So, you are looking at giving your Fargo home a fresh new look with new siding. That is great. But before you get too caught up in color swatches and material choices, let us talk about the part that often gets overlooked: the Siding Removal. Trust us, what happens during this phase can make or break your entire project. We have seen plenty of folks around Fargo make some easily avoidable blunders with their Siding Removal.
Ignoring the Hidden Dangers Behind Old Siding
This is probably the biggest mistake we see in Fargo, and it is a real shame because it can lead to massive headaches down the road. A lot of contractors, especially the ones giving you a suspiciously low bid, will try to convince you that it is fine to just put new siding right over the old stuff. Do not fall for that advice.
Why is this a problem? Your old siding is like the skin of your house. What is underneath could be hiding all sorts of nasty surprises. We are talking about these issues:
- Rot and moisture damage: Our Red River Valley flood plain means we deal with plenty of moisture as well as freeze-thaw cycles. Old siding can get brittle, cracked, or water-damaged. That moisture can seep in, leading to rot and mold in the sheathing as well as the framing. If you just cover that up, you are essentially creating a perfect breeding ground for more damage. This damage will cost you a lot more to fix later on.
- Pest infestations: Termites, carpenter ants, and other critters love damp, hidden spaces. Removing the old siding gives you a chance to spot and deal with any unwelcome guests before they cause structural problems.
- Compromised insulation: Sometimes, the insulation behind your old siding might be damaged or settled. This is the perfect time to address it and improve your Fargo home's energy efficiency.
A proper Siding Removal means getting down to the sheathing. We inspect it thoroughly as well as making any necessary repairs. If a contractor is not planning on doing this, that is a huge red flag for your Siding Removal project in Fargo.
Skipping the Permit Process for Siding Removal
We know permits can feel like a hassle in Fargo. However, they are there for a reason. Permits are there to protect you as well as to make sure the work meets local building codes. In Fargo, you will likely need a permit for a full Siding Replacement project that includes Siding Removal. Some projects, like just replacing structural sheathing, might also require one. You should always check with the City of Fargo or West Fargo building department to be sure about your Siding Removal.
A good contractor will handle the permits for you. Ultimately, it is your home and your responsibility to make sure everything is above board. Do not let someone convince you a permit is not necessary, especially if they are trying to cut corners on your Siding Removal project.
Underestimating Hazardous Materials in Siding Removal
If your Fargo home was built before 1980, there is a chance your old siding or the paint on it could contain asbestos or lead. This is not something to mess around with yourself. Both asbestos and lead can be serious health hazards if they are not handled correctly during Siding Removal.
- Asbestos: If more than 3 square feet or 3 linear feet of friable asbestos-containing material is going to be disturbed, North Dakota regulations require it to be removed by certified individuals as well as contractors licensed by the NDDEQ. You need to notify the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at least 10 working days in advance if you are disturbing a certain amount of asbestos-containing material. Even if your home is residential, if it is part of a larger project or urban renewal, these regulations might apply to your Siding Removal.
- Lead-Based Paint: If your home was built before 1978, it might have lead-based paint. This requires specialized removal techniques to minimize exposure. There are licensed lead-based paint companies in North Dakota that can handle this safely.
A reputable Siding Contractor in Fargo will assess for these materials. They will also have a plan for safe, compliant removal as well as disposal. If they brush off your concerns about asbestos or lead, find someone else for your Siding Removal. It is not worth the risk to your family's health or the potential fines.
Choosing the Wrong Contractor (or Trying to DIY Too Much) for Siding Removal
Look, we understand. Everyone wants to save a buck. But Siding Removal, especially in our Fargo climate, is not a DIY job for most homeowners. Using the wrong tools or improper techniques can damage your home's structure. It can even injure you.
When you are hiring a Siding Contractor for Siding Removal in Fargo, do not just go with the cheapest bid. You should look for a contractor who meets these important points:
- Is licensed and insured: This protects you if something goes wrong during the Siding Removal. Fargo Siding Solutions is fully licensed and insured, for example.
- Has local experience: Someone who understands Fargo's specific weather challenges knows how to properly remove siding. This includes our heavy snow loads as well as freezing temperatures and intense summer sun. They know what siding has been through it all.
- Provides a detailed, itemized estimate: You should know exactly what you are paying for. This includes material costs as well as labor and disposal for your Siding Removal.
- Communicates clearly: You want someone who will explain the Siding Removal process. They should answer your questions as well as keep you in the loop.
- Has good references and reviews: You should check online reviews as well as ask for local references for Siding Removal projects.
Siding Removal is the foundation for your new siding. If you get it wrong, you are building on shaky ground. Do your homework. Ask the tough questions. Make sure you are working with professionals who prioritize doing the Siding Removal job right from the start in Fargo.