You are thinking about new siding for your Kalispell home. This is a good idea. New siding is one of the best investments you can make for protection as well as curb appeal here in the Flathead Valley. When you put that siding on makes a big difference. It is not just about picking the right material. It is also about timing it right with our Montana weather.
When to Schedule Your Siding Project in Kalispell
We have four distinct seasons here in Kalispell. Each season brings its own challenges as well as opportunities for exterior work. Spring and fall are generally your best bets for Siding Installation.
- Spring (April to June): Spring is often considered the sweet spot for Siding Installation. Temperatures are mild during this time, usually between 50°F and 70°F. This temperature range is perfect for most Siding materials like vinyl, fiber cement, as well as wood to adhere and settle properly. You want to avoid extreme heat or cold because it can affect how the siding expands and contracts. Spring also tends to have lower humidity, which is a plus for Siding Installation. The biggest hiccup in spring can be those occasional rainstorms. Kalispell gets a fair bit of precipitation in June, averaging around 2.6 to 2.8 inches. If our Premium Siding Solutions team has to stop work due to heavy rain, it can expose your home's sheathing to moisture. This is usually a minor, temporary issue for your Kalispell home.
- Fall (September to October): Fall is another excellent window for your Siding Installation project. The temperatures are cooling down, similar to spring, making it ideal for installation. In addition, contractor schedules often open up a bit after the busy summer season. Sometimes you can even find deals on materials as new inventory comes in. Getting your Siding Installation done in the fall means your home is prepped as well as sealed up tight before winter really hits. This can help with energy efficiency for your Kalispell home.
- Summer (July to August): Siding Installation is feasible in summer, but you need to be careful. Kalispell summers can get warm, with July highs often reaching into the low 80s. You get long daylight hours during the summer. High temperatures can affect certain Siding materials. Vinyl siding, for example, can soften and expand in extreme heat. If it is installed when it is too expanded, it can buckle later when it contracts. We are usually pretty dry in August, with less than an inch of precipitation on average. This is good for Siding Installation.
- Winter (November to March): We generally try to avoid major Siding Installations in winter for Kalispell homes. Kalispell winters are cold, snowy, as well as often cloudy. Temperatures can drop to average lows in the teens and twenties. We see significant snowfall, especially in December and January. Cold weather makes many Siding materials brittle and harder to work with. This increases the risk of damage during installation. Adhesives and sealants also do not cure properly in freezing temperatures. It is just not worth the risk to the quality of the Siding Installation.
Weather Conditions That Affect the Work
Beyond just temperature, a few other Kalispell weather factors play a role for your Siding Installation.
- Wind: The Flathead Valley can get some serious wind. This is especially true during winter storms, with gusts sometimes exceeding 50 miles per hour. Even on milder days, strong winds can make installation tricky as well as unsafe. This is particularly true when working with larger panels or at heights. Our Premium Siding Solutions team always keeps an eye on the wind forecast.
- Moisture (Rain, Snow, Ice): You cannot install siding on a wet surface. Moisture can get trapped behind the siding. This can lead to mold, rot, as well as other serious issues down the line. That is why we need dry conditions for proper installation. This includes the sub-layers like house wrap.
- Humidity: Kalispell generally has comfortable humidity levels year-round. Extremely high humidity can affect how some Siding materials behave as well as how sealants dry.
Protecting Your Siding Investment Year-Round
Once your new siding is up, you want it to last. This is especially true with our diverse Montana climate. Here is what you need to do to protect your Siding Investment.
- Regular Inspections: Take a walk around your Kalispell house a couple of times a year. Maybe do this in spring and fall. Look for any signs of damage. This includes loose panels, cracks, holes, or anything that looks out of place. Pay extra attention after big storms. Catching small issues early can save you a lot of money as well as hassle.
- Keep it Clean: Dirt, grime, as well as even mildew can build up on your siding. This is especially true on the north side of your house where it stays shadier and wetter. A gentle wash with a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution once a year usually does the trick. Do not use high-pressure washers too close. They can force water behind the siding or damage the material.
- Manage Moisture: Managing moisture is important in Kalispell. Make sure your gutters are clean and draining properly. They should direct water away from your foundation as well as your siding. Trim back shrubs and trees that are too close to the house. They can trap moisture against the siding and prevent it from drying out. Proper flashing around windows and doors is also important to prevent water intrusion.
- Watch for Ice Dams: Our heavy snowfalls mean ice dams are a real threat for Kalispell homes. They form when heat escapes from your attic. This melts snow on your roof. This water then refreezes at the colder eaves. This creates a dam that can force water under your shingles and behind your siding. Good attic insulation as well as ventilation are your best defense here.
- Address Damage Promptly: Do not let a small crack or a loose piece of siding go. It is an open invitation for water, pests, as well as further damage. Call us at Premium Siding Solutions. We will get it fixed before it turns into a bigger problem for your Kalispell home.
Your home's exterior takes a beating here in Kalispell. This is from the freezing temperatures as well as heavy snows of winter. It also takes a beating from the warm, sometimes windy, summers. Getting your Siding Installation done at the right time and then taking care of it year-round makes sure it does its job. This means protecting your home and keeping it looking great for decades to come.