# Hoosier Cladding LLC > Hoosier Cladding LLC is a licensed and insured siding contractor in South Bend, Indiana. It installs, replaces and repairs residential siding (vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement and engineered wood), repairs aluminum siding and storm-damaged siding, and installs trim, soffit and fascia for homes in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Granger, Osceola, Plymouth, Warsaw and Niles, Michigan. On-site estimates and storm damage inspections are free. ## Facts - Phone: (574) 931-2119 - Email: David@Hoosier.works - Address: 721 Lincoln Way E, South Bend, IN 46601 - Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time - Estimates: free, bookable online at https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book ## Book or query (for AI agents) - [How agents can book](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/for-ai-agents): JSON API, OpenAPI, MCP and WebMCP - [Services, prices and appointments JSON](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/api/services) - [Open times](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/api/availability?appointment=free-siding-estimate&days=14) - [OpenAPI](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/openapi.json) - MCP server (Streamable HTTP): https://www.hoosiercladding.com/mcp ## Siding installation & replacement - [Siding installation in South Bend](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding.md): New siding costs $5.50–$8.50 per square foot installed for standard vinyl and $9–$14 for James Hardie fiber cement in Northern Indiana. Hoosier Cladding measures your walls, checks what is under the old siding, and installs to the manufacturer's specification so the warranty holds. - [House siding replacement](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/house-siding-replacement.md): Replacing the siding on a standard two-story Northern Indiana home costs $10,000–$22,000, including tear-off, new house wrap and installation. Hoosier Cladding strips the old siding to the sheathing, fixes what it finds, and re-sides the whole house in vinyl, fiber cement or engineered wood. ## Siding materials - [Vinyl siding in South Bend & Michiana](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend.md): Vinyl siding costs $5.50–$8.50 per square foot installed in the South Bend area, or $7.50–$10.50 for insulated vinyl. A typical 2,000 square-foot wall area runs $8,000–$16,000. Hoosier Cladding installs, replaces and repairs vinyl siding across Michiana. - [James Hardie fiber cement siding](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products.md): James Hardie fiber cement siding costs $9–$14 per square foot installed in Northern Indiana, about 30 to 50 percent more than vinyl. It resists hail, fire, woodpeckers and the freeze-thaw cycles of Indiana winters, and Hoosier Cladding installs the full HardieZone HZ5 product line. ## Siding repair - [Aluminum siding repair](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/aluminum-siding-repair.md): Most aluminum siding problems, such as loose or rattling panels, hail dents, chalking paint and gaps around trim, can be repaired without re-siding the house. Hoosier Cladding repairs aluminum siding in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart and Granger and tells you plainly when repair stops making sense. - [Storm damage siding repair](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/storm-damage-siding-repair.md): After hail or high wind, Hoosier Cladding inspects your siding for free, photographs and measures every damaged panel, and gives you a written report and repair estimate to send to your insurance adjuster. Then we make the repair. ## Trim, soffit & fascia - [Trim, soffit & fascia](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/trimwork-south-bend.md): Replacing all the soffit and fascia on a typical South Bend house costs $2,000–$5,000, and new exterior trim runs $1,500–$4,000. Hoosier Cladding replaces rotted wood trim with low-maintenance aluminum, vinyl or HardieTrim, on its own or as part of a siding job. ## Free appointments (bookable) - [Free On-Site Siding Estimate](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate.md): 60 min, $0. New siding, full siding replacement, and trim, soffit and fascia projects. - [Free Storm Damage Siding Inspection](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection.md): 45 min, $0. Hail, wind or fallen-limb damage to siding, especially if you plan to file a homeowners insurance claim. - [Free Siding Repair Assessment](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment.md): 30 min, $0. Loose, rattling, cracked, dented, faded or chalking siding on part of the house, including older aluminum siding. ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) - Standard vinyl siding, installed: $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall - Insulated vinyl siding, installed: $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall - James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed: $9–$14 per square foot of wall - Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) siding, installed: $8.50–$13 per square foot of wall - Vinyl siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall: $8,000–$16,000 per project - Fiber cement siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall: $14,000–$28,000 per project - Full re-side, standard 2-story home (~2,000 sq ft of wall): $10,000–$22,000 per project - Old siding tear-off and disposal: $1,000–$3,000 per project - Exterior trim replacement: $1,500–$4,000 per project - Full soffit and fascia replacement: $2,000–$5,000 per project - Rotted OSB sheathing replacement: $60–$100 per 4x8 sheet - Updated: 2026-10-15 ## Service area - South Bend, IN (St. Joseph County; ZIP 46601, 46613, 46614, 46615, 46616, 46617, 46619, 46628, 46635, 46637): https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-south-bend-in.md - Mishawaka, IN (St. Joseph County; ZIP 46544, 46545) - Granger, IN (St. Joseph County; ZIP 46530): https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-granger-in.md - Osceola, IN (St. Joseph County; ZIP 46561) - Elkhart, IN (Elkhart County; ZIP 46514, 46516, 46517) - Niles, MI (Berrien County; ZIP 49120) - Plymouth, IN (Marshall County; ZIP 46563): https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-companies-plymouth-in.md - Warsaw, IN (Kosciusko County; ZIP 46580, 46582): https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-replacement-warsaw-indiana.md ## Guides - [Average cost of siding a house in Indiana (2026)](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025.md): Siding a house in Indiana costs $5.50–$8.50/sq ft for vinyl and $9–$14/sq ft for fiber cement in 2026. A 2-story home runs $10,000–$22,000. Full breakdown. - [Siding questions, answered](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost.md): Answers to the siding questions Northern Indiana homeowners ask most: maintenance, warranties, financing, hiring a contractor and what to expect on the job. ## Siding decisions - [Should you repair or replace your siding?](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/repair-or-replace-siding.md): Repair your siding when the damage is on one or two walls, the sheathing behind it is dry and solid, and you can get panels that match or a hidden wall to borrow them from. Replace it when it is failing on three or more sides, the wall behind is wet or soft, it is past about three quarters of its expected life, or the repair quote passes roughly a third of the price of new siding. - [Vinyl vs fiber cement vs engineered wood siding](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-vs-engineered-wood.md): For most Northern Indiana homes the choice comes down to budget and how long you will stay. Vinyl ($5.50–$8.50 per sq ft installed) is the lowest-cost, lowest-maintenance option. James Hardie fiber cement ($9–$14) lasts longest and shrugs off hail, fire and woodpeckers. LP SmartSide engineered wood ($8.50–$13) sits between them on price, is lighter and resists dents, but it is a wood product that must be kept sealed and off the ground. - [Paint or replace aluminum siding?](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/paint-or-replace-aluminum-siding.md): Paint aluminum siding when the panels are straight, tight to the wall and only chalky or faded: a proper repaint