How much does it cost to install siding?

Siding is the protective material that is attached to the exterior of a home. Similar to the way a roof acts to protect your home from moisture and maintain heat and comfort, siding serves many of the same roles for the rest of the structure of the home. Aside from being important to the value and curb appeal of any residence, siding does much more. It acts as a protective barrier from moisture, keeps bugs outside where they belong, and also protects from UV rays, wind, and other weather conditions.

A project to install siding for a 1,500 sq.ft. home will cost on average $8,000-$12,000. This price includes all labor fees and materials needed by a professional.

Prep work

Proper surface preparation is an important part of your siding installation. There are some steps that need to be taken to prepare your home for a good siding installation job. These are illustrated below:

• Remove and replace any old wood and make sure that all nails and trim are in place. Make sure all trees are out of the way and remove any old caulking ¹ around the windows.
• Aluminum trim coil or other materials that will not absorb water should be placed around any openings where water might penetrate. This process is called flashing and will help to direct water away from the opening.
• Furring strips need to be applied to the outside of the home so that there is an even base for the siding to be installed. For horizontal siding, furring should be installed vertically. For vertical siding, furring strips should be placed horizontally. Furring strips should be placed along all doors, windows, as well as the tops and bottoms of areas that are going to be sided.
• A weather-resistant barrier should be applied over the sheathing (board or panel material used in construction) to protect the home from any weather conditions.
• Increasing your home’s insulation properties should be done before the siding is installed. This is a great time to make sure your home is properly insulated from the exterior. Insulating sheathing should be installed either over existing siding or between the furring strips. On existing houses it is possible to place new siding over old wood siding without removing it, however for metal or vinyl ² siding, they must be removed before placing new siding.

Types

When installing siding, you will need to decide on the type of siding that you would prefer. There are many options of siding listed in the chart below, each of which vary in uses and cost.

Materials

There are a variety of material options for siding installation that can help to create the perfect touch to the exterior of your home. While aesthetics are always important, you should also consider each material and the differences in durability, ease of installation, water resistance, and versatility. The chart below lists some of the most common siding materials along with their pros, cons, and costs.

Some points about siding materials:

• Brick can add up to 25% or more to the cost of your house construction due to the high price of materials.
• Stone and brick siding take a longer period of time to install compared to vinyl siding. This additional time is another factor that contributes to the higher cost.
• A tool called a zip tool is used to join and separate the siding strips in vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is used often as a retrofit siding and is often applied right over old wood siding without removing it.
• If you are looking to go with a less expensive material that still performs its duties you can go with an engineered wood or cultured stone.

Cedar shakes vs fiber cement

Cedar shakes ⁴ and fiber cement ⁵ are both great options for siding for the traditional look of clapboard or shingle siding. There are often many questions about the differences between the two and these differences are highlighted in the chart below.

Labor

The siding installation process is completed by a professional siding contractor. Typically the process involves preparation and planning, preparing the outside of the home (removing old siding, make sure walls are able to receive the siding), siding the soffit ⁶ and fascia area (nailing in j-channel pieces and measuring/cutting the soffit pieces), then the siding is applied (siding is installed from bottom to top, nailed to plywood ⁷ sheathing through a building paper).

Some required tools for the project include the basic level, hammer, pry bar, tool belt, tape measure and utility knife. For a siding project, contractors use a special tool called a “zip tool” that helps to remove interlocked siding panels. Other materials that are needed include aluminum flashing, j-channel, building paper, and the siding itself.

Most contractors include the labor in the price per square foot. If labor is calculated on its own, a professional siding contractor will charge $40-$50 per hour. If it takes more contractors to work on the project, this rate can be much higher.

Siding vs cladding

Many homeowners have difficulty deciding whether to go with siding or cladding for their exterior home surfaces. Siding and cladding typically serve the same three purposes: to provide protection against the weather, to enhance the appearance, and to add extra strength to a home’s surface. Siding is more often used for wood, vinyl, aluminum, or engineered materials that are installed vertically or horizontally. Cladding, on the other hand, is used for brick, stucco ⁸, or stone. You can expect to pay more for cladding due to the materials used.

Siding maintenance

Most types of siding require very little maintenance as they are created to withstand impact and weather. Regardless what type of siding you have on your home, however, there are some methods to keep your siding in good shape to ensure it lasts for a long period of time. The chart below illustrates some siding maintenance tips based on material type.

