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Know what siding should cost before you call anyone. Research first.

Installed cost ranges by material, state rules and permit notes for every state and major metro, insurance-claim walkthroughs, and a checklist for reading a contractor’s bid. No forms, no sales calls. We publish research; you make the call.

On this page:Replacement costVinyl vs fiber cementMaintenance checklist

Estimate Your Siding Cost

Most vinyl siding replacements run $8,000–$25,000, or $4–$9 per sq ft installed. Fiber cement starts around $7 per sq ft; cedar and metal go higher. Adjust the wall area, material, and project type below for a ballpark on your own home, then compare it against any written bid you receive.

500 sq ft5,000 sq ft
Estimated Total Cost
$6,000 – $13,500
  • Materials$3,300 – $8,100
  • Labor$1,800 – $4,050
  • Permits & Disposal$900 – $1,350
  • MaterialVinyl Siding
  • Wall Area1,500 sq ft

Siding Types & What They Cost

Price, lifespan, and practical trade-offs for the six materials you'll likely be quoted.

MaterialCost / sq ftLifespanBest for
Vinyl Siding$4 – $920–40 yrsThe default for most homes. Affordable, low-maintenance, easy to install — but can crack in cold and fade over time.
Fiber Cement$7 – $1430–50 yrsHomeowners who want the look of wood with far less upkeep. Fire-resistant and rot-proof; heavy and pricier to install.
Engineered Wood$6 – $1120–30 yrsA real-wood appearance at a lower cost than cedar. Lighter than fiber cement; needs proper sealing at cut edges.
Metal (Steel / Aluminum)$8 – $1640–70 yrsModern builds and harsh climates. Fire- and pest-proof, very durable; can dent and shows scratches.
Wood (Cedar Lap / Shake)$8 – $1620–40 yrsRustic, natural curb appeal with real character. Needs regular staining or sealing and is vulnerable to rot and insects.
Stucco$7 – $1450+ yrsMediterranean and Southwest-style homes in hot, dry regions. Durable and seamless, but can crack and needs skilled application.

Keep Your Siding in Shape

Small habits add years to siding’s life. These six are what siding contractors consistently flag, and the ones most homeowners skip are rainscreen drainage and caulk checks.

Inspect twice a year

Walk the perimeter each spring and fall. Look for cracked, warped, or loose panels and any buckling areas.

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Wash siding annually

Rinse off dirt, pollen, and grime once a year with a garden hose and mild soap. Clean siding lasts longer and looks better.

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Trim overhanging branches

Cut back limbs that touch the walls. Falling branches crack panels; rubbing limbs scratch and wear the finish over time.

Check caulk and trim

Inspect the seams around windows, doors, and corner posts. Failed caulk and loose J-channel are a top source of water intrusion.

Keep the rainscreen clear

Make sure weep holes and the gap behind the siding stay open. Blocked drainage traps moisture and rots the sheathing.

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Watch for mold & mildew

Dark streaks and green patches hold moisture against the wall. Treat early with a gentle wash and an oxygen-based cleaner.

Research first, then call

This site does not take quote requests or refer you to contractors. It exists so you know the numbers, the rules, and the questions before a salesperson is standing in your driveway.

1

Get a ballpark for your own walls

Use the cost estimator and the measurement calculator to turn your footprint and material choice into a realistic installed range, so a bid that lands far outside it gets a second look.

Open the tools →

2

Read the rules where you live

Every state and major metro has a guide: licensing and permit requirements, storm and insurance history, matching statutes, and typical local cost ranges with sources.

Find your state →

3

Check the contractor and the bid yourself

License lookup, insurance certificate, written scope, and the warranty they will register. Our checklist covers what to verify before you sign anything.

See the checklist →

Get educated before you spend

This site helps homeowners about to spend $8,000–$40,000 on new siding walk into a contractor conversation already knowing the cost bands, the warranty fine print, and the rules in their state. Read up first, then request quotes when you’re ready.

Free siding estimates near you, researched before you call

State rules

State and metro guides

One page per state and one page per major metro, each with the contractor licensing statute, the permit authority, storm history, and a cost calculator tuned to local code. 50 states + 200+ city guides live now.

Find your state →
Brand research

Siding brand comparison

Good / better / best product lines across six major manufacturers, with honest warranty fine print and tradeoffs. Sourced from manufacturer tech sheets and ICC-ES evaluations. We don’t test siding, we research it.

Compare brands →
Insurance

Siding insurance claim process

The seven-step claim workflow, state-by-state deadlines (FL gives you 12 months, CO gives you 1 year), when to hire a public adjuster, and the red flags that mean you should walk away from a contractor.

Read the claim guide →
Matching law

Matching siding by state

Every state’s rule on whether the insurer must replace all the siding when a damaged wall can’t be color-matched. Statute citations for all 50 states, direct links to the state guide.

See the matching pillar →

Walk into your first contractor meeting already knowing the numbers.

Installed cost ranges by material, your state’s rules, and a checklist for reading a bid. All of it is free to read and none of it asks for your phone number.