costs roughly a third to half as much as new vinyl and looks good for 8 to 10 years. Replace it when it is badly dented, loose, oil-canned or wet behind, or when you would rather never paint again, because new vinyl or fiber cement ends the paint cycle for good. - [Can you put new siding over old siding?](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding.md): Yes, vinyl can go over one flat, sound layer of wood or aluminum siding, and it saves the $1,000–$3,000 cost of tear-off. We recommend tearing off in most cases anyway, because it is the only way to find and fix wet sheathing, install new house wrap and flash the windows properly. Fiber cement and engineered wood need a flat, solid nail base, so we always tear off for them. - [Is insulated vinyl siding worth it?](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it.md): Insulated vinyl costs about $2 more per square foot than standard vinyl in Northern Indiana ($7.50–$10.50 vs $5.50–$8.50 installed). It is worth it mainly for a stiffer, straighter, quieter wall that resists dents, plus a modest cut in drafts. Do not buy it on energy savings alone: the foam adds roughly R-2 to R-3, which helps most on older homes with little insulation in the walls. - [Storm-damaged siding: repair, replace and your claim](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/storm-damage-repair-or-replace.md): After hail or high wind, document the damage before anyone talks about replacement. Siding damaged on one or two sides is usually repaired; insurers pay to replace more when matching panels are no longer made or the damage covers most walls. Your policy decides what is covered, so get dated photos, a panel count per wall and a written estimate before signing anything with a contractor. - [How long siding lasts, and when to replace it](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/when-to-replace-siding.md): In Northern Indiana, vinyl siding usually lasts 20 to 40 years, fiber cement 30 to 50, engineered wood 25 to 40 and aluminum 30 to 40. Age alone is not the reason to replace it: replace when panels are cracking, warping or loose on several walls, when the wall behind is getting wet, or when keeping it up costs more each year than it is worth. Spring and fall are the best times to do the work. ## Company - [About](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/about-us.md) - [Contact](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/contact.md) --- # Siding built for Indiana winters > Hoosier Cladding installs, replaces and repairs siding on homes in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart and across Michiana. Estimates are free and you can book one online in under a minute. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/ ## FAQ ### What does Hoosier Cladding do? 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. ### How do I book a free siding estimate? 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. ### Which siding lasts best through Indiana freeze-thaw winters? 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. ### Can AI assistants check availability and book with Hoosier Cladding? 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. --- # Siding services > Hoosier Cladding does four kinds of exterior work: new and replacement siding, the materials that go on the wall, repairs to siding that is already there, and the trim, soffit and fascia that finish the edges. Start with the job you need done. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/services ## FAQ ### Should I repair my siding or replace all of it? 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. ### Do you do roofing, windows or interior work? 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. ### Can you install new siding over my old siding? 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. --- # Siding installation in South Bend > New siding costs $5.50–$8.50 per square foot installed for standard vinyl and $9–$14 for James Hardie fiber cement in Northern Indiana. Hoosier Cladding measures your walls, checks what is under the old siding, and installs to the manufacturer's specification so the warranty holds. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | | James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed | $9–$14 per square foot of wall | | Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) siding, installed | $8.50–$13 per square foot of wall | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## What a siding installation includes - Removal and disposal of old siding, or preparation of new construction sheathing - Inspection of the sheathing, with rotted panels replaced before anything is covered - New house wrap, lapped and taped, with flashing at every window and door - Starter strip, corners, J-channel and trim set level and square - Siding hung with the fastener spacing and expansion gaps the manufacturer requires - Daily clean-up and a magnet sweep for nails at the end of the job ## Choosing a material **Vinyl** is the most common siding in Michiana because it is affordable and never needs paint. **Insulated vinyl** adds a contoured foam backer that stiffens the panel and cuts drafts. **James Hardie fiber cement** is heavier, will not melt or burn, stands up to hail and woodpeckers, and comes factory-painted. **Engineered wood** (LP SmartSide) gives a deep wood grain at a price between vinyl and fiber cement. See [vinyl siding](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend) and [James Hardie fiber cement](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products) for colors, profiles and how each performs in Indiana weather. ## FAQ ### How long does a siding installation take? 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. ### Can siding be installed in winter in Indiana? 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. ### Do I need a permit for new siding in South Bend? 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. ### Do I have to be home during the installation? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # House siding replacement > Replacing the siding on a standard two-story Northern Indiana home costs $10,000–$22,000, including tear-off, new house wrap and installation. Hoosier Cladding strips the old siding to the sheathing, fixes what it finds, and re-sides the whole house in vinyl, fiber cement or engineered wood. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/house-siding-replacement ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Full re-side, standard 2-story home (~2,000 sq ft of wall) | $10,000–$22,000 per project | | Vinyl siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall | $8,000–$16,000 per project | | Fiber cement siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall | $14,000–$28,000 per project | | Old siding tear-off and disposal | $1,000–$3,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Signs it is time to replace, not repair - Warped, buckled or cracked panels on more than one side of the house - Soft or stained spots on interior walls behind exterior walls - Heating bills creeping up and cold drafts near outlets on exterior walls - Paint failing on wood siding every few years - Siding past 25 to 30 years old, or a color that is no longer made ## How a replacement project runs - **Free estimate.** We measure and give you a written quote with each material option. - **Permit and order.** We pull the permit and order material, usually 1 to 3 weeks out. - **Tear-off.** Old siding comes off one wall at a time so the house is never left open overnight. - **Repair and wrap.** Rotted sheathing is replaced and new house wrap and flashing go on. - **Install and trim.** New siding, corners, soffit and fascia are installed. - **Walk-through.** We walk the house with you and clean up every nail. Full price detail, including a worked South Bend example, is in the [Indiana siding cost guide](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025). ## FAQ ### What is included in the price of replacing house siding? 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. ### How much does rot under the old siding add? 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. ### Does new siding raise my home value? