What we find under old siding
On tear-off we commonly find no house wrap at all on older homes, wrap that was never taped or lapped correctly, windows with no flashing, and sheathing that has rotted below window corners and where roof lines meet walls with no kick-out flashing. We replace damaged sheathing, install a continuous wrap with taped seams, flash every opening in shingle fashion, and add kick-outs so roof water is directed into the gutter and not behind the wall.
Choosing a material
Fiber cement is rot-proof, noncombustible, holds paint well and gives crisp shadow lines. It is heavy and needs careful cutting and joint treatment. Engineered wood is lighter, comes in long lengths with fewer seams, resists impact and carries strong warranties when edges are sealed. Vinyl is the most economical and needs no painting, and an insulated premium vinyl is a legitimate product. Many homes combine lap siding with board-and-batten or shake accents in the gables.
Trim, soffit and fascia
We use cellular PVC or engineered trim at corners, windows, doors and band boards so they never rot. Aluminum-wrapped fascia and vented soffit complete a low-maintenance exterior. Done together with new gutters, it is a good opportunity to correct attic ventilation and replace tired exterior light fixtures and house numbers.
How the work runs
- Inspect and measureIdentify problem areas, measure and discuss materials and profiles.
- Tear-off and repairOne elevation at a time so the house is never left exposed.
- Wrap and flashBarrier, tape, window and door flashing, kick-outs.
- Side, trim and finishSiding, corners, soffit and fascia, caulk and paint as required.
What moves the price
We do not publish square-foot prices, because they mislead more than they help. These are the factors that actually change the number on a proposal.
- Material choice.
- Stories and how complex the rooflines and gables are.
- Sheathing and framing repair discovered on tear-off.
- Trim package, soffit, fascia and gutters.
From our recent projects
Photographs from jobs we have built. Each one opens to the full project, including the framing and rough-in stages when we have them.
How long it takes
One to three weeks for a typical home.
Permits
Many cities require a permit for full re-siding. HOAs generally require approval of material and color. See our guide to which projects need a permit.
Siding & Exterior Trim questions
Can new siding go over the old?
We do not recommend it. You lose the chance to repair sheathing and flash the windows, and it creates trim problems at every opening.
Fiber cement or engineered wood?
Both are good. Fiber cement wins on fire and moisture. Engineered wood wins on impact resistance and installation speed. We price both when asked.
Do you replace part of a wall, or only whole houses?
Both. Storm damage and chimney chases are common partial jobs.