Replacement

Unless there is a specific problem with a home’s siding, replacing it may not be a top priority of many homeowners. There are, however, specific things that a homeowner should look for to determine whether a home needs siding replacement. Siding should be replaced if:

• Heating and cooling bills are through the roof: this could mean that there is poor insulation which can be a prime cause for excess heating and cooling bills.
• Rotting or warping: If you take a screwdriver and press it under the siding and the sheathing is soft or spongy, this means that the siding has started to rot and needs to be replaced.
• Needs frequent painting: siding paint should last a minimum of 8 years. If you find that the paint is chipping or peeling quite frequently, this is a first sign of decay and that there is a problem.
• Loose or cracked siding: small cracks in your siding can be patched up with no problem. A few loose or cracked boards can indicate that it may be time to replace your siding.
• Holes: holes in siding are typically caused by insects and pests. Even the smallest of holes allow for moisture and insects into the siding, so this is an indication for siding replacement.
• Mold or mildew: mold or mildew in siding indicates that water is seeping into and getting trapped inside the wall. This means that the siding will have to be replaced.

Siding retrofit

Retrofit refers to adding new features to an older existing system. In siding, retrofit can be done so that new siding is applied over old wood siding. Vinyl siding is the most commonly used siding to retrofit existing siding. Siding retrofit averages $2-$7 per sq.ft., installed.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Soffit

In order to protect your home from the weather, animals, and pests, and provide ventilation and pleasing aesthetics, it is very important to have good soffit boards installed. Soffits are used to enclose the underside of your roof overhang, eaves ⁹, and ceilings. Soffits are typically composed of vinyl or aluminum. Soffits that are 8’x12’ feet sheets typically cost $2-$10 per linear foot. If the soffits are wider than 12’x16’, the price can increase to $20 per linear foot.

Painting siding

If you are looking to give your home’s exterior a fresh look without spending a lot of money, painting the siding is a great option. A fresh coat of paint can help to repair many issues and imperfections giving the house a brand new look. It is often recommended to hire a professional to do the job and will cost an average of $1,850 for painting the siding of a 1,500 sq.ft. house.

Flashing

Flashing eliminates the need to worry about water seeping through siding on rainy days. Flashing is a thin sheet or strip of weather-resistant material that is installed around windows and doors, and on top of the foundation walls to direct the water flow away from the home. Installing flashing for an area of 1,500 sq.ft. including windows and door areas would cost from $200-$400.

Trim installation

Exterior trim can deteriorate over time, especially if it is an older home. If you have a new home, then brand new trim will need to be installed. Two of the most popular types of outdoor trim include vinyl trim or wood trim. Exterior vinyl trim averages $2-$3 per linear foot unpainted, depending on the quality. For a home that is 1,500 sq.ft. this would cost from $1,250-$2,100. Exterior wood trim averages $3-$4 per linear foot, depending on the quality. For a home that is 1,500 sq.ft. this would cost an average of $2,500.

Additional considerations and costs

• It is important to note that all siding installation projects have a material defect warranty of some kind. The warranty will be dependent on what company you go with but on average the warranties run from 20-40 years. Typically plastic or vinyl-clad aluminum siding can carry a 35-year warranty.
• Permits for a siding installation project vary depending on the area and color. Some geographical areas require that you have a permit. If you are doing a whole new siding installation project then sometimes a permit is needed. If it is a simple touch up job or repair, a permit is unlikely. The color of the siding can even play a role in whether you will need a permit. This is because property covenants may govern the appearance of homes and limit the colors that you can use.
• A DIY siding installation project is doable if you are looking to save some money in paying a professional. Some tips for a DIY project include: start from scratch, make sure to take accurate measurements, always use a level, hide the seams ¹⁰, and add in air flow. Make sure to take your time with the project as the siding needs to be installed properly in order to do its job.
• When pricing out the project from contractors, make sure to ask what is included in the cost and what is not. Find out what extra materials you may need to purchase and if any trim, molding, or soffits are included. Also ask about the warranty. These factors can make a large impact on the price and will help you in making a decision.
• Different climates can have an impact on the siding material. For example, vinyl comes in a variety of styles and quality. If you choose a cheaper vinyl it can bend or crack in the heat or cold. If you live in a colder area, you can go with a stronger vinyl that helps to protect against the cold, wind, and snow.
• Many homes built before 1980 contain asbestos ¹¹ in their siding. If your home was built before this time, you should have an inspector come for an asbestos inspection to take proper measures.
• If you are concerned about the environment, there are green and eco-friendly siding options. Wood is the most eco-friendly siding material, but going with an eco-friendly siding will definitely increase the cost compared to others. When searching for a siding for your home, you should consider 6 different factors: material, energy efficiency, locally sourced, recyclability, manufacturing, and labor.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Wood products are recycled and reclaimed wood products that help to sustain forests lands and protect the environment. This organization helps to improve forestry practices worldwide and offer wood materials for siding that are eco-friendly.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Caulking: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.

⁴ Shakes: A rugged flat piece of wooden construction material with at least one grain-split face, generally made of either redwood or cedar, laid in a series of overlapping rows and used to cover the outside of roofs and walls to protect against weather damage and leaks

⁵ Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass

⁶ Soffit: Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings

⁷ Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

⁸ Stucco: A type of durable plaster finish made of aggregates, a binder, and water (traditionally Portland cement, sand, and water) used on masonry, walls, ceilings, and decorative moldings