Siding installation materials
| Material | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Lowest cost, low maintenance, many profiles | Can crack on impact in cold; color fixed |
| Fiber cement | Durable, fire-resistant, paintable, wood-like | Heavy; needs experienced installers and dust control |
| Wood (clapboard, shingle) | Traditional, repairable; suits historic homes | Regular painting or staining |
| Metal (steel, aluminum) | Durable, modern look | Dents; cost varies widely |
Measuring walls and squares
Siding is priced per square (100 sq ft of wall). Measure the perimeter × wall height, add triangular gables (½ × width × height), and subtract large openings like garage doors. Add 10–15% waste. Our siding calculator does the math; trim, corners and J-channel are ordered separately by the linear foot.
Siding installation: weather barriers and insulation
Behind the siding, a weather-resistive barrier (house wrap or similar) and properly lapped flashing at windows, doors and roof-wall intersections do the real waterproofing. Re-siding is also the ideal time to add continuous exterior insulation if your energy code or goals call for it — which may change trim details around windows.
Permits and historic districts
Many towns require a permit for re-siding. On landmarked buildings and in historic districts, changing siding material or appearance generally requires approval — in NYC, from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Siding Installation & Replacement costs in 2026
Per square foot of wall area installed.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Siding replacement (by material) | $4–$14 per sq ft |
| Vinyl | $4–$6 per sq ft |
| Fiber cement | $8–$14 per sq ft |
| Asbestos siding removal (licensed abatement) | $6–$12 per sq ft |
Typical national ranges. New York City and other high-cost metros often run above them — get several written bids for your project.
Calculators for this project
New York rules and permits
NYC. Exterior work on landmarked buildings and buildings in historic districts generally requires LPC approval, even where DOB does not require a permit. Residential siding contractors need a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license.
Asbestos. Some older cement-based siding contains asbestos. In NYC, DOB permits for many alteration and demolition jobs require an asbestos investigation and DEP documentation; anywhere, removal must be handled by licensed abatement professionals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does siding replacement cost?
Siding typically runs $4–$14 per sq ft by material: vinyl $4–$6 and fiber cement $8–$14 (2026).
How much siding do I need?
Measure wall area, not floor area. A typical 2,000 sq ft two-story house has about 1,800–2,400 sq ft of siding after openings.
Can siding installation go over old siding?
Sometimes, but removal lets the installer inspect sheathing and flashing. Check the manufacturer's requirements and local code.
What is a square of siding?
100 square feet of wall coverage.
