Without well maintained, quality siding, your home could be in trouble. Siding improves the look and curb appeal of your home, while also providing durability and protection from outdoor elements. If your siding is getting old and worn down, it could be time to replace it. Damaged siding can lead to moisture getting into your home, resulting in water damage, rot, and mold. You run the risk of damaging other parts of your home if you don’t deal with faulty siding right away. So, how much does it cost to replace your siding? Let’s break it down.
When to Replace Your Siding
You should replace your siding if you notice any of the following warning signs on half or more of your exterior siding:
- Significant colour fading
- Mold and mildew
- Large cracks, dents or holes
- Bubbling or blistering
- Lose siding
- Increased energy bills (signals your home insulation is lacking, which could be due to your siding)
- Interior paint and wallpaper are peeling
Siding Price Factors
The price to replace your siding will depend on a number of factors ranging from the type of siding you use to the size of your home. Here are the factors to consider:
1) Type of Siding: Different materials of siding come with different costs. Vinyl siding costs on average $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Aluminum siding costs $8.00 to $10.00 per square foot, steel siding costs $10.00 to $14.00 per square foot, and fiber cement siding costs $10.00 to $14.00 per square foot. Do some research to find out what type of siding will work best for your home!
2) Quality of Siding: The cost to replace your siding will also depend on the quality of siding you choose. Lower quality siding will come at a lower cost, which saves you money now, but more expensive, quality siding can save you money in the long term. With high quality siding, you’ll get longer protection and durability, and you won’t have to replace your siding as often.
3) Home Size and Shape: The bigger your home, the longer the installation will take and the more material will need to be used to cover the exterior of your home. Your home shape also comes into play. If you have a simple square-shaped home, siding will be easier (and quicker) to install than if you have a home with eaves, turrets and multiple stories. Some homes also require special tools as well, such as a powered lift. The longer it takes to install, the more it will cost.
4) Installation Process: There are two ways to replace your siding. First is to install your new siding directly over your old siding with a “level wall” product. The other way is to remove the old siding first and then layer on the new siding. The latter will take more time, and in turn, cost you more.
5) Time of Year: Most people undergo renovations in the spring and summer months, so this is when contractors are high in demand. If you wait until off season to replace your siding, it will cost you less to complete your project. Temperature will also play a factor. Vinyl siding expands in hot weather, and if it’s nailed too tight it could crack when it expands in the winter. Fall is typically the best (and cheapest) time to install siding.
Replacing your siding is one of the biggest changes and best investments you can make for your home. Make sure you know when to replace it and what material is best for you and your home!