How Cold is too Cold for Siding Installation

Spring and summer are what we traditionally think of as “home improvement season” here in the Des Moines area, but for many homeowners, that never seems to be enough time to tackle all their outdoor home improvement projects. While you can do interior renovations or replacement window projects throughout the year, when it comes to siding there is a seasonal deadline. How cold is too cold for siding installation? Here’s what you need to know about picking the right time for your siding installation project.

When is the deadline for siding installation in Iowa?

The weather in Iowa is a roll of the dice at any point in the year. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry—in Iowa, we get the best and worst of the Midwestern climate, and if you don’t like the weather, wait a day and try again! What that means for your home improvement and siding project is that there is no hard-and-fast rule as to when it’s too late to install siding in the Des Moines area. Instead, it depends on the weather that day and the particular siding product you are planning to use.

When to install vinyl siding for your Des Moines home

Generally speaking, if you are choosing a vinyl siding product like those by CertainTeed or Alside, you’re going to have a narrower installation window than if you choose engineered wood or fiber-cement siding product like those offered by LP and James Hardie.

Vinyl siding does not do well when installed in extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) which means that vinyl siding projects are best completed in spring or autumn. The general rule of thumb is that it must be warmer than 35°F to install. Homeowners looking to complete their vinyl siding projects should plan to have their projects started and completed between late March and early November to avoid possible complications with the installation.

When to install fiber cement siding for your Des Moines home

Fiber cement and hardboard siding have more flexibility and range in installation times as they can be successfully installed in 20-degree weather or even colder. Our most-used fiber cement and hardboard siding products come from James Hardie and we have earned “Elite Preferred” status of installation for James Hardie siding.

At Nu-Vu, we believe in offering quality products from a variety of manufacturers so we do carry other products from many other manufacturers available to help homeowners achieve the look they want with the quality they deserve. We have selectively chosen the siding products we work with to ensure the highest quality end product for our customers.

The best time to install siding in Des Moines

April to October is the most popular time for siding replacement and installation in Iowa. Spring and fall are the best times to install siding because the relatively mild weather makes for ideal installation conditions. Projects can be completed throughout the year depending on the scope of the project and the products used.

Installing vinyl siding in cold weather

Vinyl siding is chosen by Des Moines homeowners for its wide variety of styles and colors, durability, and affordability. While vinyl excels at standing up to tough Iowa winters, has been known to become brittle in temperatures below freezing. This is part of why many companies do not schedule full home siding projects during the coldest months of the year.

How cold is too cold for siding installation?

Vinyl siding can be installed until the weather hits about 35 degrees. The depths of an Iowa winter are not an optimal time to take on a complete exterior renovation, but there are products like James Hardie fiber cement siding that can be used in temperatures as low as 20°F in needed.

If it’s too cold for siding, is it too cold for replacement windows?

Not at all! Replacing the windows in your home can be done throughout the year. Replacement window projects do not require removing the siding on your home. Even if it’s too cold to replace your siding, you can still get new replacement windows and take advantage of improved energy efficiency and comfort.

Installing vinyl siding in hot weather

Installing vinyl in extremely hot weather is also not advised. Installing vinyl siding in very warm weather can be problematic because the siding can become too flexible which can cause installation issues such as buckling and cracking as the weather cools. It is rare to have weather that is too hot to install vinyl siding in Iowa.

Benefits of fiber cement siding

Nu-Vu offers a variety of siding products from various manufacturers, but James Hardie is our preferred product for its longevity, durability, and ability to hold color without fading. James Hardie siding comes with a non-prorated 30-year warranty that is paired with a 25-year workmanship warranty available exclusively to Nu-Vu customers. James Hardie siding is incredibly strong and resistant to warping or damage which also makes it possible to install in temperatures below freezing and helps it withstand tough Iowa weather conditions including hail.

How to pay for a siding project near Des Moines

Nu-Vu offers a variety of payment options for customers. Financing is available through our partners and our representatives can explain all your options during your complimentary in-home consultation.

Best siding company in Des Moines area

Nu-Vu is the most trusted name when it comes to vinyl, engineered wood, and fiber cement siding in the Des Moines area. For more than 40 years, we’ve been helping homeowners near West Des Moines, Urbandale, Pleasant Hill, Waukee, and surrounding Des Moines area communities create their dream homes.

More than 5,000 people have trusted Nu-Vu to create beautiful and long-lasting improvements to their homes. We’re so confident in the quality of our craftsmanship, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty to give you added peace of mind and confidence in your decision. We encourage you to check out our 150+ satisfied customer reviews then call us for a free consultation to discuss your siding project.

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