New vinyl siding on a house in Cranford, NJ

The problem

The old siding all had to come off. Once it was down, we prepped the walls before any new panels went up.

What we did

Then the crew hung the new vinyl siding. We checked that each course ran straight and was fastened tight as we went. The goal was a clean finish that holds up for years.

Materials

• ✓Siding panels: vinyl, insulated vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, wood, aluminum, or steel.
• ✓House wrap/weather-resistant barrier: protects the wall behind the siding.
• ✓Flashing tape: seals around windows, doors, and penetrations.
• ✓Wall sheathing: plywood or OSB to replace damaged sections.
• ✓Exterior insulation board: when it's part of the wall system.
• ✓Starter strips: hold up the first siding course.
• ✓Inside and outside corner trim: finishes the corners of the house.
• ✓J-channel: finishes vinyl siding around openings and edges.
• ✓Utility/undersill trim: holds cut vinyl panels under windows and at upper edges.
• ✓Window and door trim: finishes the edges around openings.
• ✓Z-flashing and drip caps: send water away from horizontal trim and openings.
• ✓Soffit panels: cover the underside of roof overhangs.
• ✓Fascia boards or metal fascia wrap: finish the boards at the roof edge.
• ✓Aluminum trim coil: wraps exterior trim where called for.
• ✓Mounting blocks: for lights, outlets, faucets, and other fixtures.
• Exterior vent covers: for exhaust and ventilation openings that fit them.

Common questions in Cranford

Do I need a permit for new siding in Cranford, NJ?

Usually, yes. Siding work generally needs a permit, so check the local rules before the job starts.

What's the best siding for a house in Cranford, NJ?

It comes down to your budget, the look you like, and how much upkeep you want to do. Vinyl costs less and needs very little maintenance. Fiber cement looks more like wood, but it usually costs more and needs repainting every so often.

What should a siding estimate include?

It should list tear-off of the old siding, installation, house wrap, flashing, trim, and cleanup, all in writing. Hidden damage like rotted wall sheathing can add to the cost. Ask how those repairs are priced, and don't let anyone start extra work until you've signed off on it in writing.

How do I check out a siding contractor and their warranties?

Ask for proof of contractor registration and current insurance, and ask to see some recent siding jobs and talk to past customers. Get the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty in writing. Those papers should say what's covered, what isn't, and how to ask for service.