{
  "results": [
    {
      "question": "What does Hoosier Cladding do?",
      "answer": "Hoosier Cladding is a South Bend siding contractor. It installs new siding, replaces whole-house siding, repairs damaged sections (including older aluminum siding and storm damage) and replaces trim, soffit and fascia. It works in vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement and engineered wood.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I book a free siding estimate?",
      "answer": "Pick a day and time on the booking page at hoosiercladding.com/book, or call (574) 931-2119. Visits run Monday to Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern. You get a reference number right away and a call from the office to confirm.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which siding lasts best through Indiana freeze-thaw winters?",
      "answer": "James Hardie fiber cement handles freeze-thaw cycles, hail and woodpeckers best and does not soften in summer heat. Insulated vinyl costs less and adds a foam backer that reduces drafts. Standard vinyl is the budget choice and performs well when it is installed loose enough to expand and contract.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can AI assistants check availability and book with Hoosier Cladding?",
      "answer": "Yes. The site publishes a JSON API, an OpenAPI description at /openapi.json, a remote MCP server at /mcp and in-browser WebMCP tools. An assistant can list services and prices, read open appointment times and book a free estimate on your behalf.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Should I repair my siding or replace all of it?",
      "answer": "Repair makes sense when damage is limited to one or two walls, the rest of the siding is sound, and a reasonable color match is possible. Replace when panels are failing on several sides, the wall behind is wet or rotted, the siding is past 25 to 30 years old, or matching panels are no longer made.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/services"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you do roofing, windows or interior work?",
      "answer": "No. Hoosier Cladding focuses on siding and the exterior trim around it: soffit, fascia, corner boards and window and door trim. We flash and trim around windows during a siding job but do not sell or replace the windows themselves.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/services"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you install new siding over my old siding?",
      "answer": "Sometimes, over one flat, sound layer of wood or aluminum, but we usually recommend tearing off. Tear-off lets us find and fix rot, install new house wrap and flash windows properly. It typically adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the project.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/services"
    },
    {
      "question": "How long does a siding installation take?",
      "answer": "Most homes take 3 to 7 working days. A single-story ranch in vinyl can be done in 3; a two-story home in fiber cement with new trim usually takes a full week. Rain stops tear-off but not work under cover.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can siding be installed in winter in Indiana?",
      "answer": "Yes. Vinyl is cut and fastened with extra care below about 40°F because it is stiffer and more brittle, and fiber cement can be installed in any dry weather. Winter jobs are often easier to schedule.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need a permit for new siding in South Bend?",
      "answer": "South Bend and most St. Joseph County towns require a building permit for full re-siding. Hoosier Cladding pulls the permit as part of the job. Small repairs usually do not need one.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I have to be home during the installation?",
      "answer": "No. We need access to outdoor outlets and the yard, and someone reachable by phone. We walk the finished job with you before the final invoice.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is included in the price of replacing house siding?",
      "answer": "A replacement price from Hoosier Cladding includes tear-off and disposal of the old siding, new house wrap, flashing at windows and doors, new siding, corners and J-channel, and clean-up. Rotted sheathing, new soffit and fascia, and insulation upgrades are priced as separate lines so you can see each one.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/house-siding-replacement"
    },
    {
      "question": "How much does rot under the old siding add?",
      "answer": "Each 4-by-8 sheet of rotted OSB sheathing costs about $60 to $100 to replace. Most homes need a few sheets around windows, doors and the lowest course; we photograph anything we replace.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/house-siding-replacement"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does new siding raise my home value?",
      "answer": "Siding replacement is one of the exterior projects that recovers the largest share of its cost at resale, commonly 70 to 80 percent. It also shortens time on market because buyers see a weathertight, low-maintenance exterior.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/house-siding-replacement"
    },
    {
      "question": "How long does vinyl siding last in Indiana?",
      "answer": "Quality vinyl siding lasts 25 to 40 years in Northern Indiana when it is installed with proper expansion gaps. Darker colors fade sooner than light ones; many manufacturers now offer fade-resistant finishes for dark shades.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Why is my vinyl siding buckling or wavy?",
      "answer": "Buckling almost always means panels were nailed too tight or butted hard into corners, so they cannot expand in summer heat. It can also come from heat reflected off a neighbor’s low-E windows. Re-hanging the affected courses usually fixes it.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you paint vinyl siding?",
      "answer": "You can, using a vinyl-safe paint in a color no darker than the original, otherwise the panels absorb heat and warp. Painting voids many vinyl warranties, so replacing faded sections is often the better long-term choice.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is fiber cement worth the extra cost over vinyl in Indiana?",
