FAQ
Siding Questions, Answered
Short, sourced answers to the questions people type into Google about siding, with the Anniston and Oxford details filled in.
How much does vinyl siding cost per square foot?
HomeGuide's national figure is $4 to $12 per square foot installed, which comes to roughly $8,400 to $25,200 for an average house. Labor makes up about half of that. No published price survey for Calhoun County turned up, so treat these as national numbers and compare written bids. 1
How much does it cost to side a 1,500 sq ft house?
In HomeGuide's table, a 1,500 square foot house has about 1,200 square feet of wall to cover and runs $4,800 to $14,400 in vinyl. A 2,000 square foot house, with about 1,700 square feet of wall, runs $6,800 to $20,400. Window count and the shape of the house move the real number. 1
Is vinyl siding or Hardie board cheaper?
Vinyl. HomeGuide lists vinyl at $4 to $12 per square foot installed against $6 to $15 for fiber cement, and says fiber cement runs two to three times the price of vinyl. Fiber cement is expected to last 50 to 100 years when installed and kept up well, compared with 30 to 40 for vinyl. 12
Does homeowners insurance cover siding damage?
Often, when the cause is a covered event. HomeGuide says policies generally pay for siding damaged by severe weather or fire, but not for sun fading or normal wear. For a storm claim, the Alabama Department of Insurance tells policyholders to get their own estimates from reputable contractors, ideally at least two, and notes that most replacement-cost policies pay actual cash value first and the balance once repairs are under way. Your policy wording decides. 34
How do I clean mildew off vinyl siding?
Start with a yearly wash using a soft brush on a garden hose. For heavier growth, Iowa State University Extension suggests about one third of a cup of a mild cleaner such as TSP in a gallon of water, with a quart of household bleach added only if the cleaner contains no ammonia, then a thorough rinse with nearby plants covered. If you use a pressure washer, HomeGuide advises a low setting. 51
Why is my vinyl siding melting or warping?
Usually reflected sunlight. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association says the distortion comes from light concentrated by low-e windows, often on a nearby house, and that it is uncommon and needs a specific angle. Blocking the light path with plantings, a sunshade over the window or window screening is the suggested fix. 6
Do I need a permit to replace siding in Anniston or Oxford?
Plan on it in both cities. Anniston includes repairs on its list of work needing a construction permit, charges $25 for the first $2,000 of contract value plus $7 per additional thousand, and requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations in its four historic districts. Oxford's website says work costing over $500 in labor and materials needs a permit. 789
How long does vinyl siding last?
HomeGuide puts the average at 30 to 40 years, and more than 60 with regular cleaning, depending on climate and sun. Cracks, holes, warping or heavy fading are its usual signs that replacement is due. 1
Can you paint vinyl siding?
Yes, if it is in good condition. HomeGuide puts painting at about $1 to $3 per square foot and warns it may void the manufacturer's warranty, so read the warranty first. 1
How much does siding repair cost?
HomeGuide's range is $2 to $14 per square foot, or about $200 to $1,100 for a typical repair. Vinyl repairs run $2 to $4 per square foot and a single replacement panel $8 to $60. 3
Is Alabama weather hard on siding?
It tests it in two ways: moisture and wind. NOAA's Alabama climate summary reports about 55.4 inches of precipitation a year statewide and puts the long-run tornado count (1895–2019) at roughly 43 per year. Damp, shaded walls invite mildew, and storms test fastening. Vinyl certified to ASTM D3679 is rated by the Vinyl Siding Institute for winds of 110 mph or more. 1011
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