When planning a home siding replacement project, knowing the average cost is key. Homeowners can choose between a variety of materials including vinyl, wood, or fiber cement, which all vary in cost.
Other factors such as the square footage of your home, local labor costs, the complexity of the installation, etc. Make a huge impact. Break these components down to get a better idea of your costs.
In this manner, you can make certain that your investment fits into your budget and improves the exterior of your home.
Understanding Siding Replacement Costs
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of your siding replacement. The average siding replacement cost is approximately $12 per square foot. Upon deeper inspection, a huge variance in cost reveals. In comparison, a wood siding replacement can be as low as $2 per square foot. On the other hand, stone siding might reach $50/sf.
To set realistic expectations, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the national average for house siding costs can fluctuate based on multiple factors, including house size, location, and material type.
1. What is the Cost of Siding Replacement?
Whenever you are thinking about a siding replacement project, you want to know how the cost breaks down. For mid-range siding you’re looking at an installed cost of about $12 per square foot. Homeowners must consider the pros and cons of complete vs. Partial replacements.
Full replacement, while considerably more expensive, often creates a more consistent and modern look. The complexity of installation factors into costs, since designs that are more complex or difficult to access can drive up labor costs. Typical materials are vinyl, wood, and fiber cement, all of which come with unique costs and characteristics.
2. Factors Influencing Siding Costs
The larger your home, the more siding you’ll need. Larger homes require more materials due to their size, which automatically inflates costs. Location is another big one, especially when it comes to labor costs (varies by state, city, etc.) and material transport costs.
Choosing the right material makes a big impact too. Vinyl has become a siding industry favorite mostly due to its low cost and easy upkeep. It may not be the best option for all climates or circumstances. Hidden damage and the need to remove old siding can affect final costs, costing you even more in surprise expenses.
3. Home Size and Design Impact
To help you get a better idea of your siding needs, here’s a quick chart showing the amount of siding needed for homes of different sizes. For instance, if you have a smaller home, you’ll likely require less material, which means lower costs.
Architectural features, like gables or bay windows, can make siding calculations more difficult, increasing the cost overall. In general, larger homes will have larger replacement costs, making accurate measurements critical if you want to get a true cost estimate.
4. Material Type and Quality
Each type of siding material has its own price range. Vinyl is available starting at about $3 per square foot, while metal or fiber cement can be almost double the price. The quality of these materials plays a large role in durability and long-term costs.
Vinyl is a popular choice because it’s low-maintenance and durable. It can’t do its job in places that face wildfires or other severe weather patterns. Be sure to take into account your local climate’s compatibility with certain materials, as well as your personal aesthetic preferences.
5. Labor Expenses Overview
Labor costs are a major contributing factor to siding replacement costs. They often account for 30-50% of the overall project cost. These rates fluctuate depending on the area of the country and contractor skill level.
Hiring experienced professionals is critical, particularly for more complicated installations. To ensure that you receive an accurate, fair quote, put together a list of questions to ask potential contractors. Be sure to inquire about labor costs as well as if cleanup fees are included, since those can go from $200 to $600.
Types of Siding Materials
Home siding materials Homeowners most commonly use vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding, as well as brick, stone, and even metal as siding materials. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that affect the overall cost, durability and maintenance associated with your home’s siding.
Vinyl Siding Cost Analysis
Vinyl siding is notable for its price, with overall installation costs between $3 and $12 per square foot. Its popularity comes from its low maintenance, a huge draw for homeowners looking for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Vinyl holds up in almost any climate across the country. However, it fails to hold up under the most extreme weather like extreme heat or extreme cold when compared to other materials.
- Pros: Affordable, low maintenance, wide variety of colors and styles
- Cons: Less durable in extreme weather, less natural appearance
Wood Siding Pricing Insights
Wood siding provides irreplaceable aesthetic charm, giving your home a warm, rustic exterior. Installation costs are pretty hefty too, usually totaling between $6 and $15 per square foot.
Preserving its beauty requires regular maintenance, including repainting or staining every three to five years to prevent weathering and insect damage.