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Vinyl siding in South Bend & Michiana > Vinyl siding costs $5.50–$8.50 per square foot installed in the South Bend area, or $7.50–$10.50 for insulated vinyl. A typical 2,000 square-foot wall area runs $8,000–$16,000. Hoosier Cladding installs, replaces and repairs vinyl siding across Michiana. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/vinyl-siding-michiana-south-bend ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | | Vinyl siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall | $8,000–$16,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Standard vs. insulated vinyl ### Standard vinyl $5.50–$8.50 / sq ft - Lowest cost per square foot - Wide range of colors and profiles - Can rattle or wave on long walls if the panel is thin ### Insulated vinyl $7.50–$10.50 / sq ft - Foam backer stiffens each panel - Fewer drafts, quieter in wind - Straighter look on long walls ## Why installation matters more with vinyl Vinyl moves about half an inch over a 12-foot panel between a January morning and a July afternoon. Panels must hang on the nail, not be pinned tight, with a gap at every corner and channel. Most vinyl that buckles in Michiana was nailed too tight, not made badly. ## Vinyl repair Cracked or loose vinyl panels can usually be replaced one at a time with a zip tool, if a matching panel can be found. For storm-damaged vinyl, book a [storm damage inspection](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection). ## FAQ ### How long does vinyl siding last in Indiana? 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. ### Why is my vinyl siding buckling or wavy? 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. ### Can you paint vinyl siding? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # James Hardie fiber cement siding > James Hardie fiber cement siding costs $9–$14 per square foot installed in Northern Indiana, about 30 to 50 percent more than vinyl. It resists hail, fire, woodpeckers and the freeze-thaw cycles of Indiana winters, and Hoosier Cladding installs the full HardieZone HZ5 product line. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/products ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed | $9–$14 per square foot of wall | | Fiber cement siding, typical 2,000 sq ft of wall | $14,000–$28,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## James Hardie products we install - **HardiePlank lap siding**: The classic horizontal board, in smooth or cedarmill texture and 5¼ to 8¼ inch exposures. - **HardieShingle siding**: Staggered or straight-edge shingles, most often used on gables and dormers. - **HardiePanel vertical siding**: Board-and-batten looks for farmhouse and modern homes. - **HardieTrim boards**: Corners, window and door casings, and frieze boards. - **HardieSoffit panels**: Vented or solid soffit that matches the trim. ## ColorPlus factory finish ColorPlus siding is painted and baked at the factory in a controlled environment, so the finish is more even and lasts longer than field paint. James Hardie warrants the ColorPlus finish for 15 years and the HardiePlank substrate for 30 years, non-prorated. ## Why HZ5 James Hardie engineers its HZ5 products for climates with freezing temperatures, snow and ice. Northern Indiana is an HZ5 zone, and these are the only Hardie products we install here. ## FAQ ### Is fiber cement worth the extra cost over vinyl in Indiana? 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. ### Does fiber cement siding need to be painted? 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. ### How heavy is fiber cement, and does my house need extra framing? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Aluminum siding repair > Most aluminum siding problems, such as loose or rattling panels, hail dents, chalking paint and gaps around trim, can be repaired without re-siding the house. Hoosier Cladding repairs aluminum siding in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart and Granger and tells you plainly when repair stops making sense. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/aluminum-siding-repair ## Problems we fix - **Loose or rattling panels**: We re-lock panels into the course below and re-fasten them so they can still move with temperature. - **Dents and hail damage**: Aluminum does not spring back. We cut out and replace the damaged section of panel. - **Chalking and faded paint**: We wash off the chalk and repaint with a coating made for metal siding. - **Oxidation**: Bare spots near the ground and downspouts are cleaned and treated before painting. - **Bent corners and open trim**: We replace corner posts and J-channel and re-flash openings so water stays out. ## Matching siding that is no longer made Most residential aluminum profiles and factory colors were discontinued decades ago. We have three options: move original panels from a hidden wall to the damaged area, repaint a whole wall so old and new blend, or re-side one full elevation. You see all three, priced, before work starts. ## FAQ ### Why does my hand come away white when I touch my aluminum siding? 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. ### Can dented aluminum siding be popped back out? 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. ### When should I replace aluminum siding instead of repairing it? 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. Book a free repair assessment: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Storm damage siding repair > After hail or high wind, Hoosier Cladding inspects your siding for free, photographs and measures every damaged panel, and gives you a written report and repair estimate to send to your insurance adjuster. Then we make the repair. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/storm-damage-siding-repair ## Storm damage we repair - **Hail:** cracked or holed vinyl, dented aluminum, chipped fiber cement - **Wind:** panels unlocked or torn off, bent corners and trim - **Impact:** limbs and debris that punch through siding and house wrap - **Water behind the wall:** wet sheathing where siding was opened up ## Working with your insurance claim - **Protect the house.** If wrap or sheathing is exposed, we cover it to stop water getting in. - **Inspect and document.** Dated photos of each elevation, panel counts and a note on matching. - **Report and estimate.** You send our report to your insurer with your claim. - **Meet the adjuster.** On request we meet the adjuster at the house to walk the damage. - **Repair.** Once the claim is approved, we schedule the repair. Hoosier Cladding is a contractor, not a public adjuster. We document damage and price the repair; your insurer decides what the policy covers. ## FAQ ### How do I know if hail damaged my siding? 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. ### How long do I have to file a siding claim after a storm in Indiana? 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. ### Will insurance pay to re-side the whole house if only one wall is damaged? 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. Book a free storm inspection: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Trim, soffit & fascia > Replacing all the soffit and fascia on a typical South Bend house costs $2,000–$5,000, and new exterior trim runs $1,500–$4,000. Hoosier Cladding replaces rotted wood trim with low-maintenance aluminum, vinyl or HardieTrim, on its own or as part of a siding job. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/trimwork-south-bend ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Exterior trim replacement | $1,500–$4,000 per project | | Full soffit and fascia replacement | $2,000–$5,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## What each part does - **Soffit**: The underside of the roof overhang. Vented soffit lets air into the attic, which keeps the roof deck dry and reduces ice dams. - **Fascia**: The board along the roof edge that the gutters hang on. Rotted fascia is the most common reason gutters pull loose. - **Trim**: Corner boards, window and door casings and frieze boards. Trim sheds water away from the openings where leaks start. ## Materials We wrap existing sound wood fascia in color-matched aluminum coil, replace rotted boards first, and install vented vinyl or aluminum soffit. On fiber cement jobs we use HardieTrim and HardieSoffit so everything carries the same finish. ## FAQ ### Why is there ice building up at my roof edge every winter? 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. ### Can you wrap my old wood fascia in aluminum? 