How Much Should I Spend on Siding?

If upgrading your siding is on your home improvement to-do list this year, you might be wondering how much it is going to set you back. Siding is an excellent home improvement project, not only increasing the curb appeal and value of your home but also enhancing its energy efficiency. Read this article to learn about the different types of siding, and how much you can expect to spend on a new siding project.  

What is Siding?

Siding adds unique character and charm to a home, while also protecting the interior structure from the elements. Siding is what protects the inside of your home from rain, humidity and moisture, high and low temperatures, insects and pests. 

Siding comes in a variety of materials, with some of the most popular being insulated vinyl siding, wood siding, cement siding, aluminum siding, and brick or stone siding. Each siding material has its own advantages and benefits, and the right fit for your home will depend on a range of factors. Each siding material also comes in at different price points, with wood siding hitting the top end of the scale, and vinyl siding being a more wallet-friendly option. 

Does Siding Have a Good ROI?

The national average for mid-range vinyl siding ROI is 77%. Return on investment aside, the exterior of your home is very important. Not only is it one of the first things people notice about your home, it is also your first line of defence against the natural elements. That is why it pays to ensure you choose the highest quality siding. Below are some additional benefits of quality siding.

Repair Unseen Structural Damage

When you replace the siding of your home, it is often possible to repair any structural damage from the outside without causing any problems to the interior of your home. Oftentimes, you will not even know there is internal structural damage until you start a replacement siding project. 

Increased Energy Efficiency

When replacing your home’s siding, you can also choose to add insulation to the exterior walls. This will significantly increase your home’s overall energy efficiency, making it more comfortable to live in, while also lowering your utility bills.

What Are the Different Types of Siding?

Siding comes in a variety of different colors and styles. Here are the most common types of siding used in residential homes for you to consider: 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most popular siding choice in the United States. This is because vinyl siding is durable, comes in a variety of colors and it is relatively low-cost. There are also a huge variety of profiles of vinyl, including: horizontal or vertical panels, dutch lap, shakes, shingles, beaded, and fish scales or scallops. 

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is another popular choice. It is a mixture of wood, sand and cement. It is created to look and feel like natural wood siding, but with more benefits.

Brick Siding

Brick siding is a great choice as it is deemed to last almost eternally. There are many houses and buildings that are over 100 years old with brick siding, which are still in great condition. It is, however,  one of the more costly options.

Wood Siding

Wood siding offers a timeless and very natural look. There is a wide variety of wood species to choose from, such as: pine, fir, cedar, and redwood. Wood can be more expensive long term as the color needs to be consistently maintained. 

How Much Should You Spend on Siding?

According to Home Advisor, new siding can cost anywhere from $5,430 – $16,561, depending on the material you choose, and where you live. On average you are looking at $10,300 to undertake a new siding project.

As suggested by home improvement website Angi, you can expect to pay about $1,200 per square foot, depending on the material you choose. A small, box-shaped home, for example, may cost as little as $5,400 for vinyl siding, but intricate exteriors with high-end finishes and multiple stories can push costs to about $15,500 and beyond.

The Cost of Popular Siding Choices Per Square Foot

Here are the costs of some of the most popular siding choices. Replacement siding costs per square foot usually include materials, installation, and site cleanup.

Wood: $2–$5 
Vinyl: $3–$12 
Aluminum: $2–$5 
Fiber cement: $5–$13.50
Brick: $9–$28 
Stone veneer: $35–$50

In Conclusion

It is always possible to undertake a home improvement project for less money, but that does not mean you should. The truth is for quality products, and quality home improvement contractors, you should expect to pay more. This is because the job will be completed with a material or product that is of the highest standard, and installed by an expert correctly. In theory, this means your new project will last you longer, providing an overall better ROI than going for a cheaper option. 

We hope this article has been helpful. If you need help with your new siding project, please get in touch with the WoW team today for a free quote.