Get matched with top siding pros in Watertown, SD

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.

Yes, the thickness of siding is an important factor to consider when replacing it. Siding thickness helps to determine how your home retains and redirects heat. While thicker siding has a premium price, it offers greater strength and durability, stronger insulation, better wind and weather resistance, increased rigidity, and better soundproofing.

The main differences between dutch lap versus clapboard siding have to do with their design and texture. Clapboard siding features flat, beveled planks stacked at a slight angle, offering a simple, traditional look. Dutch lap siding features a subtly concave surface along with a notch that creates a shadowed look between the boards. This eye-catching design often resembles wood grain and introduces a noticeable shadow line, making it more visually interesting compared to the simpler look of clapboard siding.

You should plan to stain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and provide maximum protection, though some estimates suggest a range of four to six years. The exact frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the overall condition and quality of the wood.

For homes in harsh climates with high humidity and significant sun exposure, you should plan on staining as often as every three years, while those in milder locations may only need to do so every seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh climates, consider using an opaque stain.

If you are looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, you might consider vinyl or aluminum siding. While the initial installation cost can be higher, they do not require as much upkeep and can offer more value over time, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.