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. ### Do I need to replace gutters when fascia is replaced? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Where we work > Hoosier Cladding works within about 50 miles of its South Bend shop at 721 Lincoln Way E: St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Kosciusko counties in Indiana and Berrien County in Michigan. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/service-area ## FAQ ### Do you charge more to travel outside South Bend? 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. ### My town is not listed. Can you still help? 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. --- # Siding contractor in South Bend, Indiana > Hoosier Cladding is based in South Bend at 721 Lincoln Way E, a few minutes from downtown. We install, replace and repair siding on South Bend homes, from the older frame houses near Notre Dame and the East Bank to post-war ranches on the south side. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-south-bend-in ## South Bend homes we see most Much of South Bend’s housing was built before 1960. Those homes often have original wood clapboard under one or two later layers of aluminum or vinyl, and sheathing that has never been inspected. On these jobs we tear off to the boards, replace rotted sections and add house wrap the house never had. ## Historic districts Homes in South Bend’s local historic districts may need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission before siding changes. We can price wood or smooth fiber cement profiles that suit those reviews. ## FAQ ### Do I need Historic Preservation Commission approval to re-side my South Bend house? 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. ### How soon can you start a siding job in South Bend? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Siding contractor in Granger, Indiana > Hoosier Cladding replaces and upgrades siding on Granger homes, about 10 miles from our South Bend shop. Many Granger houses were built from the 1980s to the 2000s with builder-grade vinyl that is now faded, brittle or wavy. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-granger-in ## Upgrading builder-grade vinyl Thin builder-grade vinyl from the 1990s and 2000s tends to wave on long walls and crack in cold snaps. Granger homeowners most often move up to insulated vinyl or James Hardie fiber cement, which sits flatter and holds color longer. ## Neighborhood and HOA rules Many Granger subdivisions have homeowners association rules on siding color and material. Bring your HOA guidelines to the estimate and we will quote only approved products and colors. ## FAQ ### Does my Granger HOA have to approve new siding? 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. ### What siding do Granger homeowners choose most? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Siding company serving Plymouth, Indiana > Hoosier Cladding serves Plymouth and Marshall County from South Bend, about 25 miles north. We install, replace and repair siding on in-town homes and farmhouses around Plymouth. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-companies-plymouth-in ## Farmhouses and outbuildings Rural homes around Plymouth face open-field wind that pulls loose panels off and drives rain sideways. On these houses we use heavier panels, extra attention to nailing, and taped house wrap on the windward walls. ## Scheduling out-of-town jobs We group Plymouth-area estimates on the same days to keep travel efficient. Estimates are still free and there is no travel charge. ## FAQ ### Do you charge a trip fee to Plymouth? No. Estimates in Plymouth are free and there is no separate trip fee; travel time is included in the labor price of the job. ### Can you side a pole barn or detached garage in Marshall County? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Siding replacement in Warsaw, Indiana > Hoosier Cladding takes on full siding replacement projects in Warsaw and Kosciusko County, about 50 miles south of South Bend. Because of the distance, we focus on whole-house replacement rather than small repairs there. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-replacement-warsaw-indiana ## Lake homes Homes on Winona Lake, Pike Lake and Center Lake get more moisture and wind off the water than in-town houses. Fiber cement and insulated vinyl both hold up well; whatever the material, flashing at windows and decks matters most. ## What we take on in Warsaw Whole-house re-siding, siding plus soffit and fascia, and storm damage covered by insurance. For small repairs in Warsaw, a closer contractor will usually serve you better and we will say so. ## FAQ ### Do you do small siding repairs in Warsaw? 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. ### What is the best siding for a lake house near Warsaw? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Book a free visit > Pick the visit that fits your project, then choose a weekday time. All three visits are free, and there is no obligation to buy. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book ## FAQ ### Which appointment should I book? 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. ### How do I reschedule or cancel? 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. ### What happens after I book? 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. --- # Free On-Site Siding Estimate > A free one-hour visit to your home. We measure every wall, check the sheathing and trim, walk you through vinyl, fiber cement and engineered wood options with samples, and send a written, itemized quote. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate ## Details - Price: free ($0) - Duration: 60 minutes - Best for: New siding, full siding replacement, and trim, soffit and fascia projects. - Includes: Wall-area measurement (windows and doors excluded) - Includes: Check of sheathing, house wrap, trim, soffit and fascia - Includes: Material and color samples at the house - Includes: Written, itemized quote with options side by side - Book online: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate - Book by API: POST https://www.hoosiercladding.com/api/bookings with appointment "free-siding-estimate" ## FAQ ### Is the siding estimate really free? 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. ### How long until I get the written quote? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Free Storm Damage Siding Inspection > A free 45-minute inspection after hail or wind. We photograph and measure every damaged panel, note matching problems, and give you a written damage report and repair estimate you can send to your insurance adjuster. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection ## Details - Price: free ($0) - Duration: 45 minutes - Best for: Hail, wind or fallen-limb damage to siding, especially if you plan to file a homeowners insurance claim. - Includes: Dated photos of each damaged elevation - Includes: Count and location of cracked, dented or missing panels - Includes: Note on whether matching panels are still made - Includes: Written damage report and repair estimate for your insurer - Book online: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection - Book by API: POST https://www.hoosiercladding.com/api/bookings with appointment "storm-damage-inspection" ## FAQ ### Should I call my insurance company before or after the inspection? 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. ### Will you meet my insurance adjuster? 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. Book a free storm inspection: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Free Siding Repair Assessment > A free 30-minute look at the damaged section. We find the cause (fasteners, locking edges, flashing or moisture), tell you honestly whether repair, repaint or replacement makes sense, and quote each option. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment ## Details - Price: free ($0) - Duration: 30 minutes - Best for: Loose, rattling, cracked, dented, faded or chalking siding on part of the house, including older aluminum siding. - Includes: Inspection of the damaged panels, fasteners and locking edges - Includes: Moisture check of the wall behind the damage - Includes: Color-matching options for discontinued siding - Includes: Written repair, repaint and replace prices - Book online: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment - Book by API: POST https://www.hoosiercladding.com/api/bookings with appointment "siding-repair-assessment" ## FAQ ### Can you fix just one or two panels? Yes. Small repairs are why this visit exists. If a matching panel is available, many repairs are quoted on the spot. ### What if my siding color is discontinued? 