Worked example: 1,800 sq ft ranch in fiber cement
At $11.50/sq ft, install is $20,700; tear-off adds $2,700 and wrap $1,350 — total near $24,750, or $13.75/sq ft all-in. The same house in vinyl: ~$14,000. The $10,000 premium buys non-combustibility (real insurance discounts in wildfire zones), no repaints for 15 years with factory finish, and the strongest resale perception of any siding.
- • Rot found at tear-off is the classic surprise: budget $500–$2,000 for sheathing repair contingency.
- • Board-and-batten profiles price ~15% over lap siding in labor.
- • Get the moisture-management spec in writing: rainscreen gaps extend siding and paint life measurably.
When to repair instead of replace
Localized damage — a few cracked vinyl panels, one rotted corner of wood — is a $300–$1,500 repair. Replace when damage is widespread, when you're repainting failing wood for the third time, or when you're wrapping the project into an exterior remodel anyway. Matching discontinued vinyl colors on partial repairs is often impossible, which alone can force the replace decision.
FAQ
How much does siding cost per square foot in 2026?
Installed: vinyl $4–$8, engineered wood $7–$11, fiber cement $9–$15, natural wood $10–$16 per sq ft. A typical home re-side runs $12,000–$25,000 depending on material.
Is fiber cement siding worth the extra cost?
In wildfire zones, termite country, and harsh climates, yes — it's non-combustible, rot-proof, and holds paint 2–3× longer than wood. In mild climates on a budget, insulated vinyl delivers most of the benefit for 40% less.
How long does siding last?
Vinyl 20–40 years (fades first), fiber cement 30–50, engineered wood 25–35, natural wood 20–40 depending entirely on paint maintenance.
Does new siding increase home value?
Cost-vs-value data shows fiber cement re-sides recoup ~85–90% of cost at resale, vinyl ~80% — among the best ROI of any exterior project because curb appeal drives first offers.
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