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Highlights
- It typically costs between $5,576 and $17,529 to install siding on a house, with a national average cost of $11,435.
- Some of the main factors that affect house siding costs include the size and shape of the home, the siding material and quality, the cost of labor, old siding removal, permits and inspection costs, and the time of year the project is undertaken.
- A home may need new siding if the homeowner notices cracks, gaps, or holes; bubbling paint; warping or rippling; sagging panels; discoloration; damage from hail, water, pests, or animals; or increased energy bills.
- A handy homeowner may be able to install siding themselves, provided they have the tools and experience to complete the job properly. However, in most cases, a professional is recommended to ensure the project is completed safely and that the siding is airtight to avoid future damage.
When people envision their ideal home, they often see fresh landscaping, pretty or sophisticated lighting—and a crisp facade that makes their home stand out from everyone else’s, presenting an attractive face that suggests that the interior is just as well kept and up to date. Unfortunately, siding is subject to the harsh effects of the climate. In some areas, this can mean constant exposure to extreme temperatures, while in other areas wind, sand, salt, and storms wreak havoc on the finish of all exterior surfaces. Fading, warping, and cracking will eventually affect all siding materials, and when the house starts to look tired, most homeowners will start to wonder about the cost to replace the siding on a house for a fresh, new look. How much does new siding cost? According to Angi, the average cost of replacing siding is $11,435, with a typical range from $5,576 to $17,529—not an insignificant amount—so it pays for homeowners to make sure they understand the various components that make up the cost of siding replacement before seeking out quotes to make sure they get what they want, and without paying for things they don’t need.
Factors in Calculating House Siding Cost
Some elements of calculating the cost of re-siding a home are obvious—the siding itself will have a cost, and there’s a cost to having someone install it. Other costs are less notable, but all of them will combine to determine how much the job will cost. To get a rough idea of the total cost of a project, homeowners can try a siding cost estimator online, but they should bear in mind that the estimator may not have the specific cost of the siding they’ll choose when it spits out its response. Understanding how these elements affect the overall cost will help homeowners make choices that work for their home and their budget.
House Size and Shape
Thess cost factors are fairly straightforward; the more house there is to cover, the higher the cost to replace siding on house surfaces. Size affects all the other components, including the material costs, the labor costs, the cost of additional elements such as window flashing and insulation, and in some locations even the cost of the permit.
Homes with unusual shapes or multiple stories require more labor time, but they also need more material: fitting siding into angled or shaped facings results in much more waste material than would be the case for a simple rectangle.
Siding Material and Quality
The biggest cost variation that is within the homeowner’s ability to change is the cost of the siding material itself. How much is siding for a house? The average cost per square foot of siding is $12, but the range is significant. Wood siding starts around $2 per square foot, while stone siding can reach $50 per square foot and up. Roughly multiply the cost per square foot by the square footage of the exterior of the home to see how quickly the difference in the material cost can add up. While the approximate cost to install wood siding on a home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet will range between $7,000 and $23,000, covering that same home in stone will range between $87,500 and $125,000. Luckily, there are many different materials to choose from with a wide range of costs, so most of the time homeowners will be able to find a material that suits their desired style and also fits their budget.
Within each type of siding material are varying levels of quality. Depending on the material, these may fall under a “Good, Better, Best” categorization, or simply be designated by the thickness or the level of design on the siding material. This explains the range in pricing of each material, and while customers should speak with contractors about the recommended quality for their location and neighborhood, this is an area where some compromises can be made to keep costs down.
Labor
Labor costs will vary based on the market rates in the home’s geographic location and are sometimes priced hourly and sometimes by the job. Starting with this base rate, labor costs will also depend on other factors. Some materials are more complex to install properly than others and thus take longer, and complex home shapes may require more manpower and equipment as well as time. When hiring a siding contractor, it’s important to ask how the labor cost is itemized and how it will be affected by elements such as material delays or weather. On average, new siding cost will incur labor charges between $1 and $4 per square foot.
Old Siding Removal
Depending on what kind of cladding is currently on the home, a siding contractor can advise homeowners as to whether the new siding can be applied over the top of the existing siding or whether the old siding must first be removed. Frequently, vinyl or aluminum siding can be installed over older wood siding, but newer materials may need to be removed for a clean base on which to install the new siding. Removing the existing siding will incur costs for labor and disposal on top of the cost to install the new siding.
