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 |  | Low: Vinyl Siding Can Run $2,500-$8,750 for a Medium House |  | Medium: Aluminum Siding Can Run $3,100-$4,500 for a Medium House |  | High: Wood or Fiber Cement Siding Can Run $5,600-$10,000+ for a Medium House |
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Whether it's made using shingles, sheets of material, or horizontal or vertical boards (sometimes called weatherboarding), siding is an outer covering installed on your house. Common materials are vinyl, wood, aluminum or fiber-cement. Siding will shed water and protect the structure from the weather, but it can also add beauty and style. The main challenge in the design and installation of siding is stopping wind and rain from getting through the joints.
Typical costs: | - Vinyl siding is relatively low-cost, low-maintenance and easy to install. It costs less than $1 a square foot for a do-it-yourself project, or $1,000-$1,250 for 1,250 exterior square feet. Having it professionally installed runs $2-$7 a square foot, or $2,500-$8,750 for 1,250 square feet.
- Aluminum siding is fireproof and impervious to termites, and can last 35-40 years. But the painted metal can fade, dent or develop a "chalky" appearance over time, and in some climates it can corrode. Hiring someone to install aluminum siding is $2.50-$3.50 a square foot, or $3,100-$4,500 for 1,250 exterior square feet.
- Wood siding has a lot of character and style and is relatively easy to install, but because it's vulnerable to weather and insects wood siding requires a lot of regular maintenance. Professionally installed real wood siding runs $6,500-$10,000 or more for 1,250 square feet. Installing plywood or hardwood sheets known as engineered wood siding is about $3,000-$5,000 for 1,250 exterior square feet.
- Fiber cement siding is a durable, long-lasting material that can be designed to look wood, stucco or masonry. It's made from cement, wood fiber, sand and other components. It's heavy to lift and requires specialized cutting tools. Having fiber cement siding installed runs $4.50-$11 a square foot, or $5,600-$13,750 for 1,250 exterior square feet.
- Exterior square footage is not the same as the square footage of a house. To roughly calculate exterior square footage, add together the length of the four sides of the house then multiply by the height of the walls. A home 10' tall, 38' long and 25' wide has 950 square feet [38x25=950] of interior floor space but 1,260 square feet [(38+38+25+25)x10=1,60] of exterior wall space. To cut costs, some homeowners have siding installed on the front and sides of a house but not the back wall because it isn't visible from the street.
Related articles: Vinyl Siding, Wood Siding, Aluminum Siding, Stucco
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What should be included: | - Installing wood, vinyl or aluminum siding can be a relatively simple process, although for vinyl siding there may be brand-specific instructions[1] that could be beyond a home-handyman's skills. And installing fiber cement siding[2] is an extremely dusty process that requires specialized tools. Better Homes and Gardens gives an overview[3] of siding options.
- If the wood exterior of your house is too aged to be sanded and prepared for painting, siding might be a good option. Or old siding can be revitalized with the right coat of paint. BobVila.com discusses how to use paint and siding[4] on your home's exterior.
- Some historic areas or homeowner associations limit the use of siding. Check with your local planning department for any siding regulations and if a building permit is required.
Additional costs: | - There may be additional carpentry or other costs if a home's exterior walls have been damaged by water or weather and need repairing before new siding can be added.
Discounts: | - Find nearby neighbors who want the same type of siding installed; it's possible to negotiate a reduced price for multiple projects in the same area.
Shopping for siding: | - Siding manufacturers often provide referrals to contractors. Vinyl manufacturers include CertainTeed and Crane; wood siding companies include Cedar Valley[5] and Shakertown[6] ; Aluminum manufacturers are Alcoa[7] or Gentek; and fiber-cement companies include James Hardie and Nichiha[8] . Or watch for siding projects in your area. When a job is completed, knock on the door and ask who the contractor was and how smoothly the project went. Most homeowners like talking about their remodeling projects.
- Get several estimates, making sure what is (and isn't) included in each quote; understand whether all prep and clean-up work is included. Request and check references. Ask about the contractor's length and type of experience. Be sure the contractor is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state.
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External Resources: | - www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,266296-3,00.html
- www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Exterior/Exterior-Trim/how-to-install-fib...
- www.bhg.com/homekeeping/siding-options-for-your-home/
- www.bobvila.com
- www.cedar-valley.com/products.php
- www.shakertown.com/showcase.html
- www.alcoa.com/ahe/default.asp
- www.nichiha.com/
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