      "answer": "It is worth it if you plan to stay 10 years or more, live where hail is common, or want a painted-wood look. Fiber cement will not dent in moderate hail, melt from grill or window reflection, or soften in heat. If budget is the main driver, insulated vinyl is the better value.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does fiber cement siding need to be painted?",
      "answer": "ColorPlus fiber cement comes pre-finished and typically goes 15 years or more before repainting. Primed-only boards must be painted within 180 days of installation and then on a normal paint cycle.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products"
    },
    {
      "question": "How heavy is fiber cement, and does my house need extra framing?",
      "answer": "HardiePlank weighs roughly 2.3 pounds per square foot, about five times vinyl. A standard wood-framed house does not need extra framing, but installers must hit studs or use approved fasteners into sheathing.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products"
    },
    {
      "question": "Why does my hand come away white when I touch my aluminum siding?",
      "answer": "That powder is chalking: the factory paint breaking down in sunlight. The metal underneath is usually fine. Washing off the chalk and repainting with an acrylic coating made for metal siding restores the color.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/aluminum-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can dented aluminum siding be popped back out?",
      "answer": "Not reliably. Aluminum stretches when it dents, so pulling it out leaves a wavy spot. Small dents can be filled and painted; larger or many dents are fixed by cutting out and replacing the panel section.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/aluminum-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "When should I replace aluminum siding instead of repairing it?",
      "answer": "Replace when damage covers several walls, the paint is failing everywhere, there is moisture or rot behind the panels, or you would need to repaint the whole house anyway. At that point new vinyl or fiber cement often costs about the same as extensive repair and repainting.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/aluminum-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I know if hail damaged my siding?",
      "answer": "Look at the side of the house that faced the storm. Vinyl shows cracks or round holes, often at the bottom edge of panels; aluminum shows round dents that catch the light; fiber cement shows chipped paint or corners. Check window wraps and gutters on the same side, which dent first.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/storm-damage-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "How long do I have to file a siding claim after a storm in Indiana?",
      "answer": "It depends on your policy, but many homeowners policies require prompt notice and set a one- or two-year limit to file. Report the damage as soon as you find it and keep the storm date; waiting can also let water cause hidden damage that is harder to claim.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/storm-damage-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "Will insurance pay to re-side the whole house if only one wall is damaged?",
      "answer": "Sometimes. If matching siding is no longer available, some policies and adjusters approve replacing adjacent walls so the house matches. Our report notes whether matching panels are still made, which is the evidence an adjuster needs to decide.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/storm-damage-siding-repair"
    },
    {
      "question": "Why is there ice building up at my roof edge every winter?",
      "answer": "Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow that refreezes at the cold overhang. Blocked or solid soffit makes it worse. New vented soffit, combined with clear attic baffles, lets cold air move under the roof deck and reduces ice dams.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/trimwork-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you wrap my old wood fascia in aluminum?",
      "answer": "Yes, if the wood is solid. We probe every board first; soft or rotted sections are replaced before wrapping, because wrapping over rot traps moisture and hides the damage.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/trimwork-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need to replace gutters when fascia is replaced?",
      "answer": "Not always. Gutters are taken down and re-hung on the new fascia. If they are sagging, leaking at seams or undersized, it is the cheapest moment to replace them, but we do not require it.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/trimwork-south-bend"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you charge more to travel outside South Bend?",
      "answer": "No. Estimates are free anywhere in the service area. For projects near the edge, such as Warsaw, travel time is part of the labor estimate rather than a separate fee.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/service-area"
    },
    {
      "question": "My town is not listed. Can you still help?",
      "answer": "Probably, if you are in northern Indiana or southwest Michigan. Call (574) 931-2119 or enter your ZIP code when you book; the form tells you right away if your address is in range.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/service-area"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need Historic Preservation Commission approval to re-side my South Bend house?",
      "answer": "Only if the house is in a local historic district or is individually landmarked. In those areas, exterior material changes usually need a certificate of appropriateness first. Check the city’s historic district map or ask us at the estimate.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-south-bend-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "How soon can you start a siding job in South Bend?",
      "answer": "Estimates are usually available within a week. Once you sign, start dates depend on material lead times, typically 1 to 3 weeks for vinyl and 2 to 4 weeks for ColorPlus fiber cement.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-south-bend-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does my Granger HOA have to approve new siding?",
