# 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