Siding Installation

Fiber cement (James Hardie is the dominant brand) is the most popular choice for California. It is fire-resistant (a real factor in wildfire-prone areas), highly resistant to termites, and handles the climate cycle well. Vinyl is budget-friendly but can warp under direct LA sun. Wood looks beautiful but requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan than fiber cement in this climate.

Fiber cement siding lasts 30-50 years with minimal maintenance. Vinyl lasts 20-40 years depending on quality and direct sun exposure. Wood siding lasts 20-40 years but requires regular painting or staining every 3-7 years to hit the upper end of that range. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide and similar products) lasts 30-plus years and balances cost with durability.

Vinyl siding costs $12-$18 per square foot installed. Fiber cement (James Hardie) runs $18-$28 per square foot. Engineered wood is $16-$24 per square foot, and natural wood siding is $22-$35 per square foot. For an average 1,500 sq ft of siding, expect $18,000-$52,000 depending on material choice.

James Hardie is the largest brand of fiber cement siding in North America. The product is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers compressed into boards. HardiePlank (horizontal lap boards) and HardieShingle (cedar-shake-style panels) are the most common product lines. ColorPlus® technology provides factory-baked color that lasts roughly 15 years before needing repaint or refresh.

Sometimes possible, but we generally recommend removing the old siding first. Pulling the old layer lets us inspect the sheathing underneath for hidden water damage, update the house wrap and flashing details, and ensure the new siding is installed correctly to manufacturer spec. Installing over old siding can hide problems and may void manufacturer warranties on the new product.

Most homes take 5-14 days for complete siding replacement. A single-story home might be done in 5-7 days, while a larger or two-story home takes 10-14 days. The schedule includes tear-off, sheathing inspection and any repairs, house wrap, new siding installation, trim, and final caulk. Weather and unexpected sheathing issues can extend the timing.

Yes. Fiber cement is non-combustible and well-suited for California's fire-prone areas when installed as part of fire-rated wall construction. It meets the fire-resistant exterior wall requirements in WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) zones. Many homeowners insurance carriers offer discounts for homes with fiber cement siding compared to wood or vinyl in fire-zone neighborhoods.

Yes. Siding replacement is consistently ranked among the stronger exterior remodeling investments. New siding can significantly improve curb appeal, which matters for both resale and for daily enjoyment of the home. Insurance also factors in: a fiber-cement-clad home in a fire zone often sees lower premiums than a wood-clad equivalent. *Actual returns vary by market and property.