- Cedar: Resilient and naturally resistant to decay
- Pine: More affordable, but requires more frequent upkeep
- Engineered Wood: Made from wood chips and resin, offering durability
Fiber Cement Pricing Overview
Fiber cement siding installation runs from $5 to $13 per square foot. People rave about its durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme weather.
It offers an aesthetic flexibility, replicating wood, stone, or even brick looks. With careful cleaning and periodic repainting, its life can be drastically increased.
- Wash your siding regularly to avoid the build-up of mold and mildew. Check caulking and recaulk and repaint as needed.
Brick and Stone Siding Costs
Brick and stone siding runs $15 to $30 per square foot installed. The durability and longevity of these materials make them well worth the investment.
With the right choice of materials, these elements can provide significant aesthetic value, frequently boosting a home’s curb appeal and market value.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 – $12 | Moderate | Low |
| Wood | $6 – $15 | Moderate | High |
| Fiber Cement | $5 – $13 | High | Moderate |
| Brick and Stone | $15 – $30 | Very High | Low |
Metal siding, while relatively simple to install, is prone to scratching and denting, especially during storm season. Other products, such as steel siding from BPI, provide greater resistance to impact, not cracking or melting as some other products do.
Additional Expenses to Consider
If you’re preparing to replace the siding of your home, understanding the average siding project costs is essential. You need to be aware of other expenses that may come into play during the project, such as siding installation costs. There’s one other expense to consider in addition to the purchase and installation of new siding. Recognizing these expenses from the get-go will help the entire project run more smoothly.
Old Siding Removal Costs
Stripping off the old siding can be a significant cost, often running $1,000 to $3,000. These expenses vary based on a number of factors, including the type and condition of existing siding. Removing original wood siding requires more labor and care than vinyl.
If you go about it the wrong way, you might end up jeopardizing structural integrity. Proper removal is important. Beyond damaging the structure of your home, improper removal can be dangerous. Essential steps in the removal process include evaluating existing condition of the siding, carefully removing the siding, and debris removal and disposal.
Necessary Permits and Inspections
Timing is another important consideration when it comes to siding replacement.
Permit fees can vary tremendously, sometimes ranging from $100 to $300, but it depends on local jurisdictions. Following building codes is extremely important; it not only protects their safety but protects the community by playing fair with the local building standards.
Depending on your market, inspection fees often start at $50 and go up to around $200. Typical permit requirements are to provide plans for the project, verify contractor licensing, and have inspections during different phases of the project.
Long-Term Maintenance Expenses
The siding material you select affects long-term maintenance expenses. Vinyl siding is very easy-care, requiring less than $100 per year for routine cleaning and maintenance. In opposition, wood siding can cost an additional $500 a year because it needs to be painted and repaired more often.
Routine inspections can help identify small problems before they turn into major issues, saving you expensive repairs. To preserve wood siding and prolong its life, responsibilities include washing dirt and mildew, repainting as needed, and caulking joints and seams.
Customization and Design Choices
Your siding’s customization and design decisions will play a big role in the overall cost of your siding project. Choosing unusual colors, textures, or materials can add to the cost. These sustainable and energy-efficient choices can do a lot to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Take, for example, the current design trend of mixing materials. Pairing manufactured stone veneer with traditional siding or painting trim a bright color results in an eye-catching look. Customization options are unlimited and include different siding styles, colors, and trim options.
Bullet List of Common Additional Expenses
- Painting costs, which can increase total costs by an additional 20% to 30%
- Rental equipment costs: $50-$100 per day for scaffolding
- Trim installation: $1-$3 per linear foot
- House wrap or insulation: $1-$1.5 per square foot
- Increased costs for two-story homes: 15-30% more expensive
Signs You Need New Siding
Knowing when to replace your siding means having a good eye for signs that point to the necessity of a replacement. These signs can appear in more than one way, affecting not only the value of your home but its energy efficiency.
Let’s take a look at some telltale signs you need new siding that you need to watch out for.
