn’t necessarily a problem, but those openings require attention during siding installation.
The new siding has to be properly measured, cut, and finished around windows, doors, corners, and other exterior features.
Compare a long blank exterior wall to a wall with six windows and two doors.
Even if they’re the same size, they’re not necessarily going to require the same amount of installation time.
Does Weather Delay Siding Installation?
It can.
We’re talking about exterior construction in O’Fallon, Illinois, so weather is always going to be part of the equation.
Rain, storms, extreme heat, high winds, or other conditions can affect the work schedule.
A forecast that looked great when your project was scheduled can look very different by the time installation week arrives.
Your contractor should account for the actual conditions rather than rushing exterior work solely to meet an estimated completion date.
What About a Two-Story House?
Height can add another layer of complexity.
Crews need safe access to the areas where they’re working, and installation on upper stories can require more setup and movement than easily accessible ground-level sections.
Again, this is why comparing your project to another house isn’t always useful.
Your neighbor may say their siding took a certain number of days, but their house could have a completely different layout.
Can I Stay Home While My Siding Is Being Replaced?
Generally, yes.
Siding replacement normally doesn’t require homeowners to move out while the project is happening.
However, you should expect some construction noise and activity around your property.
Crews will be working directly against the exterior walls of your home, so you’ll likely hear the work from inside. If you work from home, have pets that react strongly to construction noise, or have young children, it’s worth planning for that ahead of time.
Can I Make My Siding Project Go Faster?
There are a few things homeowners can do to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Before work begins, make sure your contractor has appropriate access around the house. Move patio furniture, decorations, grills, toys, planters, or other belongings away from exterior walls when requested.
Vehicles may also need to be moved depending on where materials, equipment, or crews need access.
Inside, it’s smart to remove particularly fragile decorations from exterior walls. Siding work can cause vibration, and the family photo that’s been barely hanging onto one nail for six years doesn’t need to choose installation week to finally give up.
How Will I Know How Long My Project Should Take?
Ask your siding contractor.
Not for a universal siding timeline—for an estimate based on your house.
Once a contractor has seen the property and understands the scope of work, they can give you a much more useful idea of what to expect.
You can ask:
- How long do you expect my siding replacement to take?
- Does that include removal of the existing siding?
- What could cause the project to take longer?
- What happens if bad weather delays the work?
- What happens if you discover damage underneath?
- Is there anything I need to do before installation begins?
A good estimate of the timeline should come from someone who has actually looked at the project.
Is Faster Always Better?
Not necessarily.
Obviously, nobody wants their siding replacement dragging on longer than necessary.
But speed shouldn’t be the only thing you care about.
The goal isn’t to find the contractor who promises to get off your property the fastest. You want the siding properly installed and the details around windows, doors, corners, and other exterior features handled correctly.
If unexpected damage is discovered, you also want it addressed appropriately instead of ignored because everyone is trying to hit an arbitrary deadline.
A reasonable timeline matters. Proper installation matters more.
Planning a Siding Replacement in O’Fallon, IL?
If you’re considering new siding, you don’t have to guess how long your particular project will take.
The size, height, design, existing exterior, and condition of your home can all affect the siding replacement timeline. Having the property evaluated gives you a much better idea of what your project will actually involve.
Barringer Brothers Roofing provides siding replacement and installation throughout O’Fallon and the surrounding Metro East, along with roofing and gutter services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many siding projects take anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks, but the actual timeline depends on the home. Size, height, design, weather, removal requirements, and unexpected repairs can all affect how long installation takes.
A very small or limited project may move quickly, but homeowners shouldn’t assume a full-house siding replacement will be completed in a single day. Your contractor can provide a more realistic estimate after evaluating the home.
It can. A two-story home may require additional setup and access, and the overall design and amount of siding also affect installation time.
Weather, material availability, unexpected damage behind the old siding, the complexity of the house, and changes to the project’s scope can all affect the schedule.
Usually not. Homeowners can generally remain inside during siding installation, although you should expect construction noise and activity around the exterior.
That depends on the existing exterior and planned siding system. Your contractor should evaluate the home and explain what preparation or removal is necessary for your particular project.
Yes. Your contractor may ask you to move outdoor furniture, decorations, grills, toys, planters, or other belongings away from the exterior walls so crews have room to work safely and efficiently.
Ready to Start Planning Your Siding Project?
Want to know how long siding replacement would take on your home?
Call Barringer Brothers Roofing at (618) 703-3036 or fill out our online contact form for more information, to discuss your siding project, or to request a free estimate.
