Siding is the layer that keeps rain off the wall assembly. When it fails, water gets behind it, and that is where the expensive damage starts: wet sheathing, rot, mold, and insulation that stops working. A tired color is a cosmetic problem. Soft wood, bubbling paint, and gaps at the corners are a water problem.
Most replacements in the US are vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood or real wood. They differ less in how they look than in how often you will touch them. Vinyl is cheapest up front and never needs paint. Fiber cement costs more to hang because the boards are heavy and need special cutting, but it holds paint well and does not burn. Cedar looks the best to many people and asks the most of you: sealing and recoating on a cycle.
A good quote names the product (brand, line, thickness), says whether old siding comes off, includes house wrap and flashing, and says what happens if rotten sheathing is found. That last line is where budgets drift.
What it costs
| Material | Installed per sq ft | Typical lifespan | 2,000 sq ft home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $6.13 | 20 to 40 years | $12,252 |
| Aluminum | $7.32 | 20 to 40 years | $14,649 |
| Fiber cement | $9.00 | 50+ years | about $18,000 (calculated) |
| Stucco | $9.66 | 50 to 80 years | $19,320 |
| Cedar | $11.70 | 20 to 40 years | $23,400 |
These are averages from This Old House using Homewyse contractor data. Whole-project replacements usually land between $8,000 and $30,000. Siding is priced by wall area, not floor area, so a two-story house costs more than a ranch of the same footprint.
What moves the price
- Material
- The biggest lever. Vinyl and fiber cement can differ by 50% or more installed.
- Wall area and height
- Two stories, gables, and dormers add scaffolding, cuts, and time.
- Hidden damage
- Rotten sheathing behind old siding is found during tear-off, not before.
- Trim and details
- Corner boards, window trim, soffit, and fascia are often quoted separately.
- Season
- Spring and summer are peak; in colder regions, late fall and winter can come with openings and discounts.
Signs it is time
- Boards that are cracked, warped, or pulling away from the wall
- Paint that bubbles or peels in sheets from the same spot
- Soft or spongy wood when you press a screwdriver tip against it
- Dark staining or mildew that comes back after washing
- Daylight, wasps, or drafts at corners and around windows
- Energy bills that creep up with no other change
Questions to ask a pro
- Which exact product and thickness are you quoting?
- Does the price include tear-off and disposal of the old siding?
- What is the per-square-foot or per-sheet price if you find rotten sheathing?
- How do you flash windows, doors, and corners?
- Who pulls the permit, and is it in the price? (Fees typically run $100 to $500.)
- What does the product warranty cover, and does your workmanship warranty come in writing?
Go deeper: Full guide: siding replacement cost in 2026
Common questions
Can new siding go over old siding?
Sometimes, but only when the existing surface is flat and sound. Covering over rot hides it. Most pros prefer tear-off so they can see the sheathing and install house wrap properly.
Does new siding pay for itself?
Part of it, usually. In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, fiber-cement siding recouped about 114% of its cost at resale and vinyl about 97%. Those are national averages and depend on your market.
How long does a siding job take?
A typical house takes several days to a couple of weeks depending on size, material, and weather. Ask for a start window and what happens if rain delays it.