Detecting Physical Damage
In general, physical damage to siding is a pretty obvious sign that replacement may be needed. Cracking, warping, and rotting are prevalent siding maladies. These problems often occur with old wood siding or wood that is subjected to severe weather.
Vinyl siding has a life expectancy of 20-40 years. Unlike wood siding, which can last 40 to 50 years with maintenance, wood is not ideal for extreme climates, such as Texas, where the weather can be harsh. This is why regular inspections are so important, because addressing these problems quickly can avoid extensive damage.
There may be hidden damage under the surface, so be sure to look past what’s obvious. Look for signs of moisture or mold, a sign that water has started to get behind the siding.
Here are some signs of physical damage to watch for:
- Cracks or holes
- Warped or bulging panels
- Rotting or decayed wood
- Missing shingles or panels
- Presence of mold or mildew
Assessing Energy Efficiency
Worn siding can significantly raise your energy bills by contributing to air leaks and lowering your insulation’s efficiency. This can easily be solved with energy efficiency siding options like higher thermal performance products.
Look for drafts along the edges of your current siding. Pay attention to hard-to-maintain temps in your home or sky-high energy bills. All of these are telltale signs that the siding may be jeopardizing energy performance.
A checklist of energy efficiency indicators you should consider includes:
- Drafts near walls or windows
- Increased energy bills
- Uneven heating or cooling
- Indoor humidity issues
Evaluating Aesthetic Wear
Aesthetic damage like fading and discoloration usually means it’s time to replace your siding. Sunlight’s UV rays are one of the biggest contributors to color loss, leading to premature fading over the years.
Vinyl siding is particularly prone to fading. Materials such as Hardie fiber cement siding, which features the groundbreaking ColorPlus Technology, won’t fade or bubble, keeping up fortifying homes for longer.
The aesthetic appeal of your home plays a major role in your home’s value and curb appeal. One missing shingle or a small patch of color fade may not look like a big issue but can be indicative of deeper issues.
When evaluating your siding’s appearance, consider these aesthetic signs:
- Faded or discolored areas
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Mismatched color patches
- Visible stains or streaks
Benefits of New Siding Installation
Investing in new siding not only enhances curb appeal but also significantly increases energy efficiency, contributing to lower energy costs. This upgrade offers various siding types, each with its own benefits, ultimately boosting your home’s value and ensuring long-term durability for your unique home.
Boosting Home Appearance
Installing new siding is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal, giving your home a stylish and modern appearance. Popular siding styles, like vinyl, fiber cement, and wood, instantly boost curb appeal. We can see that fiber cement, for instance, adds a lot of value—an average of $17,129.
When picking out new siding, take advantage of a wide range of color and texture choices. From traditional whites to contemporary grays and wood-like finishes, these options can help customize and update your home. To maximize your curb appeal, aesthetic details such as siding orientation, trim accents, and color palettes that work in harmony should be considered.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Updated siding materials have a significant impact on boosting energy efficiency. By keeping the cold air inside during winter and the hot air out during summer, these materials make a huge dent in energy bills. Siding with insulation backing is especially effective for reducing energy expenses.
You can increase your home’s energy efficiency by choosing materials with high R-value insulation. Energy-saving features to look for are reflective coatings and moisture barriers, which improve efficiency even more.
Strengthening Structural Integrity
New siding serves as an excellent barrier to moisture and pests, which is essential to protecting your home’s long-term structural integrity. Top quality materials, such as Hardie fiber cement, are crucial for siding longevity. They endure beyond average repair cycles, and they provide lifetime value.
Siding acts as the first line of defense against severe weather, protecting the house from moisture intrusion, high winds, and extreme temperature changes. This protection defends against rot and insect damage, both of which may result in expensive repairs.
A new siding installation comes with a long checklist of structural perks, like improved weather resistance, pest deterrence, and durability.
Increasing Home Value
The ROI of new siding installation is impressive, homeowners recouping an average of 88.5% of the cost. New siding installation makes your home more appealing to potential buyers by creating a more favorable first impression.
