Everything Homeowners Need to Know Before Replacing Their Siding
Siding does more than make your home look nice. It protects your walls from water, mold, pests, heat, cold, wind, and storms. In Illinois, siding has an even tougher job because our homes face brutal temperature swings, heavy snow, strong winds, hail, and long humid seasons.
Whether you want to upgrade curb appeal, stop drafts, replace rotted wood, or finally fix that fading vinyl, this guide walks you through every decision with clarity and confidence.
This is the complete siding buyer’s guide trusted by Illinois homeowners.
1. How Long Siding Lasts in Illinois
Your siding lifespan depends on the material and the climate. Illinois conditions shorten the lifespan of most products because of:
• Moisture and humidity
• Ice and snow
• Wind driven rain
• Intense UV exposure
• Freeze thaw cycles
• Pests
• Fading and chalking
Here are realistic life expectancies:
Vinyl Siding
20 to 30 years
Good for starter homes, middle tier value, and low maintenance needs.
Fiber Cement (James Hardie)
30 to 50 years
Extremely durable and the most popular premium siding choice in Illinois.
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)
25 to 40 years
More natural look, durable, good moisture resistance when installed correctly.
Wood Siding
10 to 20 years without heavy maintenance
Not ideal for most Illinois homes because of moisture and pests.
Aluminum Siding
20 to 35 years
Durable but dents easily and fades over time.
2. Signs Your Siding Needs Replacement
Most siding problems start small and become major damage if ignored.
Here are the red flags to watch for:
• Warping or buckling
• Cracks or breaks
• Gaps between panels
• Rotting wood underneath
• Soft or spongy siding
• Peeling paint or fading
• Mold, mildew, or algae growth
• Holes from pests or woodpeckers
• Water stains inside the home
• Drafts and cold rooms
• High energy bills
• Visible moisture behind siding
• Bubbling paint inside the home
• Rusted or loose trim
If you notice multiple issues, the siding is likely past its lifespan.
3. The Best Siding Options for Illinois Homes
Each material has pros and cons. Here is what actually performs well in Illinois weather.
Vinyl Siding
Still the most common siding in Illinois.
Pros:
• Affordable
• Low maintenance
• Wide color options
• Easy to install
• Good warranty options
Cons:
• Can warp in heat
• Cracks in extreme cold
• Fades over time
• Lower insulation value
Best for budget conscious homeowners or rental properties.
Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie)
The industry standard for durability.
Pros:
• Fire resistant
• Moisture resistant
• Won’t warp or melt
• High durability
• Holds paint very well
• Great curb appeal
• Wide design options
Cons:
• Higher cost
• Heavier installation
• Needs professional installers
This is the top choice for long term homeowners and for boosting home value.
Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide)
A wood look with enhanced durability.
Pros:
• Real wood appearance
• Highly impact resistant
• Less maintenance than wood
• Good for hail regions
Cons:
• Vulnerable if not installed correctly
• Requires painted finish
• Slightly higher maintenance needs
A great option if you want the natural wood feel without full wood maintenance.
Wood Siding
Beautiful but high maintenance.
Pros:
• Natural appearance
• Easy to repair small sections
Cons:
• Needs repainting
• Moisture issues
• Rot and pests
• Not ideal for Illinois weather
Not recommended unless homeowners understand the maintenance required.
Aluminum Siding
An older material that still works well in some cases.
Pros:
• Durable
• Fire resistant
• Good for storms
Cons:
• Dents easily
• Fades quickly
• Not as energy efficient
Great for certain applications but not common for full replacements today.
4. What Affects Siding Cost the Most
Factors that change pricing:
• Removal of old siding
• Rot repair
• Number of stories
• Home shape complexity
• Trim work
• Soffit and fascia replacement
• Window and door trim updates
• Insulation upgrades
• Material brand
• Local building codes
• Color selection
• Access to the home
• Disposal fees
Homes with rot or water infiltration will need repairs before new siding can be installed.
5. The Importance of Proper Installation
Even the best siding fails if installed incorrectly.
A professional installation includes:
• Full removal of old siding
• House wrap replacement
• Flashing around windows and doors
• Correct gaps for expansion
• Proper nailing techniques
• Ventilation for soffits
• Moisture barrier installation
• High quality trim and caulking
• Sealing vulnerable areas
• Level and straight panel alignment
Incorrect installation leads to warping, leaks, mold, and early failure.
6. Insulation Options and Energy Savings
Most homeowners do not realize siding upgrades can lower energy bills significantly.
Here are the insulation add ons that matter:
Foam Board Insulation
Great for older homes with no wall insulation.
Insulated Vinyl
Built in foam backing improves R value.
House Wrap Upgrade
Prevents drafts, improves moisture protection, helps mold prevention.
Soffit and Ventilation System
Critical for attic airflow and home comfort.
Better insulation reduces heating and cooling bills all year long.
7. Color and Style Choices
Your siding should fit both your neighborhood and your personal style.
Top color trends in Illinois include:
• Deep blues
• Charcoal
• White and black contrast
• Light gray
• Natural wood tones
• Sage green
• Beige and taupe
Popular styles:
• Lap siding
• Board and batten
• Shake accents
• Smooth vs wood grain
• Horizontal vs vertical
Mixing materials creates a modern, custom look.
8. Siding and Home Value
A siding replacement is one of the highest ROI home improvements.
Homeowners see:
• Better curb appeal
• Higher appraisal value
• Lower energy bills
• Improved moisture control
• Stronger protection from storms
• A more modern and updated appearance
Hardie siding provides one of the strongest returns on investment in the remodeling industry.
9. How To Choose the Right Siding Contractor
Your siding will only perform well if installed by a qualified contractor.
Look for a contractor who:
• Is licensed and insured
• Has a physical office
• Has real local reviews
• Offers detailed proposals
• Replaces rotten wood
• Installs proper house wrap
• Explains materials clearly
• Provides a workmanship warranty
• Uses brand certified installers
• Has decades of experience
Local companies with long standing reputations offer the strongest combination of quality and accountability.
10. Why Homeowners Trust Stan’s Roofing and Siding
Stan’s has been improving Illinois homes for 58 years.
Homeowners choose Stan’s because:
• We use James Hardie and premium vinyl products
• We inspect for rot and water damage
• We install proper house wrap and flashing
• We upgrade soffit, fascia, and ventilation
• We offer financing to fit any budget
• We stand behind our workmanship
• We are a local, family owned company
• We follow all Illinois building codes
• We do the job right the first time
Your exterior deserves a team that puts your home’s long term health above shortcuts.
The Bottom Line
Siding replacement is a major investment, but with the right information and the right contractor, the process becomes simple, clear, and stress free.
If you want to explore siding options, compare materials, or get a free consultation, Stan’s is here to help with honest recommendations and expert installation.
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