Permits and Inspections
Different municipalities have variations in their building codes and the rules surrounding permits and follow-up inspections. While a siding repair usually doesn’t require a permit, a whole-home siding job just might because it’s changing the exterior material of the home (which may have tax assessment implications) and because it may require the temporary removal or shifting of electrical connections. Permits and inspections usually involve a charge, but they’re not something that homeowners can try to avoid—the consequences for not pulling an appropriate permit can be dire, such as significant fines or even removal of the unpermitted siding. Check with the local tax assessor or building permit office to see if the job will require a permit.
Time of Year
Like other contractors, siding installers have busy seasons and slower seasons. Depending on where you live, these time frames may vary, so if you have flexibility in terms of when you need the job done, ask the contractor when their calendar is less full and book the job a bit farther out to save on costs. Often, early fall is a slower time when the job might cost less in terms of labor because the contractors are less busy. In areas where winter comes on quickly, though, there’s a risk to scheduling too late in the fall, when snow and ice might disrupt the job.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Once a homeowner has selected the materials and computed the cost of the supplies, materials, and labor, there are a few other elements that contribute to the overall cost of siding that should be taken into consideration when making shopping decisions.
Customizations
Most siding materials are available in a range of colors and textures. If a homeowner is in search of a particular shade, some materials offer the option of custom colors, which will add significantly to the expense. More often, manufacturers have more options available in their higher-cost product lines, so those looking for a deep, natural wood grain in a fabricated siding will probably be able to find it in the premium (and thus more expensive) line. Beyond the siding itself, there are many custom trims and moldings available to complement different siding materials. These can be mixed and matched to create a truly custom look for the home’s exterior, but that custom look will come at a higher cost, as unusual moldings are often special-order items.
Maintenance
It’s easy to assume that rain will keep the exterior of a home clean, but that’s far from the case. All siding types will look better and last longer with a little basic maintenance, but the cost of that maintenance varies based on the type. Vinyl siding is practically maintenance-free; an annual rinse with a hose and little soapy water, along with small touch-ups on shady areas where mold and mildew grow, will keep it shiny and new-looking for years. Stucco, brick, and stone siding require more skilled maintenance to maintain the texture and clean without damaging the material or the mortar. This can be accomplished by a homeowner with warm water, detergent, and careful brushing, but should the siding need a touch-up or mortar replacement, it’s best to call in a pro and budget for the repair expenses. Wood siding is the most high-maintenance type, as it requires regular cleaning, painting or staining, and defense against mildew and mold. Painting a whole home every few years gets expensive quickly, so those considering wood siding should ask for some quotes from local painters and budget that amount ahead of time so the cost of repainting isn’t prohibitive. Delays in repainting could allow damage to develop in the structure of the siding from pests or moisture.
Types of House Siding
How much does it cost to re-side a house using different siding types? Having a rough idea of the size of the area that will need to be sided, the labor costs, and awareness of other cost factors, homeowners can take a closer look at the different types of siding that are available and their associated costs. The appropriateness of each type of siding will vary based on the location of the home and its weather, but other than that, homeowners can for the most part choose a siding that suits the look they’d prefer for their home. Each type of siding has different maintenance requirements and installation needs, along with a different range of pricing, so investigating the options can help homeowners make an educated choice.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding includes a wide range of siding products. Horizontal, vertical, wood grain, faux stone—because vinyl can be molded into different patterns and shapes, the sky’s the limit on style. Vinyl siding costs are comparably low, with the average cost ranging between $6,150 and $15,900 depending on the grade of the siding and the amount needed. While it’s more costly than some other types of siding, it has the benefit of being practically maintenance-free: A quick rinse with a hose and a little detergent will keep it looking new for years. It’s insect-proof, resists fading, and isn’t bothered by moisture, and it can be installed over nearly any existing siding. Over time, vinyl will eventually begin to fade, it can crack or warp in severe weather conditions or when impacted, and it can be affected by wind if not properly installed. Owners will also need to take care with extreme heat from fire pits or grills because vinyl siding can melt. For some help understanding the various grades and patterns of vinyl siding and their associated costs, homeowners can search for “vinyl siding cost per square foot calculator” or “vinyl siding cost calculator.”
