How Long Does Siding Last On a House? Average Lifespan and What Affects It

Not only is siding one of the most critical parts of your home’s curb appeal, but it also protects sheathing and other building materials from the elements. To restore the appeal of your siding, you can power wash or paint it, but understanding how long siding lasts and how long it will stand up to rain, snow, and wind is a good way to keep your home protected.

How Long Does Siding Last?

Siding lasts anywhere between 20 and 100 years, sometimes even longer, depending mostly on the type of siding.

Factors Influencing How Long Siding Lasts

There’s such a large range of siding lifespan because many factors affect longevity and durability.

Type of Siding

As you can see in the table above, the type of siding you choose plays the biggest role in how long it will last before needing replacement. Aluminum, engineered wood, vinyl, and wood have the shortest lifespans, lasting as little as 20 years in some cases. Brick and stone siding have the longest lifespan and can last for 100 years or more with proper maintenance.

Climate

The second most important factor is the climate in your area. Excessive rainfall, snowfall, humidity, UV radiation, and strong winds can all compromise your siding. Certain types of siding perform worse in harsh climates, too. For example, wood siding and stucco will absorb water and can crack with rapid changes in moisture, so siding type, along with climate, can determine how long your siding will last.

Maintenance

All siding will need maintenance, and how diligent you are about your siding maintenance will affect its lifespan. Some siding materials need repainting or resealing every few years to maintain waterproofing capabilities. Vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, wood, and stucco benefit from painting and resealing to extend their lifespans. Wood siding also benefits from fireproofing and applications to deter wood-destroying insects. Keeping up with siding maintenance is the best way to get more life out of the material.

Installation

How your siding is installed can play an important role, too. Improper installation can leave gaps that allow moisture or water behind your siding, eventually leading to moisture build-up, destructive mold, and interior leaks. Hiring a siding contractor for proper installation and maintenance of any siding type can help your siding push toward the upper end of its lifespan.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Siding

There are a handful of things to look out for that can help you determine when it’s time to replace your siding.

• Interior leaks: First and foremost, if your siding is leaking and causing water damage to the materials behind it, it’s best to replace it. Ongoing water damage will progressively get worse, so if you find yourself carrying out repairs regularly, a full replacement or even a partial siding replacement is a good investment.

• Physical damage or rot: You can fix a small area of cracked or warping siding with a patch, but your siding may need replacement if you have extensive damage to multiple areas, which is an indication that your siding has reached its useful lifespan.

• Mold or mildew: Mold and mildew growth on your siding are signs that it’s no longer protecting your home like it should.

• Fading: Most types of siding will fade with exposure to sunlight. Severe fading on vinyl siding, especially, can suggest that the material is losing its waterproofing qualities.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Siding

There are a few key things you can do to get more life out of your siding and push off a full replacement.

• Repaint or refinish: For siding that is still protecting your home but is no longer providing good curb appeal, repainting or refinishing the siding can extend its lifespan. This is especially true for wood and stucco siding, where the finish helps keep moisture out.

• Keep up with repairs and maintenance: All types of siding will last longer if you repair physical damage and address moisture issues quickly.

• Cut brush away from your home: Tree branches and shrubs can hold moisture against your siding, increasing the risk of mold growth and rot. Trim back vegetation at least a foot to avoid problems.

Warranties for Siding

Most siding materials include a warranty that guarantees protection for a certain amount of time. Warranties range from 10 years for some wood siding options to 50 years or longer for stone, brick, vinyl, and fiber cement. Always check your warranty before repairing or replacing to see if you’re covered.

An important thing to note is that many siding warranties require professional installation for coverage. If you DIY the installation, you may have more limited coverage, or you may void the warranty entirely.

Repairing vs. Replacing Siding

Repairing siding costs an average of $26 per square foot, but the price can fall anywhere between $2 and $50 per square foot, depending on the type of siding and the specific repair you need. Replacing siding costs $11,600, on average, and while the total will almost always be more expensive than a repair, it’s sometimes a smarter financial decision to replace rather than repair.

You should repair if your siding has more than half of its useful life left, based on the table above for your siding type, and if you’re not dealing with ongoing leaks. Replacing will be more costly up front, but can be a one-and-done solution that maximizes curb appeal. New siding also boosts home value more than repairs, so it’s usually better if you plan to sell in the near future.

Ask a siding repair contractor near you for an estimate. If it’s more than 50% of the total cost to replace, replacing makes more sense.