Vinyl shake siding installation.

Estimating the Cost of Vinyl Siding: A How-To Guide

/in /by

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s exterior while also improving energy efficiency and durability. However, before embarking on a new vinyl siding project, it’s important to ask, how much does vinyl siding cost?

Estimating the cost of vinyl siding requires careful consideration of several factors, including the size of the home, the quality of the materials, and the complexity of the installation process. Estimate the total cost of the new siding project, especially if it involves vinyl siding replacement, before embarking on the home improvement project.

Table of Contents

  1. Estimating the Cost of Vinyl Siding: A How-To Guide
  2. Vinyl Siding Costs
  3. Deciding on the Type of Vinyl
  4. Measuring Your Project
  5. DIY vs. Contractor
  6. Costs of Other Siding Types
    1. Other Sidings Costs
  7. Benefits of Vinyl Siding
    1. Pros
  8. Putting Vinyl Over Old Siding
  9. FDA Has Your Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding Costs

Vinyl siding is the most popular type of exterior cladding in the United States. The average cost of vinyl siding varies depending on factors such as the quality of the materials, home size, and the region in which the home is located. As a rule of thumb, the average cost of vinyl siding installation ranges from $6,000 to $17,500, with the national average being around $11,500. This estimate includes both material costs and installation. It’s important to note that this is only an average, and actual project costs vary based on installation costs and siding prices (different siding styles and materials).

Vinyl siding materials come in a variety of styles and colors. Among cost factors like material and linear feet needed, many different types of insulation may be installed between the outer layer and inner layers of your home’s exterior walls. Some types of insulation require special tools or techniques for installation, so you’ll want to find out how much this will cost before estimating how much that new vinyl siding will cost you.

Deciding on the Type of Vinyl

Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl siding is available in a variety of styles and colors. Vinyl siding comes in different thicknesses, from 6 mil to 8 mil. Consider the style of your home when choosing the thickness of your new vinyl siding.

There are many different types of vinyl siding, from faux wood grain to traditional smoother texture:

    • Shingle/shake vinyl siding – designed to look like traditional wood shingles or cedar shakes. Costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
    • Traditional lap vinyl siding – the most common type of vinyl siding that comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, and textures. Costs between $4 to $12 per square foot.
    • Clapboard vinyl siding – plank siding, costing between $4 to $12 per square foot.
    • Insulated vinyl siding – vinyl siding with an additional insulation layer to improve energy efficiency. Costs between $6 to $14 per square foot.
    • Board and batten – a rustic style of siding that features alternating wide and narrow vertical panels. This costs around $5 to $13 per square foot.
    • Beaded vinyl siding – features a rounded groove between each panel to create a beaded effect. Costs between $4 to $12 per square foot.
    • Stone-look vinyl siding – designed to mimic the look of stone siding. The cost is between $6 to $14 per square foot.
    • Scalloped – curved bottoms. Costs between $4 to $12 per square foot.
    • Dutch Lap – also known as horizontal planks. Costs between $4 to $12 per square foot.

Remember that siding materials and insulation (which may go between the outer and inner layers of your home’s exterior walls) may impact pricing. Certain materials may even need special tools or techniques for installation.

Measuring Your Project

To estimate the cost of a new vinyl siding project, measure the length and width of each wall, multiply those measurements together, and then add them up for an overall total.

For example, if you have a 2-story house with five exterior walls (including the garage), each measuring 8 feet x 10 feet (a total of 80 square feet) plus a front door that’s 7 feet wide by 9 feet tall (63 additional square feet), you’ll end up with 173 square feet for your house’s exterior facade alone ($4-$5 per foot installed).

DIY vs. Contractor

It is important to hire a siding contractor when installing vinyl siding because proper installation is critical to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the siding.

A professional contractor has the expertise and experience to properly prepare the surface of the home, install the siding correctly, and address any potential issues that may arise during the installation process. They also have access to the necessary tools and higher-quality equipment needed to complete the job safely and efficiently.

Improper installation can lead to water damage, warping, or buckling, all of which can be expensive to repair. Check your new siding’s warranty before installing. Because DIY-ers are likely to incorrectly install siding, it may void the warranty.

By hiring a qualified contractor, homeowners can ensure that their vinyl siding is installed correctly and will provide long-lasting protection and value for their homes. They can also break down specific labor costs by square footage for you.

Costs of Other Siding Types

Ultimately, the best siding option depends on each individual homeowner’s needs and preferences. Naturally, the high-end quality of any house siding panels are more expensive. Plus, these more expensive siding materials are often met with just as high installation costs.

Other Sidings Costs

    • Fiber cement siding – installation is $13,000
    • Aluminum siding – $4.40 per square foot, with installation costs of around $6,565
    • Wood siding – costs are about $13,500
    • Stucco – between $9 to $17 per sq. ft
    • Log siding – $11 to $20 per square foot

Benefits of Vinyl Siding

Many homes have vinyl siding. It’s easy to install and lasts for decades, making it a good choice for homeowners who want to add curb appeal to their homes without breaking the bank. Let’s look at a few benefits of vinyl siding so you can decide if vinyl siding is right for you.

Pros

    • Durability
    • Low maintenance
    • Cost efficient
    • Variety – comes in many colors and textures

Specifically regarding vinyl shake siding, it’s extremely easy to maintain and adds dimension and appeal to your home. It’s not engineered wood. Wood siding rots easily when exposed to moisture, but vinyl shake siding offers the same look without all the drawbacks of wood siding.

Putting Vinyl Over Old Siding

If you don’t want to pay or have a siding removal process done, vinyl siding can be installed over old siding as long as the existing siding is in good condition and properly prepared.

Before installing the vinyl siding, the old siding should be inspected for any signs of damage, such as rot or cracks, and repaired or replaced as necessary. It is also important to ensure that the old siding is securely attached to the house, with no loose or missing pieces. If not, moisture can get trapped and start to cause water damage.

It’s important to note that installing vinyl siding over old siding can affect the appearance of the home, as the additional layer can change the profile of the exterior walls. Some homeowners may choose to do this so that they don’t have to add siding removal to their total vinyl siding installation costs, but it is often worth it to protect your home from potential water damage.

FDS Has Your Vinyl Siding

Estimating the cost of vinyl siding can be a challenging task, but it is an essential step in any siding project.

With careful planning and a realistic budget, you can transform the look of your home and enjoy the many benefits of new vinyl shake siding for years to come. Contact Factory Direct Siding today for any questions you may have, or head over to our website for any FAQs.