It can be challenging to decide what type of siding is best for your home, especially if you live in a versatile environment like Southern California. With so many different styles, it all comes down to performance and preference. If you’re unsure where to begin choosing the siding for your new home, don’t worry — that’s where I come in.
For this article, I’ve asked the Los Angeles General Contractor, Advanced Builders & Contractors, for their opinion on the best siding options available to California homeowners.
Best Siding Options in California
The optimal siding choice for your home depends on location, environment, and style.
A durable, humidity-resistant material like fiber cement is ideal for beachfront homes in Santa Monica, Malibu, or Pacific Palisades. Fiber cement comprises wood pulp and cement, resulting in a sturdy, low-maintenance, affordable, and stylish exterior.
Considering upkeep, fiber cement provides the highest return on investment of all available types of siding. It can mimic vinyl, painted wood, stone, cement, or brick and requires minimal maintenance. Fiber cement is resistant to rot, fire, and termites and can last up to 50 years (check warranty specifics per brand).
Texture coatings are another excellent siding option because they weatherproof home exteriors while changing color and texture. Many contain heat-reflective technology to keep your home cooler. Texture coatings also fill cracks to seal from pests and air leaks, making it superior to paint for many homes.
Other sidings include wood (cedar shake siding) and composite or engineered wood. Cedar requires repainting or restaining every three to five years, sooner near beaches.
Properly maintained, wood siding lasts at least 20 years. Due to the appeal of wood’s look without maintenance, composite wood is increasingly popular for modern California homes. Although it has a higher initial cost, composite wood lasts 20 to 30 years.
Opt for composite products with varying designs over repetitive, uniform patterns that appear artificial. Unlike real wood, you cannot change composite color, so view multiple samples and examples before final selection. Fiber cement combined with composite wood helps create the natural modern aesthetic many luxury homeowners desire.
For ultra-modern exteriors, glass paneling and panoramic doors are great options. Black metal siding, including steel and aluminum, is another trending choice that provides a sleek, modern look.
Many Los Angeles homeowners choose stucco despite its moisture intolerance, which you can reduce through effective waterproofing. Stucco is easy to maintain in California’s dry climate, comprising lime, sand, and cement. Though white and off-white are most popular regionally, you can paint it any color. Unfortunately, stucco cracks during earthquakes, but you can easily repair the damage.
Some other options are vinyl and insulated vinyl siding, available in horizontal or vertical panels, shakes, and shingles. Insulated vinyl reduces energy costs and usage, making it beneficial for hot climates.
While attractive, brick, stone, and concrete are rarely used beyond accents due to high installation costs. Still, their durability and thermal insulation properties are superior.
After weighing your location, style preferences, and budget, consult contractors or siding companies to determine your best option.
Factors Impacting Cost
Several considerations determine the total installation costs for your home’s new siding:
- Fiber cement, wood, vinyl, metal, and stucco range widely in cost from basic to premium grades. More durable or designer sidings are typically more expensive.
- Multi-story and sloped homes require more time, effort, and materials to access all areas, increasing the installation price.
- Homes that need repairs like wood replacement or crack filling can add labor costs to the project.
- Intricate styles, custom shapes, and detailed sidings demand more expertise to install properly, also adding cost.
On average, house siding costs can range from $6,000 to $12,000. Get multiple quotes to find the best value for your specific project.
Installation Timeframe
The installation timeframe also impacts your siding project’s total cost:
- Smaller homes of 1,200 to 1,500 square feet typically take three to five days.
- Medium homes of 1,500 to 2,000 square feet often take five to seven days.
- Large homes of 2,000 to 2,500 square feet usually take seven to ten days.
- Very large homes over 2,500 square feet can take ten or more days.
Crews of three to five installers complete jobs most efficiently, but make sure your contractor provides a clear project timeline no matter how many workers are in your crew.
Siding Maintenance
Proper care maximizes the life span and aesthetics of your new siding.
Fiber cement must be cleaned once or twice yearly using low-pressure washing to look fresh. Repaint every seven to ten years. In contrast, unfinished cedar grays naturally over time. Refinish every two or three years to maintain the original look. Painted wood needs a new coat every three to five years.
Vinyl is a low-maintenance choice, requiring a yearly wash with low pressure. Use vinyl cleaner for stubborn spots. Like vinyl, metal is low maintenance and only needs to be cleaned once or twice yearly. You’ll need to touch up paint scratches and chips to avoid rust.
Lastly, stucco requires repainting every seven to ten years. Always repair cracks immediately to prevent water damage and clean annually.
Use a Qualified and Experienced Contractor
Always hire licensed, qualified siding installers, as improper installation causes avoidable problems.
Carefully vet any siding contractors you are considering, ask for referrals, and read reviews online. Meet with multiple companies to assess their knowledge and get quotes. Reputable contractors will inspect your home for installation issues and explain product warranties and project details.
Verify how long they have been in business, ask about insurance coverage, and ask about their permits. Never pay over 10 to 25% up-front, as qualified contractors do not require full payment until the project is complete.
So, Is Replacing Your Siding Worth It?
Though a significant investment, new siding is often worthwhile in the long term. You’ll likely need to replace your siding if your existing siding is damaged, deteriorated, or causing moisture problems that jeopardize structural integrity. New siding provides aesthetic updates to modernize your home’s exterior in addition to protecting it.
Even properly functioning siding may warrant replacement if better insulation is needed or it becomes unsightly from fading, peeling paint, etc. Fresh siding also boosts resale value, so carefully evaluate your home’s return on investment. Replacing aging siding prevents larger issues later, and the energy efficiency and visual appeal you gain in the process make new siding a valuable upgrade.
FAQs About Siding Installation
How do I know if I need new siding?
You may need to replace your siding if you have warped, cracked, or peeling materials, water damage, draftiness, cold spots, high energy bills, or an overall appearance decline. When in doubt, have a professional evaluate to determine if replacement is needed.
What is the best siding for humid climates?
Fiber cement, vinyl, and metal withstand humid conditions well. Wood can warp, and stucco is prone to mold and mildew in humidity. Proper installation is vital for any siding in damp areas.
Should I choose insulated siding?
Insulated siding with insulating foam backing costs more, but it enhances efficiency by reducing temperature fluctuations inside your home.
Can siding be installed over existing siding?
It’s possible, but it’s not ideal. Multiple layers of siding require extensive furring, stripping, and prep work. On the other hand, removing old siding allows for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
How long does new siding last?
With proper maintenance, fiber cement and vinyl can last 30 to 50 years, wood lasts 20 to 30 years, stucco lasts 15 to 30 years, and metal lasts over 50 years. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing for the best longevity.
Please note the information provided should not substitute legal or professional advice. Consult current Los Angeles building codes and requirements and work with licensed, insured local contractors.
