Replacing House Siding: The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Project

Experience an easy and hassle-free house siding upgrade in New England

When it’s time to think about replacing house siding, there are several steps to take you from a drab curb appeal to a total exterior transformation. Here at Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we take the education process on replacing house siding quite seriously. In fact, education is one of our core values! We are here to make your house siding project successful with a step-by-step guide.

If you are wondering about the process of replacing house siding in New England, this guide is a great place to start. Whether you live in a Cape Cod on the North Shore or a beach house near the coast, you can have a fun and easy process while replacing your siding. So, what’s the first step to replacing house siding? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Is it time to replace your house siding? Here’s how to tell

Recognizing the need to replace your siding is the first step to siding replacement. Sometimes a quick visual inspection by the homeowner (you) is all that it takes. Other times, the signs aren’t so obvious and you need a professional to take a look.

Either way, there is a set of signs to consider when it comes to replacing house siding. Here’s what to consider.

Visual wear and tear

• Persistent color loss or uneven coloration that paint or touch-ups can’t fix. Fun fact: Choosing new siding with ChromaTrue® technology can keep your siding from fading in the sun.
• Visible fissures or holes in the siding.
• Bubbles or blistering which is a result of trapped moisture beneath the siding, signaling water damage and potential mold growth.

Signs of deterioration

• Deformed panels that may indicate underlying damage or improper installation.
• Soft spots or crumbling areas, especially in wood siding, that suggest advanced material breakdown.
• Panels that no longer lie flat against your home.

Moisture damage and mold growth

• Seeing spots? You don’t need an eye exam–what you might be seeing is mold or mildew. When it comes to moisture damage, you might see dark spots, fuzzy stains, or areas of unusual coloration. These are primary signs that suggest fungal growth, often due to persistent moisture.
• Other signs of moisture such as peeling paint, wallpaper, or water stains on interior walls.

Thermal inefficiency (energy loss)

• Did you know that roughly 30% of your home’s energy is lost through the walls? The problem stems from inefficient siding, where thermal bridging allows heat to escape your home. You can install foam-back siding that dramatically reduces this energy loss!
• Meanwhile, you might also notice areas near walls and windows that feel noticeably colder, signaling gaps in the siding.

Frequent maintenance or repairs

• The need for constant fixes, patching, or repaint jobs that are increasingly temporary solutions.
• Your siding looks old and worn despite efforts to maintain it, reducing curb appeal.

Step 2: Choosing your material: What is the best house siding for New England homes?

Now that you know about the signs of when it’s time to replace house siding, the next question is this–what is the best house siding for New England homes?

Let’s chat about 3 popular siding options here in our region: James Hardie®, vinyl siding, and wood.

James Hardie® fiber cement siding

An incredibly popular and stylish cladding choice, James Hardie® has the endorsement of Joanna Gaines and for good reason. Coming in over 700+ siding color choices, Hardie® has nearly everything you need for a stunning exterior and improved home performance.

Energy efficiency:

• Offers HardieWrap® as a barrier against energy loss.
• The HardieZone® System enhances energy conservation in all seasons.
• Composed of fiber cement, it withstands temperature fluctuations.
• Special caulking is effective even in extreme cold.

Fire resistance:

• Non-combustible material that won’t contribute fuel to fires.
• Can resist direct flames, buying time in case of a fire.

Pest resistance:

• Fiber cement deters pests as it provides no food value.

Painting:

• Accommodates painting with a vast range of color options.
• ColorPlus® Technology ensures a long-lasting, UV-resistant finish.

Maintenance:

• Requires cleaning every 6 to 12 months but is generally low-maintenance.

Vinyl siding

Probably the most popular siding in America, vinyl has a huge range of benefits that New England homeowners love. It’s very easy to maintain and offers

Energy efficiency:

• Insulated versions can increase R-Value by up to 80%, reducing heat loss. Choose foam-back vinyl siding for the best results.
• Reduces thermal bridging with powerful foam-back engineering.

Fire resistance:

• Can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Slows the spread of flames due to low energy release when burning.

Pest resistance:

• Inorganic material offers no food for pests, acting as a barrier.

Painting:

• Not suited for painting; doing so can void warranty and cause damage.

Maintenance

• Low-maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water.

Wood Siding

Energy Efficiency:

• Natural insulating properties, but less efficient over time.

Fire Resistance:

• High risk of fire due to organic material.

Pest Resistance:

• Susceptible to termite infestations and other wood-boring pests.

Painting:

• Can be painted, but requires frequent reapplication and maintenance.

Maintenance:

• High-maintenance, with needs for regular painting, sealing, and pest prevention.

Step 3: Setting a Budget

What does it cost to replace vinyl siding? This is close to the same as asking, how long is a piece of string? There are many different factors that influence the cost of vinyl siding for your home, including:

• The quality of the siding
• Foam-backed vs. non foam-backed panels
• The square footage of your home

On average, new vinyl siding costs around $11,000.

Step 4: Best Time of Year for Siding Installation

Did you know that it’s possible to install vinyl siding all year long? Yep! Even right here in New England.

When it comes to installing vinyl siding, you can contact us for a quote and install during any season. The only possible delays you may experience are weather related–and of course–connected to the season.

For example, vinyl siding can become brittle if you try to install it in below freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, spring or summer thunderstorms can make progress come to a halt.

But otherwise, our vinyl siding installers are working hard on installing your brand new siding replacement!

Step 5: Choosing the right company

A quick Google search will show you that you have some options for siding contractors in our area. It’s always great to have options, but it might leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some tips on selecting the right siding company for your project:

• Look for good online reviews and ratings
• Carefully read review details ranging from the estimate experience to cleanup and customer follow-up
• Ask your friends and neighbors for suggestions
• Seek out certifications like Vinyl Siding Institute
• Take a look around your community for yard signs

Finding a siding company isn’t necessarily difficult, but you’ll need to choose one that is reliable and has your best interests in mind. That is where things can get tricky, but you can weed out some of the bad eggs during the free estimate process.

Step 6: Getting your free estimate for replacing house siding

Once you have some companies to consider, it’s time to set up your free estimate! It’s a great idea to do some prep work before the contractor comes to your home. This can help you identify any potential red flags, saving yourself headaches and cash.

Remember to ask these questions during your appointment:

• Do you have any examples of your previous work?
• Are you certified and insured?
• How much money up front do I need to pay for my project? (Never pay more than 30%!)
• Do you have a product warranty and what are the details?
• Do you have a contract for us to sign together?
• When is the final payment expected? (Don’t pay until you are satisfied!)

Your contractor should arrive at their appointment on time while sounding confident and knowledgeable. Don’t forget the gut check test can go a long way. Never hire someone you don’t trust!

Looking for more helpful info on how to choose the best siding contractor? I got your back–read 8 tips on choosing a contractor.

Replacing house siding: What does your dream home look like?

Once you make it this far, you are well on your way to getting your dream home with a new vinyl siding upgrade. It’s time to kick back, relax, and schedule your siding project for installation day. In-stock siding can typically be installed within a couple of weeks, while custom options can take a little longer. But don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way! We want to get every detail of your dream home just right.

Ready to see what your home might look like when replacing house siding? Take a look at how you can see your home with new siding for free in 3D!