Siding Construction Guide for Minneapolis, MN

Are you in desperate need of siding replacement in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities area? Are you confused by how the process of installing house siding in Minneapolis, MN works? We hope that the following information will help you to understand what St. Paul siding installation entails.

Home before Siding

Even before the job really begins, we start the process by setting things up. We make sure that:

The materials and dumpsters are in place
The timeline and scope of work are discussed with the siding crew
The permit is purchased

Step #1—Tear off the Existing Siding

This first step in the process includes:

Removing the existing siding, trim, fascia, and soffit, as needed
Inspecting the sheathing under the siding and wood trim

Step #2—Install House Wrap

During this second step in the process, we:

Install house wrap to protect sheathing
Flash windows, doors, etc.
Tape the seams of house wrap to prevent water intrusion

Step #3—Install Inside and Outside Corners

The purpose of installing these sections during this step is to:

Give siding a finished look and prevent future water damage
Create a finished outside corner and allow siding to tuck into the corner neatly

Step #4—J-Channel and J-Blocks

This step is all about safety and appearance. By installing these pieces, we:

Protect your home with J-Channel (pictured below-right), which is installed around windows and doors to help keep water from seeping in at these areas, as well as cover the ends of the siding to give your home a clean, finished look.
Improve appearance with J-Blocks (pictured below-left) and allow moisture to travel around electrical components, water outlets, and power outlets.

Step #5—Starter

During this step, starter is installed around the perimeter of the building in order to hold the first row of siding in place.

Step #6—Siding Installation

This is the longest step of the process and includes:

Leveling the siding and nailing it down (but not too tightly so the panel is able to move)
Fitting the siding neatly into all J-Channels, J-Blocks, and corners
Ensuring the siding is installed so that each piece locks tightly onto the ones surrounding it
Installing the siding so that it flows evenly around corners and obstacles
Apply caulking where necessary, like between the J-Channel and trim

Step #7—Wrapping Trim, Fascia, and Soffit (Optional)

This step is optional for siding jobs, but includes:

Custom bending aluminum for the window and door wraps
Covering the existing trim with the aluminum wraps to change the color and make the trim more maintenance free (no painting)
Install new fascia and soffit to change the appearance and make it maintenance free