5 Questions to Ask a Siding Contractor About Installing or Replacing Wood, Vinyl, or Fiber Cement Siding

If you’re planning on re-siding your house, you’ll have to choose between a number of different siding materials—among them, wood and fiber cement. Asking your siding contractor a few questions before you make your final decision can make you aware of how each choice could impact your budget, timeline, and future maintenance needs. 

1. What are the differences between wood, fiber cement, and vinyl siding?

Fiber cement siding is a mix of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers that create durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance house siding. Fiber cement siding doesn’t require much maintenance, but the process to manufacture it isn’t as environmentally friendly as the process for wood siding.

 Wood siding is typically made from cedar, pine, or another durable wood. There are a few different types of wood siding, including shakes, shingles, or clapboard. Wood siding is a sustainable option as it’s made from renewable resources but requires some maintenance over its lifespan.

Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride mixed with dyes and then molded to give it a texture that mimics the appearance of wood siding. It’s available in a variety of colors, sizes, styles, and shapes, making it very versatile. It’s also affordable and low-maintenance, often lasting for decades. Unfortunately, the color can fade over time, and painting it may void the warranty. It’s also not as durable as other materials. You can replace vinyl siding, but the new areas can stand out if the remaining siding is faded. 

2. When do you need this work done?

Depending on the size of your home and the difficulty of the installation, siding installation can take between four and 12 days, with projects taking an average of around seven days. Your local siding contractor will be able to give you a better estimate based on the complexity of your home’s design, how many stories it is, and if any custom features could add to the timeline. 

3. What type of climate do you live in?

Your climate can impact the choice between fiber cement and wood siding. If you live in a harsher climate with lots of sun, wind, rain, or snow, you’ll have to treat the wood siding more often to protect it from the elements. Fiber cement siding is durable and will hold up in harsher environments. Fiber cement siding is also fire resistant, so if you live in an area where fire is a concern, it may be a good choice. 

4. What is your budget?

Understanding your budget can help you make the right decision when it comes to the best siding material to choose. Fiber cement siding costs can range from $6,600 to over $23,000, depending on the size of the home, the brand, and installation costs. Wood siding costs between $7,000 and $23,000, so the decision will really come down to the qualities you need and the look you want for your home. 

5. Should you repair or replace your siding?

No matter what kind, siding is intended to protect your home from damage. If your siding is damaged, that means that it’s not protecting the home, leaving it susceptible to mold and mildew, damage from pests, and impacts from hail and branches. Signs that you need to repair or replace siding include cracks, holes, loose or warped pieces, and anything else that could mean the siding isn’t protecting your home properly. Your siding contractor can also assess any additional damage to the home that may have resulted from damaged siding.