Wood
Wood siding is classic and inexpensive to purchase and install. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $23,000 depending on the size of the home and the type of wood used to manufacture the siding. Different types of wood have different qualities, and the right one for each home will be determined by the environment in the region and the budget (species such as redwood and cedar land at the top of the price list, as their longevity is better and they’re naturally resistant to rot). Where homeowners may get caught price-wise with wood siding is with the maintenance. The wood will need to be sealed or painted every 3 to 5 years, with weather treatments every 4 to 6. In addition, warping and cracking are normal responses to the elements, so owners will need to be on guard and make repairs promptly (luckily, repairs to wood siding are simpler for a handy homeowner than for any other type of siding). Finally, wood siding is prone to insect infiltration. This is easy to address if caught easily, but it’s another ongoing maintenance issue.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding marries the best qualities of vinyl and wood siding. Manufactured from plywood and installed in sheets, engineered wood products are treated with insecticide and fungicide that preserves them from common threats to natural wood. Engineered wood is also primed and ready to paint upon delivery. It’s light and easy to install, can be customized in different patterns and styles, and has the charm and classic look of wood without the tendency to warp that both vinyl and natural wood experience. Costing between $3,000 and $13,000, it’s inexpensive and lightweight. It is, however, tricky to install correctly, and if it’s incorrectly installed it can be subject to significant and irreparable moisture damage. Unprotected edges can soak up water like a sponge, swelling and becoming uneven, and there’s very little possibility of spot repair.
Aluminum
Truly waterproof, insect- and rust-resistant, and insulatory, aluminum siding is a mid-range option that is ideal in areas where it’s cold and wet. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $19,000 for aluminum siding, which is available in a range of colors and provides a smooth finish. Installation is easy and fast, as aluminum is lightweight and simple to cut to length, and when it comes time to replace the siding, the aluminum is recyclable. It’s prone to scratching, denting, and fading more easily than other types of siding, and it can make an unusual pinging sound during heat or extreme weather. Aluminum is also more difficult to repair; as it fades and gains a chalky appearance, problem areas can’t simply be replaced with new sections of siding, as the colors will be wildly different.
Fiber Cement
Another type of engineered siding that has the appearance of natural wood without the drawbacks of moisture sensitivity, warping, and insect infestation, fiber cement is manufactured with a mixture of ingredients including sand and cardboard. It’s heavy, rot- and weather-resistant, holds up well in extreme conditions, and it’s nonflammable. Fiber cement is easy to paint, so it’s a great option for those who prefer a painted finish to a natural or manufactured finish. Ringing up between $6,000 and $20,000, fiber cement does have some drawbacks. While the material itself is inexpensive, it’s heavy, so installation takes longer and will cost more in labor. Maintenance costs will also include repainting periodically, and repairs are difficult because of the sturdiness of the original board.
Brick
Another classic look, brick siding requires little maintenance other than occasional mortar repainting. The cost range is wider than some other types of siding because of the variation in the costs of the bricks themselves based on their color and style and on the labor necessary to execute the particular bricklaying pattern the homeowner specifies. Standard patterns with basic bricks can cost as little as $10,000, while intricate patterns and multicolored bricks can range to $75,000 and up. One thing to note about brick: The material draws in heat and holds it. In some climates, this may be an undesirable trait.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer provides an elegant look for a home’s exterior, but it comes at a high cost. Expect to pay around $105,000 to cover an average-size home. The work is heavy and demanding, and if the installation isn’t done exactly as it should be, the siding will experience cracking and slumping, leading to costly repairs. For this reason, many homeowners choose stone veneer for small sections of the home’s exterior to draw attention to a particular architectural feature or to create a focal point rather than to cover the entire home.
Stucco
Stucco siding will usually cost between $6,000 and $11,000 to install on an average-size home. Made of a combination of sand and cement or lime, stucco creates a durable, textured finish that can last decades. Modern stuccos include an epoxy to make it more pliable and reduce the likelihood of cracks or chips, and they require only regular cleaning or rinsing to maintain. Stucco also provides some heat and noise insulation. The primary drawback to stucco is that its installation requires a skilled and knowledgeable artisan; poorly installed stucco will crack and chip almost immediately and will look shabby. Because stucco isn’t common in all areas of the country, finding a skilled installer may be difficult—and expensive.