      "answer": "Most Granger subdivisions with an HOA require architectural approval for exterior color or material changes. Submit the product name and color from your quote to the HOA before work is scheduled; we provide spec sheets and samples for the application.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-granger-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "What siding do Granger homeowners choose most?",
      "answer": "Insulated vinyl and James Hardie fiber cement are the two most requested upgrades in Granger, usually in muted grays, blues and whites that meet HOA color rules.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-granger-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you charge a trip fee to Plymouth?",
      "answer": "No. Estimates in Plymouth are free and there is no separate trip fee; travel time is included in the labor price of the job.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-companies-plymouth-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you side a pole barn or detached garage in Marshall County?",
      "answer": "We side detached garages and outbuildings that are framed and sheathed like a house. Metal pole-barn panels are a different trade and we refer those jobs out.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-companies-plymouth-in"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you do small siding repairs in Warsaw?",
      "answer": "Usually not. Warsaw is at the edge of our service area, so we focus on full replacement and insurance storm repairs there. For a few loose panels, a local handyman or Warsaw-based contractor will be faster and cheaper.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-replacement-warsaw-indiana"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is the best siding for a lake house near Warsaw?",
      "answer": "James Hardie fiber cement is the most durable choice for lake exposure because it does not warp with moisture swings or fade quickly in reflected sun. Insulated vinyl is a good lower-cost option. Either way, careful flashing at decks and doors matters more than the panel choice.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-replacement-warsaw-indiana"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which appointment should I book?",
      "answer": "Book a siding estimate for new siding, full replacement, or trim, soffit and fascia. Book a storm damage inspection if hail or wind caused the damage, especially if you may file an insurance claim. Book a repair assessment for a loose, cracked, dented or faded section on part of the house.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book"
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I reschedule or cancel?",
      "answer": "Call or text (574) 931-2119 with your booking reference, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge to reschedule.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book"
    },
    {
      "question": "What happens after I book?",
      "answer": "You get a booking reference on screen immediately. The office calls or texts within one business day to confirm the time, and the estimator calls when on the way.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is the siding estimate really free?",
      "answer": "Yes. The on-site estimate and the written quote cost nothing and carry no obligation. You keep the quote whether or not you hire us.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate"
    },
    {
      "question": "How long until I get the written quote?",
      "answer": "Simple jobs are often quoted at the visit. Larger or multi-material jobs are emailed within two business days after the estimator checks material pricing.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate"
    },
    {
      "question": "Should I call my insurance company before or after the inspection?",
      "answer": "Either works, but many homeowners book the inspection first so they know whether there is enough damage to file a claim. If you already have a claim number, bring it to the inspection.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection"
    },
    {
      "question": "Will you meet my insurance adjuster?",
      "answer": "Yes, on request and at no charge. Tell us the adjuster’s visit time and we will try to have someone there to walk the damage.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you fix just one or two panels?",
      "answer": "Yes. Small repairs are why this visit exists. If a matching panel is available, many repairs are quoted on the spot.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment"
    },
    {
      "question": "What if my siding color is discontinued?",
      "answer": "We will show you the options: moving original panels from a hidden wall, repainting a wall so old and new blend, or replacing one full side. Each is priced at the visit.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment"
    },
    {
      "question": "How much does it cost to side a 1,500 square foot house in Indiana?",
      "answer": "A house with 1,500 square feet of wall area costs about $8,250 to $12,750 in standard vinyl and $13,500 to $21,000 in James Hardie fiber cement, before tear-off, rot repair and trim. Remember that floor area and wall area are different numbers; a 1,500 sq ft ranch often has less wall area than that.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is a \"square\" of siding?",
      "answer": "A square is 100 square feet of wall coverage. Contractors often price by the square, so $650 per square equals $6.50 per square foot.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is it cheaper to replace siding in winter?",
      "answer": "Material prices do not change much by season, but winter is the slow season for siding crews in Indiana, so you can usually get on the schedule sooner. Some contractors offer off-season pricing; ask at your estimate.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025"
    },
    {
      "question": "Who writes these siding guides?",
      "answer": "The Hoosier Cladding crew in South Bend, who install and repair siding across Northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Prices come from the same price list used for our quotes and are updated when that list changes.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions"
    },
    {
      "question": "I read the guide and still cannot decide. What next?",
