The easiest time to replace siding in Oregon is late spring through early fall, when long dry stretches let walls stay open safely. That said, siding can be replaced almost any month if the crew plans around the weather, because the old siding comes off and the new weather barrier goes up in sections. Rot and leaks should not wait for summer.
Oregon’s weather calendar
The National Weather Service’s Portland climate book notes that nearly 90 percent of the area’s rain falls between mid-October and mid-May, with July and August the driest months. Out in East County and toward the Gorge, wind-driven rain, cold snaps and the occasional ice storm add to the mix.
Practical read: June through September is the sweet spot. May and October are workable with attention. November through March has the most rain and the shortest days, and also some of the best chances to book a calendar slot without a long wait.
Season by season
Late spring and summer (May to September)
Pros: dry boards, warm temperatures for caulk and paint, long days, fewer weather delays. Cons: it is when most people want their siding done, so schedules fill. Book early if you want a specific month.
Early fall (September to mid-October)
A good window. Weather is still often dry, and getting a wall closed up before the wet season is smart. It is also a good time to catch rot before winter makes it worse.
Winter and early spring (November to April)
It can be done, but expect more weather days. A good crew strips and closes one section at a time, so a wall is never left open overnight, and uses tarps and housewrap as needed. Fiber cement and cedar can both be installed in damp weather, but paint, stain and sealants have temperature and dryness limits. Follow the product instructions. The Hardie installation guidance and the manufacturer’s recommendations for caulk and touch-up paint apply.
Upside: crews are often less booked, so you may get a start date sooner.
How a careful crew handles rain
This is the part to ask about when you compare contractors.
- Work in sections. Remove old siding and sheathing problems only as far as can be dried in the same day.
- Protect the wall. Weather barrier, flashing and tape go up promptly. A house wrap is not designed to sit exposed forever, so do not let a contractor leave a wall bare for weeks.
- Check the sheathing. If it is wet, it needs to dry or be replaced before cladding goes over it.
- Keep fresh cuts sealed. On fiber cement and cedar, cut edges should be handled per the manufacturer.
- Schedule finishes carefully. Stains, paint and caulks need dry surfaces and suitable temperatures.
More on the wall system in our rainscreen and house wrap guide.
What to do before the crew arrives
A little prep makes any season go smoother.
- Clear plants, furniture, grills and anything leaning on the walls, and trim back shrubs touching the siding.
- Move cars out of the driveway if the crew will be cutting or staging there.
- Tell Dave about pets, security systems, sprinklers and drip lines, so nothing gets damaged.
- Note any rot, leaks or trouble spots you already know about, and any interior stains below them.
- If your home was built before 1978, ask how lead-safe practices will be handled.
When not to wait
Do not hold off for the right season if you see:
- Soft or spongy wood, especially under windows or at the bottom courses (see signs of dry rot)
- Interior stains, bubbling paint or musty smells on walls below windows
- Siding that is loose, cracked or missing after a windstorm
- Visible gaps that let rain behind the siding
A limited siding repair now can stop a wet winter from turning a small fix into a large one.
Planning around the job itself
- Permits and approvals. Replacing siding that is not required to be fire-resistant typically does not need a building permit in Portland, but check your city. See our permits guide.
- HOA or historic review. Some neighborhoods require approval before changing exterior materials. Ask early.
- Add-on projects. If you plan new windows, doors, trim or soffits, bundle them. Dave handles trim, soffit and fascia and windows and sliding glass doors.
- Paint cycles and finishes. Factory-finished fiber cement shortens your painting schedule. Cedar needs a coating plan.
- Budget. Off-season slots may be easier to get. Pricing depends on the job, not just the month; see the cost guide.
Quick answers
- Can siding be installed in the rain? Siding can go up in light, intermittent wet weather when the wall is kept protected, but a good crew will not leave open walls exposed in a downpour.
- Is winter a bad time? Not bad, just slower. Rot repair should not wait.
- How far ahead should I book? Summer fills up; calling in late winter or early spring helps.
- How long does a re-side take? It depends on size, complexity and weather. Dave gives a timeline with your estimate.
- Does season change the quality? It should not. A careful crew makes the weather plan part of the job.
Book your slot
Six-Point Siding is a family business in Gresham. Dave Shaffer, a second-generation sider, has about 40 years of experience and is on every job. We serve Gresham, Happy Valley, Portland and the rest of the metro and East County. CCB #153635, licensed, bonded and insured.
Call or text Dave: 503-260-7647. Free estimates.