Steel
Completely recyclable, durable, highly fire-resistant, and impervious to insects, cracking, peeling, and blistering, steel siding is a tough protector of a home. In addition, it comes with a lifetime warranty that is transferable to future owners of the home. Steel siding is available in corrugated or flat/seamed styles in several colors, and it even comes with the appearance of being “pre-rusted” for a rustic effect without the structural damage that real rust creates. Unfortunately, it can eventually develop actual rust, which can be difficult to repair. Costing between $10,000 and $15,000, steel siding is expensive and slow to install, as it’s heavy and the installation requires precision, especially if the homeowner requests a layer of insulation underneath. Steel siding is generally thought to be maintenance-free, but a savvy homeowner (especially one who lives in a damp climate) will choose to add a rust-resistant coating every few years to prevent damage.
Brick Veneer
Whole-brick siding may be too thick to add on to an existing structure. Those who are interested in the appearance of brick without the drawbacks and cost can choose brick veneer, which will cost between $10,000 and $42,000 to cover a whole home—though many people choose to use veneer to highlight smaller areas of the home’s exterior. Veneer requires little maintenance, but it can be difficult to install properly and requires a moisture barrier between the veneer and the home. It’s expensive, but not as expensive as using whole-brick siding.
Board and Batten
Board and batten–style siding can be built from wood or engineered wood. Flat wood panels are installed in a vertical arrangement, with thinner strips of wood joining the boards and providing a raised-relief pattern. Costing $7,000 to $11,000, board and batten is a simple and classic look that is attractive and easy to install but suffers from the same potential risks as other types of wood siding unless it’s regularly treated.
Concrete
Heavy and difficult to install, concrete siding is nonetheless a great low-maintenance, low-cost option for some homes. It needs to be sealed, and it can be painted (but once painted it will need repainting every few years). A skilled installer can shape the concrete into various patterns to mimic logs, boards, or tiles, and it provides insulation and fantastic durability. Expect to pay between $4,290 and $7,160.
Do I Need New House Siding?
Sometimes it’s easy to know when it’s time for new siding—a large panel has blown off during a storm, termites have infested the existing siding, or an addition is being constructed and there’s no way to match the existing siding. But sometimes it’s hard to know when it’s time to invest, and for many homeowners that time can creep up and present itself unexpectedly, when there hasn’t been time to save up for a re-siding project. A regular inspection of the siding will make it easier for homeowners to anticipate when the time to start researching new siding has arrived. These are some of the signs that the siding is starting to fail.
Cracks, Gaps, or Holes
Cracks can appear in siding as a result of impact, but also as a result of water swelling the underlayment and causing structural damage. Gaps can also be caused by moisture or shrinkage. If the cracks are the result of a specific impact, such as a tree branch falling during a storm, the repair may be simple. But if there’s no apparent reason for the crack or gap, it may mean that something is going on underneath that will be tougher to fix. Holes indicate that insects have made inroads into the siding. Again, this may be treatable with insecticide and a patch if it’s caught early, but if it occurs regularly, the damage to the siding may be irreparable.
Bubbling Paint
Moisture, moisture, moisture. Bubbles in the paint indicate that water has breached the seal provided by the paint and has actually taken up residence on the back side. The water may eventually dry, but the air pocket left behind weakens the paint’s defense of the siding, and it also indicates that the water soaked into the siding itself under the paint. Scraping and repainting may be a possibility depending on the type of siding, but the root source of the water should be investigated first to make sure there’s no damage to the siding itself underneath the paint.
Warping or Rippling
Warping or rippling (curves or bending on the surface of the siding that shouldn’t be there) can occur as a result of a particular event (say, a gas grill heating too close to vinyl siding) or because of improper installation. Whatever the reason, warping and rippling isn’t just a cosmetic problem; if the pieces of siding don’t line up properly, they’ll allow moisture and insects to get through the protective shield the siding should provide.
Sagging Paneling
When siding panels have begun to pull away from each other, it usually means that the anchors holding them in place have failed. Check out the hardware used to attach the siding to the house—look for stripped screws holding anchor pieces in place, rusted nails that have pulled free, or furring strips that are no longer attached. If it’s just one connector that failed, the sagging may be able to be corrected, but if it’s the siding itself that has bent as a result of unsupported weight over time or many connectors have failed, it’s time for new siding.
Discoloration
The sun damages most pigments over time, and it will do the same to siding. Types of siding that advertise themselves as fade-resistant may hold on longer than others, but eventually the sun’s rays will dull the color or change it completely. In addition, rust stains can appear on siding as hardware gives in to exposure to water. At first, fading may not be a big deal as long as it’s uniform, but eventually the fading means that the material is destabilizing and repairs will be nearly impossible.