      "answer": "Book a free visit. We look at the walls, measure, and give you a written price for each option you are weighing, such as repair and full replacement, or vinyl and fiber cement, so you can compare real numbers for your house.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you replace just one piece of siding on a house?",
      "answer": "Yes, for vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement. Vinyl is the easiest: the panel above is unlocked with a zip tool, the damaged panel’s nails are pulled, and a new panel is locked in. Aluminum and fiber cement can also be replaced piece by piece, but they need cutting and touch-up paint, so the visit takes longer.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/repair-or-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can you match 20-year-old vinyl siding?",
      "answer": "Rarely exactly. Even when the same color is still made, 20 years of sun fades the panels on the house, so a new panel looks brighter. The usual fix is to move older panels from a hidden wall, such as behind a deck or on the garage, to the visible spot and put the new panels where they will not be noticed.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/repair-or-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "A contractor wants to replace all my siding for a small problem. How do I check?",
      "answer": "Ask for photos of each damaged area with a panel count per wall, and ask what is behind the siding at the worst spot. Damage limited to one or two walls with dry sheathing is usually a repair. Get a second opinion before signing for a full re-side; a free repair assessment costs you nothing.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/repair-or-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which is better, LP SmartSide or James Hardie?",
      "answer": "Hardie is better where water, fire and woodpeckers are the concern, and it lasts longer. LP SmartSide is better on impact resistance, weight, board length and price. On an Indiana house with good roof overhangs and siding kept clear of the ground, both perform well; Hardie is the safer choice on low, splash-prone walls.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-vs-engineered-wood"
    },
    {
      "question": "What are the disadvantages of engineered wood siding?",
      "answer": "It is wood, so it needs care that cement and vinyl do not: cut edges must be sealed, it must stay at least 6 inches off soil and mulch, and scratches through the paint should be touched up. It can be damaged by woodpeckers, and it needs repainting every 10 to 15 years.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-vs-engineered-wood"
    },
    {
      "question": "What are the different grades of vinyl siding?",
      "answer": "Vinyl is graded by thickness: builder grade around 0.040 inch, standard 0.042 to 0.044 inch, and premium 0.046 inch or thicker. Insulated vinyl adds a contoured foam backer. Thicker and insulated panels stay straighter, resist dents and look less like vinyl from the street.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-vs-engineered-wood"
    },
    {
      "question": "Will aluminum siding rust?",
      "answer": "No. Aluminum contains no iron, so it cannot rust. It oxidizes instead, which shows as a white, powdery coating on bare spots. Oxidation is cosmetic and is sanded and primed before painting. The steel nails and some older trim pieces can rust and leave streaks.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/paint-or-replace-aluminum-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "What kind of paint works on aluminum siding?",
      "answer": "A 100 percent acrylic exterior latex paint over clean, chalk-free panels, with bare or oxidized spots first primed with a primer made for aluminum or galvanized metal. Oil-based paint becomes brittle on metal that expands and contracts every day, and it chalks faster.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/paint-or-replace-aluminum-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is painting aluminum siding a bad idea?",
      "answer": "Not if the siding is sound and the prep is done right; it is a common, cost-effective way to refresh it. It is a bad idea over loose, heavily dented or wet-backed panels, because paint only changes the color, and over chalk, because the paint will peel within a year or two.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/paint-or-replace-aluminum-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need to remove old siding before installing new siding?",
      "answer": "Not always for vinyl over one flat, dry layer, but it is the better job. Removal costs more and takes a day or two longer, and in return you get new house wrap, flashed windows and any rotted sheathing replaced before it is covered for decades.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can vinyl siding go over old wood siding?",
      "answer": "Yes, if the wood is flat, solid and dry. Installers usually add foam board or furring strips first to give a flat surface and some insulation. If the wood is cupped, split or soft, it should come off, because the vinyl will follow every wave.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Should I be worried about what is under my old siding?",
      "answer": "Worth checking, not worrying. Common finds on older homes are original wood siding, missing house wrap and unflashed windows, all of which are fixed during a tear-off. On pre-1978 homes, lead paint is handled with lead-safe practices, and asbestos-cement shingles are usually left in place and covered.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "How much more does insulated vinyl siding cost than regular vinyl?",
      "answer": "About $2 more per square foot installed in Northern Indiana: $7.50–$10.50 versus $5.50–$8.50. On a house with 2,000 square feet of wall, that is roughly $4,000 more.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is insulated vinyl better than fiber cement?",
      "answer": "It costs less and adds insulation that fiber cement does not have on its own. Fiber cement lasts longer, will not melt and looks more like painted wood. Fiber cement over foam board closes the insulation gap at a higher price.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it"
    },
    {
      "question": "What are the benefits of vinyl siding?",
      "answer": "Low cost, no painting, easy repair of single panels, a wide range of colors and profiles, and a lifespan of 20 to 40 years with only an occasional wash. Thicker and insulated grades also stay straighter and resist impact better.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do insurance companies pay for siding replacement?",