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. Book a free repair assessment: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Siding guides > Straight answers on cost, materials and timing, written by the people who install the siding. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog --- # Average cost of siding a house in Indiana (2026) > Siding a typical Indiana home with about 2,000 square feet of wall costs $8,000–$16,000 in vinyl and $14,000–$28,000 in James Hardie fiber cement in 2026. Installed prices run $5.50 to $14 per square foot. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/home-siding-blog/siding-replacement-costs-indiana-2025 ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | | James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed | $9–$14 per square foot of wall | | Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) siding, installed | $8.50–$13 per square foot of wall | | Full re-side, standard 2-story home (~2,000 sq ft of wall) | $10,000–$22,000 per project | | Old siding tear-off and disposal | $1,000–$3,000 per project | | Exterior trim replacement | $1,500–$4,000 per project | | Full soffit and fascia replacement | $2,000–$5,000 per project | | Rotted OSB sheathing replacement | $60–$100 per 4x8 sheet | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## What pushes a quote up - **Wall area.** The biggest driver. Measure the walls, not the floor plan; most Northern Indiana homes have 1,200 to 2,500 sq ft of siding. - **Tear-off.** $1,000–$3,000 to remove and dispose of old siding; more for two layers. - **Rot.** $60–$100 per sheet of OSB sheathing replaced. - **Insulation.** Insulated siding or foam board adds $2–$4 per sq ft. - **Trim, soffit and fascia.** $1,500–$4,000 for trim; $2,000–$5,000 for full soffit and fascia. - **Shape.** Gables, dormers, many corners and many windows add cutting and labor. ## Worked example: 1,800 sq ft home in South Bend, vinyl | Line item | Cost | | --- | --- | | Vinyl siding material | $4,500 | | Labor and installation | $5,500 | | Tear-off and disposal | $1,800 | | Trim and accessories | $2,200 | | Insulation upgrade | $1,500 | | Total | $15,500 | ## Prices by city There is no separate price per Indiana city; labor and permit costs vary a little between towns but the statewide ranges above apply in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Granger, Plymouth and Warsaw. A measured on-site quote is the only reliable number. ## FAQ ### How much does it cost to side a 1,500 square foot house in Indiana? 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. ### What is a "square" of siding? 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. ### Is it cheaper to replace siding in winter? 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. --- # Siding decisions, answered > These are the siding questions homeowners ask us most, and search for most: whether to repair or replace, which material, whether to paint old aluminum, whether to tear off, and what to do after a storm. Each guide gives the answer first, then the details to check it against your own house. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions ## FAQ ### Who writes these siding guides? 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. ### I read the guide and still cannot decide. What next? 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. --- # Should you repair or replace your siding? > Repair your siding when the damage is on one or two walls, the sheathing behind it is dry and solid, and you can get panels that match or a hidden wall to borrow them from. Replace it when it is failing on three or more sides, the wall behind is wet or soft, it is past about three quarters of its expected life, or the repair quote passes roughly a third of the price of new siding. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/repair-or-replace-siding ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Full re-side, standard 2-story home (~2,000 sq ft of wall) | $10,000–$22,000 per project | | Rotted OSB sheathing replacement | $60–$100 per 4x8 sheet | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Repair if… - Damage is on one or two walls, or a handful of panels - The sheathing behind is dry and firm when pressed - Matching panels are still made, or a garage or back wall can donate them - The siding is under about 15 years old (vinyl) or 20 years (fiber cement) - The repair quote is under about a third of a full re-side ## Replace if… - Panels are cracked, warped or loose on three or more sides - You find soft, stained or wet sheathing behind the siding - Your color or profile is discontinued and no wall can donate - Paint is failing everywhere, so you would repaint the whole house anyway - You plan to sell within a few years and the siding is visibly tired ## The five checks we make at every repair visit - **How much is damaged.** We count damaged panels per wall. Damage clustered on the storm side or behind a grill is a repair. Scattered failure on every side means the siding itself is wearing out. - **What is behind it.** We pull a panel at the worst spot and press the sheathing. Siding is a rain screen, not a waterproof skin; if water has been getting behind it, the real problem is the wall, and new siding over wet sheathing just hides it. - **Whether it can be matched.** Vinyl fades, so a new panel from the same color line can look different next to 15-year-old siding. We check whether the profile is still made and whether a less visible wall can donate panels. - **How old it is.** Vinyl usually lasts 20 to 40 years, fiber cement 30 to 50. Spending heavily on siding near the end of that range rarely pays back. - **What each option costs.** We price both. If the repair passes about a third of a full re-side, most homeowners choose to replace. ## Repairs that almost always make sense - **A single cracked or holed vinyl panel.** Vinyl is unlocked with a zip tool, the nails are pulled, and a new panel slides in. It is a small job. - **Loose or unlocked panels after wind.** They are re-locked and re-fastened, usually with no new material. - **Melted vinyl from a grill or a neighbor’s window reflection.** Replace the panels and deal with the cause, or the new ones will melt too. - **Bent corners and J-channel.** Cheap to replace and important, because open trim lets water behind the wall. ## Signs it has gone past repair - Soft spots when you press the siding, or a spongy feel near the bottom courses - Peeling paint or water stains on interior walls behind exterior walls - Siding that is wavy or buckled on several walls, not just one - Mold or mildew coming back at the seams after cleaning - Many cracked panels after a cold-weather hail storm on older, brittle vinyl ## What a partial replacement looks like There is a middle option: replace one or two full elevations (for example the storm side and the back) and keep the rest. It avoids a patchwork look on the walls people see, and it costs a fraction of a full re-side. It works best when the remaining siding is still sound and you can live with a slight color difference between sides that are never seen together. ## FAQ ### Can you replace just one piece of siding on a house? 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. ### Can you match 20-year-old vinyl siding? 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. ### A contractor wants to replace all my siding for a small problem. How do I check? 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. Book a free repair assessment: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Vinyl vs fiber cement vs engineered wood siding > For most Northern Indiana homes the choice comes down to budget and how long you will stay. Vinyl ($5.50–$8.50 per sq ft installed) is the lowest-cost, lowest-maintenance option. James Hardie fiber cement ($9–$14) lasts longest and shrugs off hail, fire and woodpeckers. LP SmartSide engineered wood ($8.50–$13) sits between them on price, is lighter and resists dents, but it is a wood product that must be kept sealed and off the ground. