The demand for residential and commercial construction continues to grow. As a result, the global siding market is also likely to expand in the coming years. A siding is one of the most crucial elements of your house. It acts as a waterproof envelope for your home. It also helps keep pests away, provides insulation against strong winds and heat, and adds curb appeal.
It’s no surprise that siding installation and repair are always in demand. According to Markets and Markets, the global siding market was worth $101.7 billion in 2019. It is likely to reach $126.3 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2019 to 2024.
Given the potential for its growth, the siding market will help create new jobs. If you want to be a siding installer, now is the right time to look for job opportunities. Let’s understand how you can become a siding installer.
What Does a Siding Installer Do?
As the name suggests, a siding installer is responsible for siding repairs and installations. They work on the exterior of residential, commercial, and other buildings. This job often includes installing insulation, drywall, or other materials required to support the siding properly. You will also need to work with cladding materials, such as flashings for waterproofing and trims.
Given the nature of this work, you need to have strong attention to detail. You should also not be afraid of climbing the roof or using a ladder. And, of course, you need to be physically fit to do this job day in and day out.
As a siding installer, you will need to work with different types of siding. They include vinyl, composite, cement, aluminum, and wood sidings. Get as much knowledge about various siding materials as possible. This will up your ante when looking for a siding installation job.
Understand Your Duties as a Siding Installer
As mentioned before, there is more to this job than just siding installation. You will need to inspect the property before doing the job. In short, you will have a wide range of responsibilities, including the following.
- Communicate with clients to discuss the job, the estimate, and while working on the site.
- Work with different siding materials, including wood, vinyl, insulated vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement boards.
- Install roof vents, flashing, and other components. These components help protect the house from potential water damage.
- Measure and cut the siding material to the given length. It is a critical skill to ensure your job gets finished on time.
- Install insulation and vapor barrier material to protect a house’s exterior. This responsibility often goes with most siding installation jobs.
- Handle, locate, and cut studs and joists when installing and repairing sidings. You can’t work on a project unless you know how to handle studs and joists.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Successful Siding Installer?
As far as qualifications go, a high school diploma or GED is more than enough. However, graduates also work as siding installers. Usually, work experience will get you better opportunities. However, you do need a few skills if you want to survive in this competitive field.
They include:
1. Attention to Detail
When installing a siding, you will inspect the roof and the wall. If you see any damage or issues like a fungal infestation, you will need to address those first. That’s where attention to detail comes in. You can get a job done if only you are through.
2. Communication
Talking to your team is a part of your job. Whether siding repairs or installation, it’s always a team job. You will have to work with your team to finish it on time. Make sure to brush up your communication skills, both written and verbal, before you start applying for the job.
3. Power Tools
Siding repairs and installations require power tools like a cordless power drill and a circular power saw with a sharp blade. You can use a utility knife or a hand saw. However, a power saw can help you finish the work faster and better. Make sure you know how to handle a power saw to ensure everyone’s safety.
4. Physical Fitness
As you can see, siding installation and repair often involve climbing ladders and roofs. You will also need to work with timber when cutting joists and studs. None of these activities are possible without physical fitness. Stay fit if you want to work for a reputable gutter company.
5. Safety Knowledge
Climbing ladders and handling power tools, these activities involve significant safety risks. One misstep and you could fall off the ladder, resulting in severe injuries. That’s why you need an excellent grasp of your safety knowledge. Also, try to be aware of the latest safety regulations by OSHA and other regulatory authorities.
How to Become a Siding Installer?
When becoming a siding installer, most people don’t know where to start. First, you will need to get the required qualifications. Usually, you will need a high school diploma or an associate degree. Education helps because you will need to provide estimates to the clients. So, even basic math skills can go a long way.
The best place to begin your career is to find a job as an apprentice. Many home gutter companies offer jobs as an apprentice. We are looking to fill a few positions at Ace Gutter Inc., a locally owned siding, roofing, and chimney installation business.
How Much Will You Make as a Siding Installer?
The average Siding Installer in the US makes $52,316 a year with a 3% bonus on their salary, which comes down to $1,782. However, you can make more money with experience. Skilled and experienced siding installers can make up to $76,750 a year.
But the pay and benefits will depend on your skills and the gutter company you work with. If you choose to work with Ace Gutter Inc., you will enjoy the following benefits.
- Set Your Own Schedule: If you are an experienced siding installer, you can set your own schedule. This gives you the freedom to pick up extra shifts to make more money when needed.
- Flexibility: We also offer an excellent work-life balance. You can get off by 3 PM on weekdays if you need to or work long hours on weekends. No other organization is likely to offer this flexibility.
- Job Security: Ace Gutter Inc. is a well-established rain gutter company. We offer long-term job security to all our staff.
- Other Benefits: After completing three months with us, you can enjoy additional benefits such as:
- Paid vacation
- 401K
- Health insurance
In Conclusion
Siding installer is a stable career with plenty of job opportunities. If you are willing to put in the hard work, you can be a successful siding installer in no time. Hopefully, this short guide will help you become one.
Ace Gutter Inc. is a well-established gutter, soffit, siding, and chimney installation company in Utah. Do you want to be part of a locally owned business that cares for its community? Join us today. Call us at (801) 676-1048 or apply for the position of your choice online.