Question 1

How much does it cost to replace house siding?

Accepted Answer

Siding replacement costs depend on material choice and home size. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home (approximately 1,500 sq ft of siding after subtracting windows/doors): Vinyl siding costs $6,000-$15,000 total ($4-$10 per sq ft installed) and lasts 20-30 years. Fiber cement siding costs $9,000-$22,500 ($6-$15 per sq ft) and lasts 30-50 years. Wood siding costs $12,000-$27,000 ($8-$18 per sq ft) and lasts 20-40 years with maintenance. Aluminum siding costs $7,500-$18,000 ($5-$12 per sq ft) and lasts 30-40 years. Brick veneer costs $18,000-$37,500 ($12-$25 per sq ft) and lasts 50+ years. Engineered wood costs $9,000-$21,000 ($6-$14 per sq ft) and lasts 30+ years. These prices include: Removing old siding, house wrap/weather barrier, new siding material, trim and corners, and installation labor. Additional costs: Repairing damaged sheathing ($2-$5 per sq ft), new windows wrapping ($50-$150 per window), upgraded insulation ($1-$3 per sq ft), painting wood siding ($1-$3 per sq ft), permits ($150-$500). Complex architecture with multiple corners, dormers, or three stories adds 15-30% to labor costs.

Question 2

How long does it take to replace siding on a house?

Accepted Answer

Siding replacement timeline depends on home size, material, and crew size. TYPICAL TIMELINES: Small home (1,000-1,500 sq ft siding): 3-7 days with 2-3 person crew. Medium home (1,500-2,000 sq ft siding): 5-10 days with 2-3 person crew. Large home (2,000-3,000 sq ft siding): 1-3 weeks with 2-4 person crew. Multi-story or complex architecture adds 30-50% to timeline. PROJECT PHASES: Days 1-2: Remove old siding, inspect sheathing, repair damage ($2-$5 per sq ft if needed). Days 3-4: Install house wrap, flashing around windows/doors. Days 5-10: Install new siding panels, corners, and trim. Days 11-12: Install soffits, fascia, final details. Final day: Cleanup, walkthrough, touch-ups. FACTORS AFFECTING DURATION: Material complexity - Vinyl/aluminum fastest (3-7 days), fiber cement medium (5-10 days), wood/brick slowest (10-20 days). Weather delays - Rain stops work on most materials, expect 1-3 day delays for weather. Extensive repairs - Hidden rot or sheathing damage adds 2-5 days and $1,000-$5,000. Architectural complexity - Multi-gables, bay windows, dormers slow installation 30-50%. LIVING DURING INSTALLATION: No need to vacate - exterior work only. Expect: Noise 8am-5pm daily, limited access to exterior (no grilling, deck use), dust/debris around house, workers on ladders near windows. ACCELERATING PROJECT: Larger crew (4-6 people) completes faster but may not reduce cost due to labor efficiency. Summer scheduling optimal - longer days, predictable weather. Pre-ordering all materials prevents delays.

Question 3

Can I install siding myself or should I hire a professional?

Accepted Answer

DIY siding installation possible for experienced DIYers but professional installation often worth the cost. DIY FEASIBILITY BY MATERIAL: VINYL - Most DIY-friendly. Relatively lightweight, cuts with utility knife or tin snips, snap-lock installation, forgiving of minor mistakes. Can save $3-$6 per sq ft in labor ($4,500-$9,000 on 1,500 sq ft project). FIBER CEMENT - Challenging DIY. Very heavy (requires two people), special cutting tools needed (creates dangerous silica dust), precise installation crucial (moisture can damage improper installation), physically demanding. Labor savings $4-$8 per sq ft but high error risk. WOOD - Moderate DIY difficulty. Standard carpentry skills apply, requires painting/staining, moisture management critical, time-consuming. Skilled DIYers can succeed. ALUMINUM/STEEL - Similar to vinyl but requires metal cutting tools and careful handling (sharp edges, dents easily). DIY CONSIDERATIONS: PROS of DIY - Save 40-60% on labor costs ($3,000-$9,000 for typical home), work at your own pace, satisfaction of completing major project, learn valuable skills. CONS of DIY - 100-200 hours for average home (3-6 weeks part-time), requires scaffolding rental ($200-$500), specialized tools ($300-$800), heavy physical labor (fiber cement extremely taxing), mistakes costly to fix (improper installation voids warranties, causes water damage), no warranty on labor, professional results difficult to achieve. WHEN TO DIY: Single-story home or shop building, vinyl siding (most forgiving), strong carpentry/construction background, time available (3-6 weeks), physical capability, and accepting imperfect results. HIRE PROFESSIONAL FOR: Multi-story homes (safety risk), fiber cement or brick (requires expertise), complex architecture, time constraints (pros complete in 5-10 days), desire for warranty, or concern about mistakes. HYBRID APPROACH: Some homeowners DIY simple walls and hire pros for complex areas (gables, corners, trim). Can save 20-30% versus full DIY while ensuring quality on difficult sections.

Question 4

How do I know if my siding needs replacement or just repair?

Accepted Answer

Deciding between repair and replacement depends on damage extent and siding age. REPLACE SIDING WHEN: Damage affects 30%+ of siding (repair costs approach replacement cost), siding is 20-25+ years old and showing multiple issues, rot or mold behind siding (indicates moisture intrusion), significantly increased energy bills (siding losing insulation value), outdated appearance hurting resale value, planning to sell soon (new siding adds curb appeal and ROI). REPAIR SIDING WHEN: Damage isolated to small area (under 100 sq ft), siding less than 15 years old and generally good condition, budget constraints make replacement impractical now, matching siding available (same color/style). SIGNS NEEDING REPLACEMENT: VINYL - Widespread cracking or warping, fading to point of uneven appearance, panels separating or loose, green/black mold growth underneath. FIBER CEMENT - Cracks wider than hairline, deteriorating edges or corners, delaminating (layers separating), visible rot or soft spots. WOOD - Rot (soft, spongy wood), extensive woodpecker damage, peeling paint that won't stay despite repainting, warping or splitting affecting multiple boards. ALUMINUM - Major dents (not economically repairable), extensive corrosion or oxidation, fading chalky appearance throughout. INTERIOR INDICATORS: Water stains on interior walls, mold growth on interior surfaces, increased heating/cooling costs (30%+ over time), visible daylight through siding. COST ANALYSIS: Small repairs: $300-$1,500 (worthwhile if siding otherwise sound). Large repairs affecting 20-30%: $2,000-$5,000 (approaching replacement cost $6,000-$15,000). Consider age and remaining lifespan - don't invest heavily in siding near end of life. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION: Contractor can assess siding condition, check for hidden damage (remove few panels to inspect sheathing), provide honest repair vs replacement recommendation. Many offer free inspections. Second opinion smart for major decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace house siding?

How long does it take to replace siding on a house?

Can I install siding myself or should I hire a professional?

How do I know if my siding needs replacement or just repair?