Hail Damage
Any hailstorm demands a good, hard look at the roof and siding. While roofs have some shock absorption built in, siding usually does not, and hail can cause denting and cracking to most types of siding. Any damage that can be repaired should be, and promptly, to avoid further damage. But if the denting is severe, repair may be impossible, and siding replacement may be necessary.
Water Damage
Water can damage siding in many ways. Once behind the siding, water can swell or damage the substrate underneath, making the siding loose and unsteady. Water trapped behind siding can cause mold growth that can damage the home’s exterior and eventually infiltrate the home itself, and mold on the exterior of the siding can gradually damage the structure of the siding itself, eating away at that material. On siding that involves mortar, such as brick and stone, water can seep into cracks between the mortar and the bricks or stones and loosen them, destabilizing the whole wall. Signs of these kinds of damage call for a professional inspection and potentially a siding replacement.
Pest or Animal Damage
Tiny burrowed tunnels, piles of sawdust, or larger holes caused by birds or rodents can mean that the siding has become too compromised to save—or that the cost of saving it may be higher than the cost of replacing it. Birds and rodents can do tremendous damage to the outside of a home, and their damage invites insects to the party (not that the insects aren’t fully capable of gaining entrance on their own). One or two small areas of damage can probably be fixed, but larger-scale issues may make it more cost-effective to tear off the existing siding and replace it with sturdier new material.
Increased Energy Bills
Noticed a slow but steady increase in the heating and cooling bills? The siding, or the insulation underneath it, may be to blame; some older siding was applied on top of bare wood or original siding with no underlayment, insulation, or vapor barrier in between. This means that the only material standing between the heated or cooled air inside is the siding itself. While some types of siding are inherently insulating, most are not, and increased energy bills may mean it’s time to remove the siding; insulate the house properly with materials that also protect against insects, mold, and mildew; and replace the siding.
Age of Existing Siding
Eventually, even high-quality siding just gets—and looks—old. Sad. Worn. Dated. It’s OK to choose to get new siding just because you want the house to look fresh, new, and well maintained, or because the style doesn’t match your aesthetic. There are many benefits of new siding that go beyond cosmetic, even if your existing siding still has some life left.
Benefits of Installing New House Siding
The most important benefit to new siding is to protect the house it’s covering from weather, insects, and other damage-causing agents. But there are other elements of the home that will be enhanced by a new exterior covering.
Improved Appearance
Like getting a new dress or suit for a fancy event, newly installed siding will shine up a home and give it new life. A new color, a new style, and even simple elements like the fresh flashing around the chimney, doors, and windows that new siding requires will freshen up the home and draw the eyes of passersby. If the owner is considering selling the home, new siding creates a fantastic first impression. For everyone else, it’s nice to come home to a house that looks beautiful.
Increased Energy Efficiency
When contractors apply new siding, they will first wrap the house in a modern material that adds protection from water, insects, and temperature changes. The combination of insulation and house wrap helps keep the air inside the home more consistent and reduces seepage through the walls, windows, and vents. As a result, the heating and cooling bills should reduce—sometimes drastically, if the house hasn’t been re-sided in some time.
Enhanced Structural Integrity
Do you know if there’s mold under your siding? Insects? Dry rot? Most homeowners don’t, because the siding covers these kinds of problems until it’s too late to fix them. Adding new siding to the home presents an opportunity for an experienced contractor to closely inspect the structure of the home that is usually hidden, and to correct problems before installing the new siding. It’s a great way to give the bones of the house a really thorough inspection and provide peace of mind that those types of problems aren’t hiding.
Increased Home Value
Whether a homeowner is interested in listing their home or simply adding to its value for equity or investment purposes, new siding is a great opportunity to increase its value. New siding can increase the value of the home by about 80 percent of the siding’s cost, making siding a project that provides a respectable return on investment.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Some types of siding are DIY-friendly, especially for someone with a little know-how and the right equipment and a lot of extra time. There are real reasons choosing a professional to do the installation is worthwhile for this particular project, however. First, contractors can often get better prices on the siding material; some siding companies only sell to professionals they feel are qualified to properly install their products, and others will invalidate any warranties or guarantees if the siding is not installed by a licensed contractor. Also, installing any kind of siding involves some risk. Installers will be on ladders lifting heavy or unwieldy materials, and inexperienced DIYers are far more likely to be injured than someone who knows just where to grab the panel to lift it up. Pros will also have the right tools to bend, cut, and shape the siding, and they’ll know just how to tuck the insulation under the window flashing for an airtight seal. DIY could be an option for some small-scale projects, such as applying a veneer product to a foundation or adding some eye-catching trim work around the front door, but whole-house siding projects are best left to people who have a lot of experience working with the material at hand.
