Vinyl siding is the cheapest way to cover your home’s exterior, usually costing between $2 and $7 per square foot when installed. It lasts 20-30 years and needs very little upkeep. Workers can put it up quickly, which helps keep labor costs down. It stands up well against rain, snow, and sun, and comes in many colors that stay bright for years. Looking at other siding choices can help you pick what works best for your budget and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Vinyl siding is consistently the most affordable siding option, with lower material and installation costs than other alternatives.
- Basic aluminum siding offers another budget-friendly option, starting at $3 per square foot for materials.
- Installation speed of vinyl siding reduces labor costs, making the total project more economical compared to other materials.
- Vinyl’s minimal maintenance requirements and 20-30 year lifespan make it cost-effective for long-term budget considerations.
- Despite being the cheapest option, vinyl siding still provides good durability and comes in various colors and styles.
Understanding Siding Cost Factors
Siding costs depend on several key factors that affect both materials and installation. The main things that determine price are the type of siding you pick, how big your house is, what workers charge in your area, and whether old siding needs to be taken off first.
Where you live matters too, since getting materials to your location and how easy they are to find impacts the price. Worker costs go up or down based on local pricing and how busy contractors are.
Weather in your area also affects which siding works best, since some types hold up better in certain climates. Other things that change the cost include how complex your house design is, how tall it is, and what needs to be fixed before putting new siding on.
Extra pieces like trim, corners, and backing materials add to the total cost. Knowing about these different factors helps you choose the right siding that fits your budget.
Vinyl Siding: The Budget-Friendly Champion
Vinyl siding stands out as the cheapest option for home exteriors. Made since the 1950s, this man-made material offers great value by being both strong and cheap. The good points of vinyl go far beyond its low price tag.
What makes vinyl siding so good for your wallet:
- Needs very little upkeep – no painting or staining
- Comes in many colors and looks that stay fresh for many years
- Goes up quickly, which means lower worker costs
Today’s vinyl siding is made better than ever, making it tougher against bad weather and more stable overall.
It handles hot and cold weather well, keeps water out, and stays in shape for years. This makes it a smart choice for homeowners who want to save money while getting lasting results.
Engineered Wood Siding Cost Analysis
Engineered wood siding sits between vinyl and real wood in price, usually costing $3.50 to $8.50 per square foot when installed. This mix of wood bits, glue, and wax creates a strong material that stands up well to weather.
The main benefits of engineered wood include fighting off water damage, bugs, and rot. It comes ready for paint and holds color well, which saves money on upkeep over the years. Workers can put it up quickly and easily because it’s light and comes in standard sizes.
Some downsides of engineered wood are that water can cause problems if it’s not put up correctly, and it has fewer style choices than real wood. While it costs more than vinyl, engineered wood lasts longer and looks more like real wood.
It usually comes with a 20-30 year guarantee, making it a smart choice for homeowners who want the wood look without paying top dollar.
Metal Siding Options and Pricing
Metal siding comes in three main types: aluminum, steel, and corrugated metal.
Basic materials cost between $3 and $8 per square foot. Adding workers to put it up costs another $2-$4 per square foot, based on the job’s difficulty and local worker pay.
Each type of metal siding has its own benefits:
- Aluminum siding is cheapest at $3-$6 per square foot. It fights rust well and needs little upkeep.
- Steel siding runs $4-$7 per square foot. It’s stronger than aluminum and handles hits better.
- Corrugated metal costs $4-$8 per square foot. It gives buildings a modern look while staying strong.
These choices cost less than many other siding materials.
Both aluminum and steel siding can last 20-40 years if taken care of properly.
Fiber Cement Siding Economics
Fiber cement siding costs more than metal at first, falling between vinyl and wood siding with prices of $5 to $13 per square foot to install.
The long-term savings make fiber cement worth considering. It doesn’t rot, keeps bugs away, and won’t burn. It also stays the same size and shape no matter the weather.
Since it lasts over 50 years and needs little care, the overall cost can be lower than cheaper options, even though you pay more upfront. Big makers like James Hardie have found better ways to make these products, which helps keep prices steady. Their warranties add extra value, making fiber cement a smart choice for many homeowners.
Installation Costs Across Different Materials
The cost to install different types of siding changes based on how hard the work is and where you live. When you look at costs side by side, you’ll see big differences in how much work and skill each type needs.
- Vinyl siding costs $2-$6 per square foot to put up. It’s the cheapest choice because it’s light and easy to install – workers just need to overlap the pieces correctly.
- Metal siding costs $4-$8 per square foot to install. Workers need special tools to put it up, and they must know how to add the right insulation behind it.