For example, new siding beautifies a home and can, on average, add $11,000 in market value. Factors that lead to higher property value include improved durability, curb appeal, and lowered maintenance costs.
Replace your old siding to avoid extensive and expensive damage. This straightforward improvement will not only make your home last longer, but improve its resale value.
Tips to Save on Siding Replacement
Replacing the siding on your home is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you take some savvy approaches. To begin with, taking the time and effort to plan and budget the project makes a real difference. By understanding what the work entails and having a realistic budget in mind, you won’t be caught off guard by surprise costs.
One effective way to save is to time your project strategically, as this can impact both material costs and contractor fees.
Timing Your Project Right
Timing is a major factor for how much you’ll pay to replace your siding. The most ideal times of year to do these types of work are usually in the spring and fall. The weather is typically beautiful during these times. Contractors are more readily available as well, as opposed to the busy summer months.
This typically leads to reduced labor costs as contractors are more likely to cut deals on price during the off-season. Trying to time your siding replacement during these off-peak seasons can save you hundreds, if not thousands.
To help plan, consider these factors:
- Off-seasons like late fall or early spring can sometimes provide substantial cost savings on the project because of decreased demand.
- Contractor availability is a lot higher, creating a more competitive pricing environment.
- You’ll want weather conditions to be predictable so you don’t face delays and can ensure a quality job is done.
Having a checklist of all these factors will help make sure you are fully prepared for the project and able to take advantage of any cost-saving opportunities.
Exploring Material Alternatives
Choosing the right materials is another way to save money. By looking at alternatives to traditional siding materials you can find quality products that save you money while still looking great. With a wide range of colors and styles, fiber cement siding presents an exciting opportunity for homeowners.
It pairs low-maintenance durability with energy efficiency to reduce costly monthly energy bills. This eco-friendly option typically runs $5 to $10 per square foot. It’s a wonderful compromise between your up-front investment and future energy savings.
Consider these alternative materials for siding:
- Vinyl siding, known for its affordability and low maintenance.
- Engineered wood products provide the appearance of natural wood with greater long-term performance.
- Metal siding, which is very affordable and delivers an on-trend look.
Conclusion
By now you should have a better understanding of the costs associated with the replacement of home siding. The materials you opt for play the biggest role in determining your overall cost. Materials such as vinyl, wood, and fiber cement all have distinct benefits of their own. Keep in mind other expenses such as labor and permits, too. If your home’s siding is aging, it’s time to make a move. Replacing it will not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but new siding will be more energy efficient and better protect your home from the elements.
Cut costs by getting multiple quotes and doing your work at the right time. Installing quality siding is an investment that guarantees long-term rewards, including increased value of your home. Want to learn more about what’s next? Find your best option and begin planning your fiber cement siding upgrade today. Your home is worth it, and we know you’re smart enough to ensure it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the cost of siding replacement?
Cost varies significantly based on the siding type, the size of the home, and labor costs. Vinyl siding costs are generally the least expensive, while wood or fiber cement siding materials can be more costly. Additionally, factors like permit costs or unforeseen repair work can contribute to the overall project costs.
How do I know if I need new siding?
Keep an eye out for signs such as cracks, warping, and mold. Other indicators like peeling paint or rising energy costs can signal it’s time for new siding replacement.
What are the benefits of replacing home siding?
New siding instantly improves your home’s curb appeal, increases property value, and enhances energy efficiency. This siding type provides your home’s first line of defense against the elements.
How can I save money on siding replacement?
Request several quotes from local siding pros, select affordable siding materials when possible, and do prep work yourself if you can. Replacing in the off-season can save on overall costs too.
What types of siding materials are available?
Common materials for new siding include vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiber cement, with vinyl siding costs varying based on the siding type and installation cost.
Are there any unexpected costs in siding replacement?
Yes, other costs can add up, like removing old siding, fixing structural damage, or having to replace insulation, impacting the total project cost.
Does new siding installation increase home value?
Yes, it can, especially if you choose your new siding style with an eye toward improving your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency, drawing in more potential buyers while considering average siding project costs.