How to Save Money on New House Siding
Even “inexpensive” siding adds up quickly once all the factors are taken into consideration—installing siding is not a low-cost project, and the answer to the question “How much to re-side a house?” can be startling. The trouble is that when re-siding it’s necessary, it’s necessary right at that moment, not a year down the road when a homeowner has had time to build up savings. Ideally, the homeowner will do regular inspections of the siding so they can start saving up as soon as they notice there may be signs that it’s time to replace the siding. When it’s time to do the project, however, there are still some ways to make the project more affordable.
- Choose a simpler version of the type of siding you like. Smooth instead of patterned, thinner instead of premium thickness, or veneer instead of whole-brick or whole-stone can make a significant difference in the cost.
- Choose the time of year that the contractors in your area are less busy. Labor costs may be less expensive at that time, and the contractor may cut a small discount because they’re happy to fill up gaps in their schedule.
- Ask for discounts. See if the contractor will give you a discount in exchange for placing a sign in your yard advertising their company for a period of time.
- Do some of the prep work. If the existing siding needs to be removed before the new siding is installed and it’s within your capability to do so, ask the contractor what needs to come off and do the removal and disposal yourself instead of paying for the labor and disposal through the contractor.
Questions to Ask About House Siding Installation
Siding is a big job, and it’s an expensive one that needs to be done well to avoid problems going forward. Any time a homeowner hires a contractor to work on their home, they’ll need to do their due diligence by collecting recommendations from neighbors, friends, and real estate agents; checking references; checking the Better Business Bureau; and asking for copies of licenses and proof of insurance. But for a siding job, there are some specific questions homeowners will want to be answered before they sign a contract.
- How long have you been in business?
- Why is this type of siding the best for my home?
- Are you certified by the manufacturer to install this type of siding?
- What kind of underlayment and insulation will you use? Why?
- How should I prepare the house and yard for the project?
- Who is responsible for cleanup? What constitutes “clean”?
- What is the project time frame? How will you handle scheduling delays or supply chain problems?
- Do you offer financing? What are the terms?
FAQs
There are many components and lots of decisions to make when planning a siding project. Some of them can be overwhelming, but with some careful research and planning, the process can be smooth and the house will look fresh and new in no time. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about house siding projects and costs to help homeowners begin outlining their plans.
Overall, vinyl siding is generally the least expensive siding option. Some other options can be less costly at the outset, but vinyl’s minimal maintenance cost makes it less expensive over the life of the siding than any other type.
The material for vertical siding will cost the same as for horizontal siding—it’s the same material—but the installation will generally cost more than a horizontal installation. Because vertical installation requires some modifications of installation methods, it takes longer and is more labor-intensive, so compare the quotes on labor from several different companies for a vertical installation.
Mobile home siding installation is subject to the same factors as other types of home siding installation. Material costs are the same, but mobile homes tend to be slightly smaller than other types of homes and may have a more straightforward plane layout, so the labor costs may be slightly lower.
Siding is significantly more expensive than painting up front; the materials and labor costs are two to three times higher than the materials and supplies for painting. However, houses will need to be repainted every few years, whereas siding can last decades. For homeowners who intend to stay in their homes for a long time, siding will be less expensive in the long run. Looking for a quick cleanup that buys a few years? Painting will typically cost less.
The answer to this question depends a bit on the quality of the siding that you choose. In general, vinyl siding is the most affordable, especially if you select a lower grade of vinyl siding.
Engineered wood or steel siding are the most durable options. They are the least vulnerable to water and insects and aren’t easily dented, cracked, or damaged.
Aluminum siding is less expensive at the outset than vinyl. However, it’s also less durable and more likely to fade or be damaged, thus requiring replacement sooner than vinyl siding would. Some lower-grade wood siding costs less than vinyl, but again, the maintenance necessary for wood siding quickly makes it more expensive over time.
Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide
