Affordable Home Siding Options

Considering installing or replacing your home siding? Read through this helpful guide to ensure you know all the important details including your siding options, the costs of siding, and how to find the best siding contractor in your area.

When you are building or renovating your home, one of the more important considerations may be your home siding. There are many types of home siding to improve the overall aesthetic of your home, help lock heat into your home during the colder months, keep the heat out during the warmer months, and protect your home from the elements in different ways. Since this is the case, it is beneficial to know the types of siding available, average costs for home siding, home siding repair options, and how to find contractors who perform home siding work. 

Types of Home Siding 

Depending on your local climate and weather, your goals, and your budget, you may be interested in one type of home siding over another. The most popular options are:

• Stucco: Stucco comes in a wide variety of colors and texture. Along with being affordable, it is extremely durable and long-lasting. It is also ideal for anyone who prefers a low-maintenance siding.

• Stone Veneer: Stone veneer is an excellent option if you love the look of stone siding yet do not want to pay top dollar for materials.

• Fiber Cement: Fiber cement can be manufactured to look like real wood panels in any color. It may be advantageous for a homeowner looking for rot-free and UV-resistant siding.

• Brick: Brick not only offers a classic, timeless look, it can also provide superior thermoregulation for your home. 

• Vinyl: Vinyl is a popular option for many homeowners. It is affordable, quick and easy to install, and it provides many benefits. For instance, it is weather resistant, insect resistant, and fade resistant. 

• Engineered Wood: Engineered wood is composed of real wood and wood materials. Essentially, it looks and feels just like real wood for a fraction of the price. If it is properly installed and maintained, it can be an ideal option for your home.

• Wood: Wood siding is a traditional option, adding richness and warmth to any home. It can be installed in multiple ways such as wood clapboard siding, shingle siding, board, and batten siding, and more.

• Seamless Steel: Seamless steel siding offers a sleek and modern look for your home. While extremely aesthetically pleasing, it also has the added benefit of being reflective. In this way, your home will stay cool in hot summer months. 

• Composite: Composite materials are made from plastic and other materials. It ends up looking like vinyl or wood, yet with many added benefits. For instance, it is eco-friendly, low-maintenance, mold-resistant, fire-resistant, and insect-resistant.

How Long Does Siding Installation Take?

As home siding replacement or installation can often interrupt your day-to-day routine, it is important to know how long it can take. Your contractor will evaluate your home and property in order to prepare a reasonable quote, including both the cost of materials and labor, and the estimated duration of the project. The total length of time may depend on the size of your home, the landscape surrounding your home, the weather conditions, and your chosen siding materials. On average, you may expect it to take between 7 and 21 days for your siding to be complete. 

How Much Does Siding Cost?

If you wish to install or replace your home siding, the cost will depend on multiple factors. Namely, it will vary based on your contractor, your chosen siding materials, how large your home is, and if you want any extra services such as staining or painting. 

On average, home siding may cost between $2 and $50 per square foot. If you are choosing cheaper materials, you may find your installation is on the lower end. For instance, engineered wood or vinyl may be around $5 per square foot. Yet, if you opt for rare woods or stone, you may be paying in the higher ranges. 

If you would like to estimate the total cost of installing siding, you may take advantage of online calculators such as Modernize, Remodeling Calculator, or Lowe’s. 

Home Siding Repair Options

If you need home siding repair, you may not need to replace the entirety of your home siding. However, depending on the repair, you may need to hire a professional to consult and repair the damage. In some cases, any moisture or humidity that has entered your siding or behind it can cause water damage or mold and mildew growth. 

The most common types of repairs for siding include filling holes, dents, and scratches or replacing boards and panels. Yet, you may also wish to have your siding refinished or repainted. If you notice any signs of water damage such as warping, buckling, or bulging, you may need to address underlying structural damage and siding replacement.

How to Find Contractors for Home Siding 

There are many ways to find a reputable, qualified siding contractor near you. The best option is to contact your friends, family, or fellow peers who have had contracting work done on their houses. If you can receive a referral from a friend, you will already know the quality of service and work provided by the contracting company. Another option in this regard is to contact a well-regarded, local hardware store and ask for a list of recommended contractors. 

In the United States, you can also look for general contractors and siding specialists through contractor associations. The National Association of Professionally Accredited Contractors, The National Association of The Remodeling Industry, the Remodeling Contractors Association and the National Association of Home Builders are all excellent starting places. You can reach out to these associations to find local contractors who may be part of their organizations. That said, it is always wise to follow up with your own research on the company to make sure they have the proper certifications, insurance, ratings, and reviews. You can also ask to see a portfolio of their work or a list of their references. 

Moreover, you should always schedule a consultation, receive a quote, and ask your contractor as many questions as possible when the work on your home begins. In this way, you can ensure your siding replacement or installation is carried out properly. You may also wish to receive an independent inspection after the work is completed, to determine if there are any issues.