Complete Guide to Siding Replacement for Midwest Homeowners

Siding replacement is typically the second-largest exterior home improvement project after roofing — and for many Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois homes, it’s overdue.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know before getting a single estimate.

Signs Your Siding Needs Replacement

Functional signs (replace soon):
– Visible cracks, holes, or gaps — moisture is getting in
– Warped or buckled sections — moisture is already inside
– Rot in any areas of wood or wood-composite siding
– Increased energy bills — failing siding allows heat transfer
– Interior moisture or mold — often traced to failed siding
– Paint peeling repeatedly within 5-6 years of a fresh coat

Cosmetic signs (plan for replacement):
– Extensive fading that painting can’t adequately address
– Multiple areas of visible damage or patching
– Siding that looks dated and affects curb appeal significantly

Professional inspection ensures no damage goes undetected

Material Options for Midwest Homes

James Hardie Fiber Cement (Our primary recommendation)
The top-performing siding material for Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois homes. HardiePlank lap siding and HardiePanel vertical siding handle our climate’s extremes better than any other material:
– Maintains impact resistance in extreme cold (unlike vinyl)
– Won’t melt or warp near heat sources
– Fire-resistant
– ColorPlus factory finish lasts 15+ years
– Paintable when color refresh is needed

Cost: $14,000-$28,000 installed for a typical home

LP SmartSide Engineered Wood
Engineered to resist moisture, fungal decay, and impact while providing a warm, wood-like appearance. Treated with a proprietary preservative system. An excellent choice for craftsman and traditional-style homes.

Cost: $12,000-$22,000 installed

Vinyl Siding
The most affordable option, with the lowest maintenance requirement. Good performance for most conditions but less durable in extreme cold, near heat sources, and in high-hail areas.

Cost: $8,000-$16,000 installed

What Drives Siding Installation Cost

Home size: The most obvious factor — a 1,500 sq ft ranch has significantly less surface area than a 2,500 sq ft two-story.

Number of stories: Multi-story work requires scaffolding and additional safety setup — adds cost.

Existing siding removal: Removing old siding adds $1-$3 per square foot. Multiple existing layers add more.

Window and door trim: Every window and door requires careful cutting, trim, and caulking — complex window arrangements increase cost.

Corner and transition details: Board-and-batten, shake-style accents, and other architectural details require additional material and labor.

Quality materials and expert installation make the difference

What Happens During Siding Installation

Day 1: Old siding removed, substrate inspected for moisture damage, house wrap/vapor barrier installed

Days 2-3: Siding panels installed, corners and J-channels completed

Day 3-4 (depending on home size): Windows and door trim completed, all penetrations caulked

Final day: Touch-ups, cleanup, final walkthrough

Alamo Roofing serves Lake County, Porter County & northern Illinois

The James Hardie Preferred Contractor Advantage

Alamo Roofing is a James Hardie Preferred contractor — meaning we’re authorized to install the full Hardie product line and offer the manufacturer’s warranty on materials. Proper Hardie installation is specific — nail depth, gap spacing, and caulking all affect both performance and warranty validity.

Not all contractors who install Hardie are Preferred contractors. When getting estimates, ask specifically about the contractor’s Hardie authorization level.

Pairing Siding with Roofing

The most cost-effective time to replace siding is when you’re replacing your roof. Labor overlap reduces total project cost, and the scaffolding used for roofing can often be used for upper-story siding work — reducing setup costs.

Alamo Roofing handles complete exterior packages — roofing, siding, gutters, and soffit/fascia as a single project. We’ll price the full scope and the components so you can make the best financial decision for your situation.