Replacing your siding is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to increase your home’s exterior and overall functionality. The siding acts as the first line of defense against the weather and improves your home’s curb appeal.
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about siding: signs and best timing to replace, materials’ pros and cons, and, last but not least, the potential price of the project.
When to Replace Siding
Do you need to replace your siding ASAP? In some cases, it’s critical to act quickly. If you’ve noticed significant damage such as warping, cracking, or mold growth, replacing siding promptly can save you from larger issues down the road. However, not all situations are urgent. Mad City’s expert team can help you assess whether immediate action is needed or if there are preventive measures that can buy you time before a full replacement.
Do I Need New House Siding?
Your home’s siding endures harsh conditions every day. The sun shines, rain falls, wind buffets, and temperature changes. All of these factors can impact its condition.
If your old siding is damaged, replacing it as soon as possible can save you from more expensive repairs in the future. Mad City is ready to help with quick and expert siding replacement.
And if your situation is less urgent, it’s still useful to know the early warning signs of existing siding wear and tear so you can plan ahead and avoid emergency fixes. Here are the main indicators:
- Cracked, warped, or loose panels
- Bubbles or blisters on the siding surface
- Peeling paint or severe fading
- Growing gaps between siding panels
- Mold or mildew on inside walls
- Fungal growth behind panels
Time of Year
Spring and early fall have the best temperatures for installing siding. Long summer days might look appealing, too, but the extreme heat can make new siding warp and stretch.
In winter, with severe weather conditions, some outdoor construction jobs are put on hold, so siding installers may decrease their prices to stay busy during cold months. However, these savings come with some downsides: cold can make materials brittle, while shorter days mean less time to work, which can stretch your project timeline.
Best Weather Conditions to Replace Siding
When it comes to the best weather conditions, clear and dry days with middle temperatures are a middle ground. Temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees keep the siding materials flexible for proper installation while preventing warping.
Don’t underestimate the wind; even a little breeze can make siding installation tougher, impacting the way the panels fit and seal. Plus, moisture matters a lot: if it’s too humid on the installation day, moisture can get trapped under your new siding and create issues down the road.
Siding Replacement Price Breakdown
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the cost of replacing siding. Let’s talk numbers: installing new siding on a typical 2,500-square-foot home might cost from $8,500 to $52,000.
But why is there such a big difference? The final price depends on a few important factors: the size and shape of your house and the quality of the materials you choose.
House Size and Shape
Your home’s dimensions play a major role in your siding budget. The average cost to replace siding is about $10 for every square foot of materials. On top of that, you need to factor in labor, which can add from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot to your final price. Some contractors choose to bill by the hour, and the hourly price ranges from $40 to $90.
The shape of your home is just as important as its size. If your house is square or rectangular with straight walls, the cost to replace siding on the house will be lower because there are fewer cuts and seams to deal with. But let’s be real—most homes have some kind of architectural feature that makes things a bit more complex. Each corner of your house means more work. Plus, windows, doors, dormers, and gables all mean extra cutting and fitting time.
Siding Materials
Now that you know how the size and shape of your home can influence the siding costs, let’s discuss the biggest factor — the material cost. Below are the typical prices for each commonly used material per square foot:
- Vinyl siding: $5-11
- Fiber cement: $5-10
- Wood: $4-15
- Stucco: $8-13
- Brick: $8-21
Types of House Siding
To understand better why prices vary so much, let’s explore the different qualities each material can bring to your home.
Vinyl
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic. At the lower end, you’ll find basic panels that just do their job. Spend a bit more, and you’ll get better vinyl siding with heat and noise insulation and solid UV protection. The best part is that vinyl is easy to install, so it won’t break the bank. However, if you decide to replace vinyl siding, be ready that it can crack if subjected to a major force.
Wood
Natural wood beauty comes with varying price tags. Basic pine is cheaper, but if you choose cedar or redwood, the price will be higher. Wood adds a one-of-a-kind natural charm to your place, but you’ll have to stain or paint it every few years to keep your siding looking fresh.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is almost indestructible when it comes to fire, bugs, and rot. However, its installation can increase the final price since teams need specialized tools and solid training.
Stucco
The starting stucco price is for basic finishes, but if you spend a little extra, you can get some interesting textured finishes and deep, bright colors. Installing it properly takes a few days, though, because each layer needs time to dry. But once it’s done, you’ll have a strong, insulating barrier that can handle fire and all kinds of weather.
Brick
Brick remains the classic choice and can turn your house into a vintage mansion. Simple red bricks are less expensive, but if you’re looking for unique shapes and special colors, expect to spend more on premium materials. Building brick walls isn’t so straightforward; your house will require a solid foundation, and your contractors must know what they’re doing. The major advantage is that brick stays sturdy for years and is practically maintenance-free.
DIY or Professional Installation?
If you decide to do the siding yourself, you can cut your costs nearly in half. However, be ready for a longer project timeline — what professionals can finish in three days could take you a couple of weeks with evenings and weekends.
And let’s not forget about the learning curve. Sure, you can watch YouTube tutorials, but a lot of these handy tips come from actual experience. You’ll have to learn how to work around windows, handle uneven walls, and make sure water doesn’t get behind the siding. A tiny error can lead to massive issues later, like rot or mold.
Most importantly, if something goes wrong with your DIY project, it’s your responsibility to fix issues. When you hire a professional contractor, you always have someone to reach out to if any problems arise later. Sure, bringing in the experts costs more upfront, but think about it in the long run — a job well done from the start can save you from pricey fixes in the future.
Tips to Keep Siding Costs Down
New siding is one of the biggest home investments you can make. You might not be able to avoid all the costs, but you can definitely make sure every dollar brings value.
Every owner who decides to entrust this job to professionals will usually start by finding reliable contractors who are transparent in their pricing. And that’s the first area where you can save money. Good contractors are upfront about every cost. Some might charge more upfront but include factors others list as extras.
Also, smart design choices can lower costs. Simple colors are less expensive to produce, which translates to lower material prices as well. The same applies to textures— upscale wood grains or custom patterns can quickly increase costs.
But here’s where being cheap costs more: weatherproofing. Quality underlayment, proper flashing, and effective insulation may have a higher upfront cost, but it can save you thousands later on. Water damage caused by cheap siding materials can seriously affect your walls.
Experienced home improvement companies, like Mad City, with a high BBB rating and numerous positive customer reviews, will guide you through every step, helping you make the most out of your investment.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace the siding on a house?
If you have a house that is 1,000 sq ft, you can anticipate the total cost ranging from $11,500 to $14,500. For a home measuring 1,500 sq ft, the price may fall between $17,250 and $21,750. If your house is 2,000 sq ft, plan to budget between $23,000 and $29,000. Besides, a larger house of 2,500 sq ft will typically cost between $28,750 and $36,250.
How do I replace vinyl siding?
Start by removing the old panels with a zip tool, beginning at the bottom. Check the wall wrap and then install properly a level starter strip before you add the new panels, making sure to leave the right amount of space. A lot of DIYers can tackle vinyl siding work, but specialists have the skills to deal with windows and avoid water damage.
How do I replace wood siding?
Start by carefully taking off the old boards and putting in a new moisture barrier. After that, place the new boards with the right overlap. Yet, cutting, sealing, and preventing moisture can be tricky, so it’s best to opt for professional help.
How often should I replace the siding on your house?
It all comes down to the material’s quality. Vinyl has a lifespan of about 20–30 years, but fiber cement can last over 50 years. Wood needs replacement every 20–40 years, depending on maintenance. But sometimes, you may have to replace siding on a house earlier — after the first signs of warping, cracks, rot, or frequent paint peeling.