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-vs-engineered-wood ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | | Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) siding, installed | $8.50–$13 per square foot of wall | | James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed | $9–$14 per square foot of wall | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Choose vinyl if… $5.50–$8.50 per sq ft · insulated $7.50–$10.50 - Budget is the main driver - You want no painting, ever - You may sell within 5 to 10 years - You are happy with light or mid-tone colors, which hold up best in full sun ## Choose LP SmartSide if… $8.50–$13 per sq ft - You want a painted-wood look for less than fiber cement - You want long 16-foot boards with fewer seams - Hail dents are a worry but budget is tight - Your siding will sit well clear of soil, mulch and roof lines ## Choose James Hardie if… $9–$14 per sq ft - You plan to stay 10 years or more - You want the longest-lasting, non-combustible siding - Woodpeckers or wildfire embers are a concern - You want ColorPlus factory paint that holds for 15 years or more **Siding materials side by side (Northern Indiana, 2026)** | | Vinyl | LP SmartSide | James Hardie | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Installed price | $5.50–$8.50/sq ft | $8.50–$13/sq ft | $9–$14/sq ft | | Typical lifespan | 20–40 years | 25–40 years, if kept sealed | 30–50 years | | Product warranty | Limited lifetime on most brands, read the proration | 5-year full replacement, 50-year limited prorated | 30-year non-prorated on HardiePlank | | Hail | Can crack, worst on cold days | Resists dents and cracks well | Will not dent; edges can chip in large hail | | Woodpeckers | Can be holed | Can be damaged | Resists them | | Fire | Melts and burns | Wood-based, treated | Non-combustible | | Painting | Never needed; painting voids some warranties | Factory-primed or prefinished; repaint every 10–15 years | ColorPlus lasts 15+ years; primed boards need paint within 180 days | | Board length | About 12 ft | 16 ft | 12 ft | | Weakness to watch | Heat distortion from reflections and grills | Water at cut edges and ground contact | Weight and cost; needs skilled install | ## LP SmartSide vs James Hardie: the real differences This is the comparison people search most, and both are good products. The differences that matter on an Indiana house: - **Water.** Fiber cement is cement, sand and cellulose; it is not harmed by getting wet. LP SmartSide is resin-treated wood strands. It performs well when every cut edge is sealed, it stays at least 6 inches above soil and an inch or more clear of roofs, and damaged paint is touched up. Ignore that and it swells. - **Impact.** LP flexes, so it shrugs off hail and stray baseballs that can chip a Hardie corner. Hardie will not dent but can crack if hit very hard. - **Weight and install.** Hardie is about 2.3 pounds per square foot and is cut with dust control. LP is lighter and cuts like wood, which can mean a slightly lower labor price. - **Fire and pests.** Hardie is non-combustible and nothing eats it. LP is treated against termites and fungal decay, but it is still wood. - **Finish.** Both come prefinished. Hardie’s ColorPlus finish carries a 15-year warranty in its own right. ## Is fiber cement better than vinyl? It is more durable, looks more like painted wood, and holds up better to hail and heat. It is not better on cost or maintenance: it costs 30 to 50 percent more installed and eventually needs repainting, while vinyl never does. If you stay long enough, fiber cement’s longer life closes much of the gap. ## Vinyl grades matter more than brands Vinyl is sold by thickness. Builder grade is about 0.040 inch; mid grades run 0.042 to 0.044; premium is 0.046 inch or thicker. Thicker panels stay flatter on long walls, resist wind and dents better, and are what we install on most re-sides. Insulated vinyl adds a foam backer, which stiffens the panel even more (see [whether insulated vinyl is worth it](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it)). ## FAQ ### Which is better, LP SmartSide or James Hardie? 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. ### What are the disadvantages of engineered wood siding? 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. ### What are the different grades of vinyl siding? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Paint or replace aluminum siding? > Paint aluminum siding when the panels are straight, tight to the wall and only chalky or faded: a proper repaint costs roughly a third to half as much as new vinyl and looks good for 8 to 10 years. Replace it when it is badly dented, loose, oil-canned or wet behind, or when you would rather never paint again, because new vinyl or fiber cement ends the paint cycle for good. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/paint-or-replace-aluminum-siding ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | | Old siding tear-off and disposal | $1,000–$3,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Paint if… - Panels are straight and tight; the problem is chalking or fading - Only a few dents, which can be filled or the panels swapped - You plan to sell in the next few years and want a fresh look - The house is in a historic district where the profile should stay ## Replace if… Vinyl $5.50–$8.50 per sq ft installed - Hail dents cover the storm side or several walls - Panels are loose, rattling or pulled from the wall - You find wet or rotted sheathing behind the panels - You do not want to repaint again in 8 to 10 years - You want insulation added to an old, drafty house **Painting vs replacing aluminum siding** | | Repaint | New vinyl | New fiber cement | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rough cost, 2,000 sq ft of wall | About a third to half of vinyl | $8,000–$16,000 | $14,000–$28,000 | | Looks good for | 8–10 years | 20–40 years | 30–50 years; repaint at 15+ | | Fixes dents | No (small ones filled) | Yes | Yes | | Adds insulation | No | Yes, with insulated vinyl or foam board | Yes, with foam board | | Lets us check the wall behind | No | Yes, with tear-off | Yes | ## How aluminum siding should be painted Most failed aluminum paint jobs failed at the prep. The order that works: - **Wash off all the chalk.** Low-pressure wash with a siding cleaner and a brush until a wiped hand comes away clean. Paint over chalk peels. - **Treat bare and oxidized spots.** Sand white oxidation near downspouts and the ground and spot-prime bare metal with a primer made for aluminum or galvanized metal. - **Use 100 percent acrylic exterior paint.** Two coats, applied when the panels are not hot to the touch. Satin or low-lustre hides waves better than gloss. - **Stay a shade lighter.** Dark colors heat the metal more and show oil-canning, the waviness of long flat panels. Hoosier Cladding is a siding and trim contractor. We repaint the sections we repair so they blend; a whole-house repaint is a painting contractor’s job, and we will tell you honestly if your siding is a good candidate for one. ## Covering aluminum with vinyl Vinyl can be installed over one flat, tight layer of aluminum, often with foam board between them, which saves the tear-off cost of $1,000–$3,000. We still open the worst spots first; if the sheathing is wet we tear off. Read [whether new siding can go over old](https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding) for the full trade-off. ## FAQ ### Will aluminum siding rust? 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. ### What kind of paint works on aluminum siding? 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. ### Is painting aluminum siding a bad idea? 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. Book a free repair assessment: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/siding-repair-assessment · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Can you put new siding over old siding? > Yes, vinyl can go over one flat, sound layer of wood or aluminum siding, and it saves the $1,000–$3,000 cost of tear-off. We recommend tearing off in most cases anyway, because it is the only way to find and fix wet sheathing, install new house wrap and flash the windows properly. Fiber cement and engineered wood need a flat, solid nail base, so we always tear off for them. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/new-siding-over-old-siding ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Old siding tear-off and disposal | $1,000–$3,000 per project | | Rotted OSB sheathing replacement | $60–$100 per 4x8 sheet | | Exterior trim replacement | $1,500–$4,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Overlay can work if… - There is exactly one layer of old siding - It is flat, tight and dry, with no soft spots - You are installing vinyl, often over foam board - Window and door trim can be extended to the new depth ## Tear off if… $1,000–$3,000 added - There are already two layers - Any wall shows soft spots, stains or bulges - You are installing fiber cement or engineered wood - Windows leak or have never been flashed - Old wood siding has been patched many times ## What overlay hides The question on Reddit and in our estimates is the same: what is under there? On older Michiana homes we regularly find original wood siding under aluminum or vinyl, and sometimes asbestos-cement shingles. Under that there may be no house wrap at all, and windows that were never flashed. Covering it again leaves those problems in the wall for another 30 years. - **Rot.** Wet sheathing keeps rotting under new siding. Replacing it costs $60–$100 per sheet when we can see it. - **Water management.** New house wrap and window flashing are what keep a wall dry. They can only be done properly on a bare wall. - **Depth at windows.** Two layers of siding sink windows into a deep pocket. The trim needs extending, or water and ice collect at the sill. - **Fastening.** Nails have to reach solid wood. Through two layers of siding they often do not. ## Old houses: lead paint and asbestos Wood siding on homes built before 1978 may carry lead paint. Disturbing it is covered by the EPA lead renovation rule and needs lead-safe work practices. Asbestos-cement shingles are usually left in place and covered, or removed by a licensed abatement contractor; they should never be broken up by a siding crew. We check for both at the estimate. ## FAQ ### Do I need to remove old siding before installing new siding? 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. ### Can vinyl siding go over old wood siding? 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. ### Should I be worried about what is under my old siding? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Is insulated vinyl siding worth it? > Insulated vinyl costs about $2 more per square foot than standard vinyl in Northern Indiana ($7.50–$10.50 vs $5.50–$8.50 installed). It is worth it mainly for a stiffer, straighter, quieter wall that resists dents, plus a modest cut in drafts. Do not buy it on energy savings alone: the foam adds roughly R-2 to R-3, which helps most on older homes with little insulation in the walls. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall | Prices updated 2026-10-15. ## Worth it if… $7.50–$10.50 per sq ft - Your walls have little or no insulation (common before 1980) - You have long, flat walls where standard vinyl looks wavy - Hail or kids’ balls hit the siding - You want the wall to sound and feel solid ## Skip it if… $5.50–$8.50 per sq ft - The house already has insulated walls and foam sheathing - Budget is tight and the money is better spent on tear-off and wrap - You are siding a garage, shed or pole barn - You plan to sell within a couple of years **Standard vs insulated vinyl** | | Standard vinyl | Insulated vinyl | | --- | --- | --- | | Installed price | $5.50–$8.50/sq ft | $7.50–$10.50/sq ft | | Added R-value | About R-0.6 | About R-2 to R-3 | | Stiffness and flatness | Can look wavy on long walls | Noticeably straighter | | Impact resistance | Good | Better; foam supports the face | | Noise from wind and rain | Some | Quieter | ## Where the real energy savings come from Siding is the outermost layer, and its foam only partly covers the wall. Studs, corners and openings stay uncovered. The bigger energy gains on a re-side come from sealing gaps and installing new house wrap during a tear-off, which stops the air leaks you feel as drafts. Insulated vinyl then adds a continuous layer over most of the wall, including the studs, which fiberglass between the studs cannot do. ## Does vinyl siding need an air gap? Standard vinyl hangs loosely and its hollow back drains and dries naturally, so it does not need a separate air gap. Insulated vinyl’s foam is grooved to let water drain. Both go over a water-resistive barrier such as house wrap, and both must be nailed loose enough to slide as they expand and contract. ## FAQ ### How much more does insulated vinyl siding cost than regular vinyl? 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. ### Is insulated vinyl better than fiber cement? 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. ### What are the benefits of vinyl siding? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Storm-damaged siding: repair, replace and your claim > After hail or high wind, document the damage before anyone talks about replacement. Siding damaged on one or two sides is usually repaired; insurers pay to replace more when matching panels are no longer made or the damage covers most walls. Your policy decides what is covered, so get dated photos, a panel count per wall and a written estimate before signing anything with a contractor. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/storm-damage-repair-or-replace ## Expect a repair if… - Damage is on the side or two that faced the storm - Matching panels are still made - Fewer than about a third of the panels on a wall are damaged - Nothing is wet behind the siding ## Ask about replacement if… - Your siding color or profile is discontinued - Damage covers three or more sides - Older vinyl shattered widely in a cold-weather storm - Water got behind the wall and the sheathing is soaked ## What to do in the first week - **Note the storm date** and take your own photos of every side, close and far. - **Cover any opening** where wrap or sheathing is exposed, so water does not add a second claim. - **Get an inspection with a written report:** panels damaged per wall, whether matching is available, and what is behind the siding. - **Call your insurer** and file. Many policies require prompt notice; do not wait for spring. - **Have your contractor meet the adjuster** if you can, so the damage is walked once, together. ## Red flags after a storm - **Offers to cover or “eat” your deductible.** You are required to pay your deductible; a contractor hiding it in the invoice is misrepresenting the claim. - **Pressure to sign on the spot**, or a contract that hands the contractor control of your claim. - **No local address**, or a truck with out-of-state plates that arrived after the storm. - **“The whole house is totaled” with no photos** or panel count to back it up. Hoosier Cladding is a contractor, not a public adjuster. We document damage and price the repair; your insurer decides what the policy covers. ## How wind and hail deductibles work Many Indiana and Michigan policies have a separate wind and hail deductible set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often 1 or 2 percent, instead of a flat amount. On a home insured for $250,000, a 1 percent deductible is $2,500. That is why small siding claims often fall below the deductible, and why a repair quote helps you decide whether filing is worth it. ## FAQ ### Do insurance companies pay for siding replacement? 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. ### Why is my wind and hail deductible so high? 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. ### Can a siding contractor pay my insurance deductible? 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. Book a free storm inspection: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/storm-damage-inspection · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # How long siding lasts, and when to replace it > In Northern Indiana, vinyl siding usually lasts 20 to 40 years, fiber cement 30 to 50, engineered wood 25 to 40 and aluminum 30 to 40. Age alone is not the reason to replace it: replace when panels are cracking, warping or loose on several walls, when the wall behind is getting wet, or when keeping it up costs more each year than it is worth. Spring and fall are the best times to do the work. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/when-to-replace-siding ## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana) | What | Range | |---|---| | Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall | | James Hardie fiber cement siding, installed | $9–$14 per square foot of wall | | Full re-side, standard 2-story home (~2,000 sq ft of wall) | $10,000–$22,000 per project | Prices updated 2026-10-15. **How long siding lasts in Northern Indiana** | | Typical life | What usually ends it | | --- | --- | --- | | Vinyl | 20–40 years | Brittleness, fading, cracks from cold-weather impacts | | Insulated vinyl | 25–40 years | Fading; impact damage is less common | | Aluminum | 30–40 years | Dents, chalking and paint failure | | Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | 25–40 years | Water at cut edges and near the ground | | Fiber cement (James Hardie) | 30–50 years | Paint wear long before the boards | | Wood (cedar, pine) | 20–40 years with paint every 5–8 years | Rot, splitting and paint failure | ## Seven signs siding is near the end - **Cracked, brittle panels** that break when touched or after mild hail. - **Warping or buckling** on several walls, not just behind a grill. - **Soft spots** when you press the siding or the trim below it. - **Peeling paint or stains inside** on exterior walls, a sign of water in the wall. - **Loose panels** that keep unlocking in wind after being re-hung. - **Heavy fading** that makes repairs impossible to match. - **Pests** getting in at gaps along the bottom and around trim. ## Best time of year to replace siding in Indiana - **Spring and fall are ideal.** Mild temperatures suit every material, caulk and paint cure properly, and vinyl can be gapped for both summer heat and winter cold. - **Summer works**, but crews are busiest and schedules run longer. - **Winter is possible** with experienced crews: vinyl is stiffer in the cold and must be handled with care, and caulk and touch-up paint need above-freezing days. You often get on the schedule sooner. ## Roof or siding first? If both are due, the roof usually goes first, because roofers can damage new siding at the eaves and the drip edge and kick-out flashing should be in place before the siding is finished against them. When both are planned together, the crews coordinate flashing so neither job has to be redone. ## FAQ ### How often do you have to replace your siding? 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. ### Should I replace the roof or the siding first? 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. ### Can mice get in under siding? 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. Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119 --- # Siding questions, answered > The questions we hear most at estimates, with short, specific answers. Cost questions are covered in the Indiana siding cost guide. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-contractor-faq-installation-maintenance-cost ## FAQ ### How often should siding be cleaned? 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. ### What warranty comes with new siding? 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. ### Do you offer financing? 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. ### What should I ask a siding contractor before hiring? 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. ### Will siding work damage my landscaping? 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. ### Does new siding help with energy bills? 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. --- # About Hoosier Cladding > Hoosier Cladding LLC is a locally owned siding contractor based at 721 Lincoln Way E in South Bend, Indiana. It is licensed and insured, focuses on siding and exterior trim, and serves homeowners across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/about-us ## What we believe about siding Siding fails at the edges: the nail that was driven too tight, the window that was never flashed, the trim that let water in. We spend our time on those edges because that is where a siding job lasts or doesn't. ## How we work - Written, itemized quotes, so you can compare line by line - Honest repair-versus-replace advice, even when repair is the smaller job - Manufacturer installation specs followed so material warranties hold - A clean site every evening and a final walk-through with you ## FAQ ### Is Hoosier Cladding licensed and insured? Yes. Hoosier Cladding LLC is licensed and carries liability insurance. Proof of insurance is available on request before any work starts. ### Who will come to my house for the estimate? An estimator from Hoosier Cladding, not a call-center salesperson. The person who measures your house is the person who writes your quote. --- # Contact Hoosier Cladding > Call (574) 931-2119 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, email David@Hoosier.works, or send a message below. To get on the calendar fastest, book a free estimate online. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/contact ## FAQ ### How fast will you reply to a message? Messages sent during business hours are answered the same business day. Messages sent evenings and weekends are answered the next business morning. ### Can I send photos of my siding? 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. --- # Privacy policy > We collect only what we need to schedule and quote your project, we never sell it, and you can ask us to delete it at any time. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/privacy ## What we collect - **When you book a visit:** your name, phone, email, the address and ZIP code of the house, your notes, and the time you chose. - **When you send a message:** your name, phone, email, ZIP code and message. - **When an AI assistant books for you:** the same booking details, which the assistant sends on your behalf. ## Why we use it To confirm your appointment, visit your home, prepare your quote and answer your questions. We do not use it for advertising and we do not sell or rent it to anyone. ## Where it is stored Bookings and messages are stored in a Cloudflare database and emailed to our office. We keep them as long as needed for your project and our business records. ## Services that see some data - **Cloudflare** hosts the site and runs Turnstile, the security check on our forms that tells people from bots. - **Google Fonts** serves the typeface, which means your browser requests it from Google. The site sets no advertising or tracking cookies. ## Your choices To see, correct or delete your information, call (574) 931-2119 or email [David@Hoosier.works](mailto:David@Hoosier.works). --- # Terms of service > By using this site or booking a visit, you agree to these terms. They are short on purpose. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/terms ## Free visits Estimates, storm damage inspections and repair assessments booked on this site are free and carry no obligation to buy. Online bookings are requests until our office confirms the time with you by phone or text. You can cancel or reschedule at no charge by calling (574) 931-2119. ## Quotes and prices Price ranges on this site are general guidance for Northern Indiana, not quotes. Your written quote comes after we see the house. Written estimates are valid for 30 days, and final pricing can change if material costs change or if hidden damage, such as rotted sheathing, is found once old siding comes off. We tell you before doing extra work. ## Insurance Hoosier Cladding LLC is licensed and insured and is responsible for protecting your property during our work. We document storm damage and price repairs; your insurance company decides what your policy covers. ## AI assistants and the booking API Assistants may book only with the homeowner's consent. We may decline or cancel bookings that look automated or abusive. --- # For AI assistants and agents > Everything on this site is available to software in a structured form. An AI assistant can list services and prices, check open appointment times and book a free visit for a homeowner, without scraping pages. Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/for-ai-agents ## FAQ ### Does an agent booking need a CAPTCHA? 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. ### Is there a cost to use the API? No. The API, MCP server and WebMCP tools are free and need no key. Please send a descriptive User-Agent. ---