      "answer": "They pay for storm damage the policy covers, usually to repair what was damaged. They pay to replace more when matching material is not available or the damage is widespread, depending on the policy wording. Older policies may pay actual cash value first and the rest after the work is done.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/storm-damage-repair-or-replace"
    },
    {
      "question": "Why is my wind and hail deductible so high?",
      "answer": "Many policies set it as a percentage of the home’s insured value, often 1 or 2 percent, rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $250,000 policy, 1 percent is $2,500. Insurers use percentage deductibles in areas with frequent wind and hail claims.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/storm-damage-repair-or-replace"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can a siding contractor pay my insurance deductible?",
      "answer": "They should not. The deductible is your share of the loss under the policy. A contractor who offers to waive or absorb it is usually inflating the claim to cover it, which can put the homeowner at risk too. Treat the offer as a reason to get another quote.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/storm-damage-repair-or-replace"
    },
    {
      "question": "How often do you have to replace your siding?",
      "answer": "Once every few decades for most homes: about 20 to 40 years for vinyl, 30 to 50 for fiber cement, and 25 to 40 for engineered wood. Siding that is cleaned, has its caulk renewed and gets small repairs promptly reaches the top of those ranges.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/when-to-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Should I replace the roof or the siding first?",
      "answer": "Usually the roof, so that drip edge and kick-out flashing are in place before the siding is finished against them and roofers do not damage new siding. If both are done in the same season, the crews coordinate the flashing.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/when-to-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can mice get in under siding?",
      "answer": "Yes. Mice need only a gap about the width of a pencil, and they get in where siding meets the foundation, at open J-channel and around pipes and vents. Sealing gaps at the bottom course and around penetrations stops most of it, and a re-side is a good time to do it properly.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/when-to-replace-siding"
    },
    {
      "question": "How often should siding be cleaned?",
      "answer": "Once a year, usually in spring. Use a soft brush or a garden hose with a mild detergent. Avoid pressure washers aimed upward, which drive water behind vinyl and aluminum laps.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "What warranty comes with new siding?",
      "answer": "Two warranties apply. The manufacturer covers the material (for example, James Hardie gives 30 years on HardiePlank substrate and 15 years on ColorPlus finish). Hoosier Cladding’s workmanship warranty terms are written into your quote and contract.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you offer financing?",
      "answer": "Ask at your free estimate. Financing options and terms depend on the project size and your credit; the estimator can go over them with you.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "What should I ask a siding contractor before hiring?",
      "answer": "Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation, whether they pull the permit, whether tear-off and house wrap are included, who does the work (employees or subcontractors), what workmanship warranty they give in writing, and for addresses of recent jobs you can drive by.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "Will siding work damage my landscaping?",
      "answer": "Crews cover beds near the house and move furniture and decorations away from the walls. Delicate plants right against the foundation are best trimmed back or protected before work starts.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does new siding help with energy bills?",
      "answer": "Siding alone adds little insulation, but replacing it lets the crew seal gaps and add new house wrap, and insulated vinyl or foam board adds R-value. Homeowners with drafty older siding often see 10 to 20 percent lower heating costs.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is Hoosier Cladding licensed and insured?",
      "answer": "Yes. Hoosier Cladding LLC is licensed and carries liability insurance. Proof of insurance is available on request before any work starts.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/about-us"
    },
    {
      "question": "Who will come to my house for the estimate?",
      "answer": "An estimator from Hoosier Cladding, not a call-center salesperson. The person who measures your house is the person who writes your quote.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/about-us"
    },
    {
      "question": "How fast will you reply to a message?",
      "answer": "Messages sent during business hours are answered the same business day. Messages sent evenings and weekends are answered the next business morning.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/contact"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I send photos of my siding?",
      "answer": "Yes. Email photos to David@Hoosier.works with your address and a short note. Photos help us bring the right samples and give a rough idea of cost, but a firm quote still needs a visit.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/contact"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does an agent booking need a CAPTCHA?",
      "answer": "No. Agent bookings go through the JSON API or MCP server without Turnstile. They are rate-limited, must use a service-area ZIP code, and must confirm the homeowner agreed to the booking. The office confirms every booking by phone.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/for-ai-agents"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is there a cost to use the API?",
      "answer": "No. The API, MCP server and WebMCP tools are free and need no key. Please send a descriptive User-Agent.",
      "source": "https://www.hoosiercladding.com/for-ai-agents"
    }
  ]
}