Siding installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What siding installation is

Siding installation strips or covers old siding, installs a weather barrier and flashing, and then hangs new cladding such as vinyl, fiber cement or wood. People call when siding is failing across much of the house, when they want a new look, or when the old siding has hidden moisture or insect damage.

Signs you need it

  • Siding that is cracked, buckled or faded across several walls, not just one section
  • Paint peeling in large patches, with bare wood or chalky surfaces showing
  • Gaps at corners and trim that let water and insects into the wall
  • Soft or stained areas at the bottom of walls or around windows and doors
  • Persistent interior moisture on walls that take the weather most of the year

What the pro does

  • Remove the old siding and trim, inspect the sheathing for rot and insect damage, and repair it before new material goes on
  • Install the weather barrier with overlapping seams, and tape or flash the window and door openings
  • Set starter strips, corner trim and the first course level, then hang the cladding with the fastening set to the manufacturer's spec
  • Install window and door trim, flashing caps, and the top edge where the cladding meets the soffit and eaves
  • Caulk the joints where needed, then clean up the offcuts, old siding and fasteners from the yard and beds

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Siding material, such as vinyl, fiber cement, wood or engineered wood, each with different material and labor needs
  • Wall area, the number of stories, and the number of windows and doors that need trim
  • Condition of the sheathing and whether rot repair is needed under the old siding
  • Removal and disposal of the old siding, including whether testing for hazardous materials in the siding or paint is needed first
  • Trim and corner profile choices, such as decorative or wide trim
  • Access for ladders, lifts or staging on two-story and steep homes
  • Permit and inspection requirements

What a written quote should spell out

  • Siding material, profile, thickness, color and manufacturer, with the warranty named
  • Weather barrier product, flashing and tape used at the openings
  • Trim, corner, starter and J-channel pieces listed, with the count of each
  • Sheathing repair listed as its own line, with the reason for the repair
  • Fastener type and spacing, and how the nails are set into the nailing strip
  • Removal, disposal and cleanup, including who handles the debris and whether hazard testing is needed

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What siding material and profile are you installing, and what does the warranty cover?
  • What weather barrier do you use, and how do you flash the windows and doors?
  • How do you check the sheathing for rot once the old siding is off?
  • How do you set the fasteners and allow the material to expand and contract?
  • Do you test the old siding and paint for hazardous materials before you remove them?
  • Who is on the ladders or lifts, and how do they stay safe on the second story?
  • Can you show me a finished job with similar trim and corners?

Red flags

  • Siding installed over damp or rotted sheathing without a repair plan
  • A bid with no weather barrier or flashing line, only the siding
  • Vinyl panels nailed tight in the slots instead of left slightly loose, which stops the panel from moving with heat
  • No plan for handling the old material, or a crew that dumps debris in beds and the yard
  • No plan for how the window and door openings will be flashed and re-trimmed

What you can do yourself

You can safely walk the perimeter and check the old siding for soft spots, cracks and gaps from the ground, and collect product samples to compare. Full siding replacement involves ladders, heavy panels and cutting into the wall, which can hide wiring and plumbing, so leave it to a pro. Call a pro once you see rot, insect damage or water inside the walls.

Licenses and permits

Siding installation is commonly done by licensed general or exterior contractors, and a permit is often required for a full exterior change. Check your state and local licensing and building office requirements for where you live.

Siding installation questions

Which siding material is best for my house?

It depends on your climate, the exposure of each wall, the look you want and the upkeep you are willing to do. A pro should walk you through the trade-offs for each wall.

Do I have to remove the old siding?

Not always. Siding can sometimes go over the old material if the old material is sound and flat. A pro should check the wall for rot, flatness and moisture before recommending it.

Will new siding stop moisture problems?

New siding helps only when the weather barrier, flashing and sheathing are right. If water is already getting in, those parts must be fixed too.

Can siding be installed in cold weather?

It depends on the material and the manufacturer's installation temperature rules. Ask the crew how they plan the schedule and what they do if the weather turns.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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