Siding in good condition keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. However, siding doesn’t last forever. Summer is a great time to tackle bigger projects like these as the spring rains are over. If you have a few projects to start, such as wanting to replace gutters or siding, you might find yourself asking whether to start with the gutters or the sidings first?
Do You Start With Gutters or Siding First?
Homeowners are often not sure where to start, but it’s generally advised that when faced with having to replace gutters or siding that you start with siding first. This is because gutters are attached to the siding, and if you installed new ones and then did the siding, you would need to remove all the guttering and reattach it.
There is, of course, an exception to this. If your guttering is completely damaged and water is gathering in your foundation, you might want to do the guttering first to avoid irreparable structural damage.
When to Replace Siding
As long as the siding is installed properly, it can last for years, but you’ll eventually have to replace your siding. The good news is that siding replacement can deliver an estimated 75% return on investment (ROI), according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
Repairing your siding is a big job. If you notice some of these issues, it might be time to replace your siding.
- If the siding has been ignored or unrepaired for a long time, it will need to be replaced completely.
- When your painted siding starts to crack, fade, peel, and has a poor ability to hold paint, you should replace it.
- Water damage can cause rot, mold, fungus growth, and other signs of decay that could indicate new siding needs to be installed. Some materials may also swell or warp as a result of water damage.
- Even if the siding on the outside is still in good shape, moisture damage or mold on inside walls may indicate a serious issue.
- When the siding isn’t properly insulated or there are gaps in the insulation, electric bills will be high.
When to Replace Guttering
If your gutters are badly damaged and in a worse state than the siding then it’s possible to replace them before the siding. There are a few things you can do for the future to make sure it lasts longer and stay in great condition
- Maintain your gutters and keep them clean.
- Use a gutter guard to prevent leaves and debris from falling in and clogging the gutters.
- Look out for ice damage during winter. This can cause an ice dam to occur, which can prevent melting snow from running through your gutter.
- Keep an eye out for bees. They love to make nests in gutters which could cause a blockage if they decide to create one in your gutter.
- Repair any cracks or leaks immediately, as these could lead to far worse damage.
If you’re unsure whether to replace gutters or siding first, then the experts at Thompson Creek are ready to help. A video consultation can be done from the comfort of your home. They’ll determine if a repair is necessary or if a full replacement is needed for your gutters or siding.
Fill out the query form, and a top-rated expert from Thompson Creek will be in touch to schedule a free estimate.