Why is Siding so Expensive? 4 Factors That Determine the Cost of Siding

If you are looking at repairing or replacing your siding, it is likely you are shopping around to find the right siding installer and at the right price. There is no denying home improvement projects can be a costly exercise, so it makes sense to look for the best possible deal on your project. The truth is, quality and cost-effectiveness are equally important. However, when it comes to quality, you will likely be paying a higher price for a quality contractor who will do the job right. That is not to say you will not get a good deal, but if a siding installer is quoting you a price that is too good to be true, you best believe it is. 

Now, siding in general can be costly. After all, siding provides a range of benefits for your home including enhancing the energy performance, curb appeal and value of your home. It is one of the best home improvement projects you can make. The siding on your home does not only provide unique character and charm, but it also protects the interior structure of the home from the elements. Siding protects the inside of your home from rain, humidity and moisture, high and low temperatures, insects and pests. For this very reason, you want to ensure your siding installer is a professional, quality and trustworthy home improvement contractor. In this article, we will be looking at the four different factors that determine the cost of siding. We will also be revealing the average price you can expect to pay for a siding project so you can rest easy that you are not being charged an unfair price.

The size, layout and location of your home will all affect how much a new siding project will cost. Siding takes up the largest surface area of the outside of your home. The cost of siding is priced by square foot. As such, the bigger your home, the more expensive your siding project will be. 

Where you live can also play a part in the cost of your siding project due to the different costs of labor and the cost to ship materials across the country. Meanwhile, the design of your home will also determine the cost of new siding. Is it one storey or two? Are there lots of corners and trim work? These are all factors a prospective siding contractor will take into consideration when quoting you.  

Whether you are completely replacing your siding or repairing it will also determine the cost. This is because you will pay for the old siding to be removed and then for the installation of the new siding. If you live in an older home, wood rot or termite damage might mean you need to have this repaired before you can have new siding installed, which will also affect the price. A quality home improvement contractor will be able to determine whether your siding needs repairing or entirely replacing. You can read more about repairing or replacing siding here.

Siding comes in a variety of colors and profiles, all of which will affect the price of the project. We have outlined some of the most popular below. 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices when it comes to siding. It has a range of advantages, including: cost-effective, variety of colors and styles, may come with a lifetime warranty, easy to clean with just soap and water and it is not susceptible to insect damage or rot. 

Wood Siding

Wood siding is another popular siding choice. It is made from natural wooden planks attached to the sides of the home. It has a range of advantages, including: extremely eco-friendly because it is made entirely out of a natural material; easier to install; and it can be painted or stained to whatever color you like. 

Cement Fiber Siding

Cement fiber siding is a highly durable siding made of sand, cement and wood fibers. It can be thicker than regular vinyl and can be shaped into a variety of textures and styles, such as wood grain. Cement fiber siding has advantages like: good energy efficiency due to thickness of material, can be manufactured into a variety of textures and colors. resistant to water and insects and it is non-flammable. 

Foam Backed Vinyl Siding

Foam backed vinyl siding is a newer siding material that has a foam core backing which can be bonded or not bonded to the actual siding. Foam backed siding is a popular choice because its foam core offers an insulation barrier and prevents heat loss. Foam backed vinyl siding advantages include: excellent energy efficiency, can be easily cleaned with soap and water, reduces noise from the outside, can be installed in many different design choices and colors, and it is not susceptible to damage from moisture and insects. 

How the siding is installed will also affect the overall price. For example, if you need additional materials or steps taken to install the siding, you will be looking at a higher price. 

Materials like housewrap or rigid insulation are beneficial when installing new siding, but these are not always included in the overall cost. The season you install your new siding may also affect the price – if you choose to have it installed in peak season like spring, you might be paying a higher premium than if you installed it in fall or winter.  

How Much Does New Siding Cost?

The national average range for installing siding is between $7,500 to $22,500, with most homeowners spending around $13,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of cedar siding in a Dutch lap installation, according to Fixr.com. The lowest price you can expect to pay for new siding is $4,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of hollow vinyl siding installed. However, prices can also be as high as $60,000 for 1,500 sq.ft. of solid stone siding professionally installed. As aforementioned, there may be additional costs for house wrap, lath, furring strips, insulation, and repairs, depending on the siding. Other costs to consider include: light-blocks, dryer vents, freize board, facia board, rake board, bib house and more. 

As you can see, a lot goes into determining the cost of new siding and we hope this has helped provide some clarity on why siding can be a costly home improvement project. At the end of the day, you do pay for quality, so it is important to find a contractor you trust and who has good reviews.