​One of the biggest myths in home remodeling is that you have to wait for the "Spring Rush" to upgrade your home’s exterior. With the current cold snap across Chicagoland, many homeowners are asking: Can you actually install vinyl siding in the winter?

The short answer is yes, but it requires a specific set of professional techniques to ensure the material doesn't crack and stays weather-tight for decades.

Here is why winter siding installation is not only possible but often a smart strategic move for Illinois homeowners in 2026.


The "Snap" Factor: Handling Material in the Cold

The primary challenge with vinyl siding in sub-freezing temperatures is that the PVC becomes brittle. If handled like it’s a 70°F day, the panels can shatter during cutting or nailing.

  • Our Solution: We keep our materials in climate-controlled environments until the moment of installation and use specialized "fine-tooth" saw blades designed specifically for cold-weather cuts to prevent splintering.


Proper Expansion Gaps 

As we discussed in our post about why siding warps , vinyl siding is designed to move. In the winter, the panels are at their most "contracted" (shortest) state.

  • The Technique: A winter installation requires leaving a slightly larger gap (typically 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch) at the accessory channels. If a contractor nails it too tight in January, the siding will have nowhere to go when the 90°F July humidity hits, leading to buckling and waves .


Why Winter Installation is a "Pro Move" for 2026

Waiting until April or May often means competing with hundreds of other homeowners for a spot on the calendar. Choosing a winter install offers several advantages:

  1. Faster Turnaround: Since most people wait for spring, your project can often be started and finished weeks sooner.

  2. Landscaping Protection: In the winter, your bushes, flowers, and lawn are dormant. The foot traffic and equipment used during a siding project are much less likely to damage a frozen lawn than a soft, muddy spring yard.

  3. Immediate Energy Savings: If your current siding is drafty, replacing it now, combined with a modern house wrap and waterproofing system, will immediately lower your heating bills for the remainder of the season.


The Role of the 2026 Energy Codes

With the new 2026 Illinois Energy Codes focused on continuous insulation, a winter siding project is the perfect time to add an extra layer of "blanket" (rigid foam insulation) to your home. This helps eliminate "thermal bridging," where heat escapes through the wooden studs of your walls.


Don't Wait for the Thaw

If your siding is cracked or failing, waiting until spring allows several more months of moisture and potential mold to penetrate your wall sheathing. Our teams are equipped and trained to handle the Illinois deep freeze.