Most homes in use today still have some form of siding product as part of their exterior. Over the years, siding material trends have risen and fallen, and technology has improved.
Some siding materials withstand weather better than others, eliminating the need for paint and sealer. Some materials install very quickly, while others require more effort. Removing and replacing siding is not particularly complicated, but accuracy is of the utmost importance.
Today, we’ll discuss how to know if your siding needs to be replaced, and what the typical costs are. We’ll cover materials like vinyl, aluminum, sheet siding, natural wood shakes, hardboard, and the processes involved in a replacement project. AdvertisementGet a Siding Estimate at Just
30 SecondsGet estimates from local professionals to help with your project
What is the typical cost of siding replacement?
Siding replacement costs often vary widely depending on the zip code. The cost of a home’s siding materials varies, and some siding can be easily removed, while others may be difficult to remove. Generally, the easier a siding material is to install, the easier it is to remove.
For example, from a professional installer’s perspective, vinyl siding is the easiest to both install and remove. Fiber cement board is the most difficult to install and is also quite laborious to remove. For these reasons, the cost of removing and replacing siding on a home will vary.
There may also be dump fees or other minor expenses. Here we will discuss the common costs involved in a siding replacement project, sorted by material: Vinyl Aluminum T1-11 Sheet Siding Natural Wood Shakes Hardboard Fiber Cement
How to Save Money on Siding Removal and Replacement
If your siding replacement project is on a budget, there are ways to keep costs to a minimum. Here are some ways homeowners can make a siding replacement project more affordable: Do a small repair yourself Buy your own materials Shop around
One way to save money is to do some or all of the work yourself. Experienced do-it-yourselfers probably have the experience and tools needed to do a small siding project, such as repairs. However, removing large sections of siding usually involves working on ladders, so unless you are very comfortable on ladders and walk boards, replacing large sections of siding yourself is not recommended. This is because from a professional’s point of view, setting up the ladder and workbench is half the job. Therefore, often a section will be removed and replaced consecutively without moving the ladder.
What should I do if I have house wrap on my home?
Before the widespread availability of house wrap, builders would often take the extra step and apply felt paper before beginning siding installation. This felt (commonly called tar paper) is still used as a roofing underlayment, thanks to its water resistance and adhesion properties.
Felt paper increases the lifespan of siding by providing a barrier to both drafts and moisture. However, felt paper usually comes in narrow rolls, typically around 48 inches wide. This meant that in order to use the product as house wrapping, overlapping joints were made in the paper. These joints then need to be sealed, usually with tape, to prevent water from accumulating behind the paper.
This required extra time and effort, so house wrap was invented. House wrap typically comes in 150′ by 9′ rolls and is often applied with staples or button cap nails. House wrap is often wide enough to cover an entire wall, eliminating the extra joints caused by felt paper. House wrap was specifically designed to resist drafts, provide a long-term moisture barrier, and seal the home’s thermal envelope.Today’s Homeowner Tip
If your replacement project has house wrap, it’s important to inspect it for any holes or tears. During demolition, tools can damage the surface and create tears that can allow air and moisture to seep in.
Small repair jobs can be done using tape designed for house wrap, or for larger areas, the material can be easily joined together. House wrap will work under any type of siding, and is a common part of a modern siding replacement project.
Is it necessary to consider the hidden costs?
Unexpected costs can be frustrating and stressful, so be aware of the scope of your project. The best way to avoid hidden costs is to have a thorough understanding of the project. Many unexpected costs arise from miscalculations of materials, unknown obstacles, and poorly scheduled labor.
Frustration and anxiety can be minimized or avoided if you stay involved. Sometimes, unforeseen water or pest damage can change project plans, so a smart move is to reserve funds just for that purpose.
Avoiding sudden financial stress makes the project go much more smoothly and reduces stress for both the installer and the homeowner.
What is the cheapest siding replacement?
Although some materials are less expensive to purchase and install than others, the real value usually lies in the finished product. If a home’s front door is the head, then the siding is its main body. Unfortunately, some homeowners unwittingly sacrifice appearance for cost when replacing siding. Even a small home can easily require fifteen squares of siding, so saving a few dollars per square can seem attractive. Vinyl siding typically offers the most value when maintenance is considered, so we’ll use it as an example.
Vinyl siding comes in different thicknesses. This thickness refers to how well the siding handles heat, cold, and durability. For example, thin-wall vinyl siding is less expensive than its thick-wall counterpart, because it requires less material to manufacture.
However, vinyl siding is flexible by design and heats up more quickly on the sun-facing side of the house. Because thinner materials react more quickly to heat, thin-wall vinyl often shrinks and creates visible waves in the vinyl.
Thicker wall vinyl holds its shape more stable and offers more resistance to baseballs and stones. Therefore, it is a good idea to spend some time deciding whether immediate cost, or long term durability and performance is most important.
Final Thoughts on Home Siding Replacement Costs
Given that a home’s exterior determines most of its appeal, the impact of a good siding replacement can’t be underestimated. With all of the options available to the modern consumer, the decision to replace siding can be confusing.
A great way to make a siding replacement project successful is to understand the process. Remember to take your time, do your research, and ask questions. Compare Estimates from Siding Experts Get estimates from local professionals to help you with your project