- Fiber cement costs $5-$11 per square foot for installation. Only professionals should install it because it’s heavy and needs special cutting. They also need specific tools and ways to control dust while working.
When figuring out your total cost, remember to add both the installation costs and the price of materials.
Long-Term Maintenance Expenses
Different types of siding need different amounts of care and money to maintain over the years.
Vinyl siding is easy to take care of – you just need to wash it now and then with soap and water, which helps save money in the long run.
Wood siding needs the most work, as you have to paint or stain it every 4-6 years, and fix any damage from rot or bugs.
Fiber cement sits in the middle – you need to repaint it every 7-10 years, but it won’t rot or attract bugs.
Aluminum siding just needs washing sometimes and fixing if it gets dented, while engineered wood needs new sealing and paint touch-ups once in a while.
When looking at how long siding lasts, vinyl and fiber cement are often the best value, giving you a good balance between what you pay upfront and what you spend on upkeep over time.
Weather Resistance and Durability Impact
Weather can make a big difference in how well siding holds up and how much value it gives you. How siding stands up to weather over time tells us which materials are worth their cost in the long run.
The local weather where you live has a strong effect on how well different siding materials last.
What matters most for weather protection:
- How well it keeps out water, which stops rot and warping in wet weather
- How well it handles sunlight, which affects fading and breaking down from sun damage
- How it deals with hot and cold changes, which affects whether it stays in good shape
Vinyl siding handles weather well and costs less than wood.
Fiber cement is very tough but costs more at first.
Metal siding stands up to weather the best but can show scratches and dents more easily.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
The upfront price often guides siding choices, but how well it saves energy can greatly affect your costs over time by lowering your heating and cooling bills.
Vinyl siding with added insulation helps save some energy, while fiber cement does an even better job keeping heat in or out. Wood siding naturally keeps homes warmer but needs regular upkeep to stay effective.
Engineered wood offers good value and saves energy by blocking heat transfer.
Metal siding costs more at first but helps keep homes cooler in hot weather by bouncing sunlight away.
The biggest savings usually come from well-installed insulated siding, which can cut energy use by up to 20% each year.
When thinking about long-term value, homeowners should look at both how well the material insulates and how it keeps outside air from getting in.
Return on Investment for Different Siding Types
Siding materials give different money returns when homeowners sell their homes. How long the siding lasts plays a big role in its value, making it important for homeowners to choose wisely.
Money returns for common siding types:
- Fiber cement siding gives back the most at 77-79%. It lasts over 50 years and needs very little upkeep.
- Vinyl siding returns 74-75%. It lasts 20-30 years, holds up well, and costs little to maintain.
- Wood siding gives back 70-75%. It needs more care but has a real, natural look that many buyers like.
Starting costs differ between materials, but the long-term money benefits depend on how well it’s put up, weather conditions, and regular care.
Better materials usually sell for more money later, even though they cost more at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Install Siding Over Existing Siding to Save Money?
You can put new siding on top of old siding to cut costs, but it’s not that simple. You’ll need to check if the old siding and walls are in good shape, make sure water can’t get trapped between layers, and verify the house frame can handle the extra weight. If you skip these steps, you might face bigger problems down the road.
How Often Should Exterior Siding Be Replaced?
Different types of house siding last for different lengths of time. Wood siding needs to be changed every 20 to 40 years. Vinyl siding can last between 20 and 60 years. Fiber cement siding stays good for over 50 years. You’ll know it’s time to put up new siding when you see rotting, bending, or broken pieces.
What Time of Year Is Best for Siding Installation?
Spring and fall are the best times to put up siding, as the mild weather helps materials fit together well and glue dry properly. While most siding types can go up any time of the year, you’ll just need to follow the right steps for each season.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Typically Cover Siding Damage?
Homeowner’s insurance usually pays for siding damage from unexpected events like bad weather, fires, or break-ins. To get money back from insurance, you’ll need to show proof of what happened and have an expert look at the damage.
Can Exterior Siding Be Painted Instead of Replaced?
Yes, you can paint outside siding instead of putting up new pieces. It’s a cheaper way to make your home look better. Most types of siding – whether it’s plastic, wood, or cement-based – can be painted if you get the surface ready first. Just keep in mind that painting your siding might affect how long it lasts.
Conclusion
At MWCR Homes, we’ve found that vinyl siding offers the lowest initial cost for our clients. However, we always encourage homeowners to think beyond upfront pricing. Our experience shows that factors like durability, maintenance needs, and energy savings play key roles in total cost ownership. While premium materials like fiber cement might cost more at first, they often save money in the long run through better longevity and less upkeep.
Midwest Construction and Remodeling 15098 23rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447 (763)-200-1946 https://mwcrhomes.com/