Can I Replace My Siding in the Winter?

Winter Siding Replacement

Siding can be replaced in the winter, but there are some challenges. There’s no wrong decision, but it’s smart to evaluate the pros and cons first.

On the downside, vinyl siding can become brittle in cold temperatures. This typically isn’t a problem when the siding is attached to your house, but it can create a problem during installation. Sections can crack, leading to wasted product. Don’t expect your siding company to absorb this cost; you’ll be on the hook.

Replacing your siding during the winter can also increase your home’s energy costs. Siding acts as an additional layer of insulation, so heat is lost when it is being replaced. Depending on the efficiency of your home and the type of heating system you have, you could see a very small increase or a substantial spike.

On the upside, siding companies aren’t as busy in the winter, so they may offer a discount to earn your business in the slow season. When companies aren’t as busy, they tend to complete projects faster, which can lead to additional cost savings.

How to Minimize Your Risk

There are steps you can take to minimize the risks of replacing siding during the winter:

• First and foremost, hire a reputable and experienced company. Do significant background research. No company can guarantee that mistakes won’t happen, but a well-qualified company can keep wasted product to a minimum. A reputable company will also be honest if the conditions are just too extreme to start the job.

• Purchase mid-range or high-end vinyl siding. The cheap stuff is a waste of money anyway because it will start to fade and crack after a couple years, but it will perform particularly poorly during installation because it is more brittle.
• Ask the company to replace the siding in sections to reduce energy loss. You don’t want a house completely void of siding in the dead of winter. Most reputable companies will do this anyway, but don’t assume.
• Schedule the job well in advance when schedules are open so you can get the best possible timing. If you live in Minnesota, you probably don’t want to do the project in January. But you can get a good deal for November or early March if you plan ahead.

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