Choosing a siding material
Each siding material trades cost, upkeep and looks differently. Here is a plain comparison to bring to your estimate, without the sales pitch.
The common choices
| Material | What it is good at | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Lowest cost of the common options, no painting, many profiles and colors | Can crack on a hard impact in cold weather; quality varies a lot by thickness and grade |
| Insulated vinyl | Stiffer, flatter walls, a little added insulation | Costs more than standard vinyl |
| Fiber cement | Looks like painted wood, resists fire, rot and insects | Heavier, needs more labor and painting over time |
| Engineered wood | Real-wood look, lighter than fiber cement | Needs paint and careful sealing at cuts and edges |
| Wood clapboard or shakes | The traditional look, can be repaired board by board | The most upkeep: painting or staining, and watching for rot |
Prices change with the size and shape of the house, the material grade, and how much trim and repair the job needs. Get written estimates that list the same scope so you can compare them.
Questions that sort out the estimates
- What grade or thickness are you quoting, and what is the manufacturer’s warranty?
- Is labor covered, and for how long?
- What goes under the siding, and is it included?
- Does the price include soffit, fascia, trim and window wraps?
- What happens if you find rot when the old siding comes off?
Matching an older house
Around Pittston, many houses have more than one siding layer, mixed materials from additions, or trim details worth keeping. Tell the contractor what you want to preserve, and ask to see a sample board of the profile and color in daylight against your house.
Request an estimate
Send a request and choose “Full siding replacement” or “Not sure yet.” Mention the materials you are considering.