Get matched with top siding pros in Waycross, GA

Siding pros typically charge by the square foot when providing estimates for siding projects. They’ll take the material cost and add in an estimated labor fee, and some contractors will include an additional upcharge to account for profit, waste, and unexpected issues. Another important price factor your pro will consider is the quality of your home’s current siding, which they’ll need to remove, and your home’s sheathing. If pros have to make any additional repairs to your home’s exterior, the added labor will also influence your final siding cost.

Many people remove aluminum siding to get to the wood underneath, allowing them to paint, stain, or finish the wood to give the home a brand-new aesthetic. With that in mind, you find plywood and related types of wood underneath aluminum siding, but you also run into fiber cement board, strand board, and a diverse array of other building materials. It depends on the original design of the house. 

While you can perform minor siding repairs or even install it yourself over small areas, it is generally best to hire a professional siding company. Siding installation is a time-consuming and complicated process that requires specialized tools and experience. Most homeowners lack the skills to ensure proper alignment, weatherproofing, longevity, and durability, especially for more complex jobs like vertical siding. The money saved on a DIY project may not be worth the time and potential risks of improper installation.

You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.