If you’ve never had the siding replaced on your home, you might be wondering what the process actually looks like. How long will it take? Does all the old siding come off? What happens if damage is found underneath?

A siding replacement is a major exterior upgrade, but knowing what to expect can make the process feel much simpler. Here’s a look at what typically happens from the initial inspection to the final walkthrough.

1. Your Home Is Inspected and Measured

Before a siding replacement begins, your contractor will inspect the existing siding and exterior of your home.

This is when measurements are taken, material needs are calculated, and any visible problem areas are identified. You’ll also choose your siding material, style, and color before materials are ordered.

At 360 Builders, we work with homeowners to find an option that fits both the look of their home and the demands of South Dakota weather.

2. Your Property Is Prepared

Once installation day arrives, the crew will prepare the area around your home.

Outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, and other items should be moved away from the house beforehand. Contractors may also protect landscaping and establish areas for materials and debris.

Because siding work involves removing and installing material around the entire exterior, you should expect some noise and activity around your home during the project.

3. The Old Siding Comes Off

Next, the existing siding is removed.

This is one of the most important parts of a siding replacement because it gives the crew an opportunity to see what’s happening underneath your current exterior.

Your siding might look like the biggest part of the system, but what’s behind it matters just as much.

4. The Exterior Underneath Is Inspected

Once the old siding is removed, the crew can inspect the sheathing and other components underneath.

This can reveal problems that weren’t visible before, including moisture damage, rot, deterioration, or other areas that need attention.

Finding an issue doesn’t necessarily mean something has gone terribly wrong. In fact, uncovering and addressing hidden damage is one of the benefits of doing a full siding replacement rather than simply covering up an existing problem.

Any necessary repairs should be addressed before the new siding goes on.

5. Weather Protection Is Installed or Updated

Depending on the home’s existing exterior system and condition, the next step may include installing or updating the weather-resistant barrier.

This layer helps manage moisture and protects the structure behind your siding.

Flashing around windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas is also especially important. Your siding isn’t working alone—it’s part of an exterior system designed to keep water away from your home.

6. Your New Siding Is Installed

Now comes the transformation.

The installation crew begins putting up the new siding according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Trim and finishing components are installed around windows, doors, corners, and other exterior features.

The exact process will depend on the siding material you’ve selected. Vinyl siding and engineered wood products such as LP SmartSide, for example, have different installation requirements.

A properly completed siding replacement isn’t just about making everything look straight and clean. Correct installation allows the siding system to perform the way it was designed to.

7. The Details Are Finished

Once the majority of the new siding is installed, the crew focuses on finishing details.

That may include trim, soffit and fascia transitions, penetrations for exterior fixtures, and other areas where the siding meets different parts of your home.

These smaller details have a major impact on both the finished appearance and long-term performance of the exterior.

8. Cleanup and Final Walkthrough

A professional siding replacement shouldn’t end when the last piece of siding goes up.

The property is cleaned, leftover materials and debris are removed, and the completed exterior is inspected. You’ll typically have an opportunity to walk around the home, see the finished project, and ask any remaining questions.

And then comes the best part: seeing just how dramatically new siding can change the appearance of your home.

How Long Does a Siding Replacement Take?

There isn’t one timeline that applies to every house.

The size and design of the home, siding material, weather, repairs discovered during removal, and complexity of the project can all affect how long installation takes.

Your contractor should give you a better idea of the expected timeline after evaluating your particular home.

Thinking About Replacing Your Siding?

A siding replacement is more than a cosmetic upgrade. Your home’s siding is part of the system that protects the structure from moisture, wind, temperature changes, and the elements.

If your siding is cracked, loose, faded, damaged, or simply reaching the end of its useful life, the team at 360 Builderscan help you determine your next step.

We provide professional siding replacement for homeowners in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities throughout South Dakota.

Ready to talk about your siding project? Contact 360 Builders to get started.