If you’re weighing vinyl vs. aluminum siding and wondering what new siding costs in Pennsylvania, the honest answer is that it depends on your house as much as the material. The size of your walls, what’s on them now, the trim and detail work, insulation and any repairs hiding underneath all change the price. Two homes with the same siding can get very different quotes for good reasons. This guide from KPI Jr Exteriors explains what drives the cost of new siding, how vinyl, aluminum, cedar and fiber cement compare, and how to tell when it’s time to replace. When you’re ready for a real number for your home, request a free written estimate.
Why There’s No Single “Cost of Siding per Square Foot”
You’ll find plenty of siding cost calculators online, but they’re built on national averages and very different homes. A single-storey rancher in Levittown and a two-storey colonial with dormers and a wraparound porch in Doylestown need very different amounts of material, labor and detail work, even with the same siding.
Siding is measured by the area of your exterior walls, not your floor space, and the number of windows, doors, corners and gables changes how much trim and cutting a job needs. That’s why the only accurate figure for the cost of new siding on your house comes from measuring it in person.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum vs. Cedar vs. Fiber Cement: How They Compare
KPI Jr Exteriors installs vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement, wood and cedar, and metal and aluminum siding. Here’s how the most common options compare at a glance:
| Vinyl | Aluminum | Wood & cedar | Fiber cement (James Hardie) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually the most budget-friendly | Usually more than vinyl | Higher than vinyl | Higher than vinyl |
| Maintenance | Very low: occasional washing | Low, but the painted finish can fade over time | Highest: regular staining or painting | Low: occasional repainting over the years |
| Durability | Resists fading, cracking and pests | Highly durable, but can dent from hail or impact | Can rot or split without upkeep | Handles extreme weather very well |
| Look | Many colors and profiles, including wood-look styles | Sleek, modern finish | Warm, natural character | High-end look in many styles and colors |
| Best for | Best value for most homes | Homeowners who want durability with minimal upkeep | Homes where a natural wood look matters most | Long-term performance in our climate |
Vinyl, Aluminum, Cedar and Fiber Cement: Pros and Cons
Vinyl siding
Vinyl is the budget-friendly choice for most Pennsylvania homes. It’s affordable, low-maintenance and comes in a wide range of colors and profiles, including styles that mimic cedar shakes or traditional clapboard. It resists fading, cracking and pests, and it doesn’t need painting; an occasional wash is usually all it takes. Well-maintained vinyl siding typically lasts 30 years or more. Insulated vinyl, which has a foam backing, costs more than standard vinyl but adds a layer of insulation that can help with energy efficiency. Learn more about the benefits of vinyl siding.
Aluminum siding
Metal and aluminum siding offer exceptional durability and a sleek, modern finish, and they stand up to harsh weather without rotting. The trade-offs: aluminum can dent from hail or other impacts, and its painted finish can fade or turn chalky over time, which may eventually mean repainting. It’s a strong fit if durability matters more to you than the widest choice of styles.
Wood and cedar siding
Wood and cedar create a warm, classic exterior that can be customized with paint or stain, and many homeowners love their natural character. They also need the most care. Cedar siding generally needs restaining every few years, depending on how much sun and weather your walls get, and wood that isn’t maintained can rot or split.
Fiber cement siding
Fiber cement costs more upfront than vinyl, but it’s one of the best long-term choices for the Pennsylvania and New Jersey climate. It resists moisture, insects and extreme weather, and gives your home a high-end look. KPI Jr Exteriors is a Preferred James Hardie Siding contractor, so we specialize in installing fiber cement to the manufacturer’s standards.
What a Full Siding Replacement Involves
Knowing what goes into a siding replacement makes it easier to understand, and compare, your quotes. A typical KPI Jr Exteriors siding project follows these steps:
- Consultation: we meet on-site, learn your goals and recommend siding styles, colors and finishes for your home.
- Detailed estimate: you get a clear breakdown of products, timelines and costs, with no surprises.
- Removal and repairs: the old siding comes off and any damage underneath is repaired before new siding goes on.
- Professional installation: new siding, trim and finishing details are installed for long-lasting protection.
- Final inspection: we walk through the finished project with you to make sure everything meets your expectations.
Most siding projects are finished within about a week, depending on the size of the home and the material. We handle the required permits, remove the old siding and clean up thoroughly when the job is done.
What Affects Your Siding Quote
Beyond the material itself, these are the factors that move the price of new siding up or down:
- House size and wall area. More wall means more siding and more labor. It’s the biggest single factor.
- Height and access. Two- and three-storey walls, steep gables and tight lot lines take more time and equipment to work on safely.
- Removing the old siding. Tearing off and disposing of existing siding adds labor, especially if there’s more than one layer.
- Repairs underneath. Rotted or water-damaged sheathing found once the old siding is off has to be fixed first.
- Trim, soffit and fascia. Replacing or wrapping trim, corners, soffits and fascia adds material and detail work.
- Insulation. Choosing insulated vinyl or adding insulation behind the siding increases the upfront cost.
- Windows, doors and openings. The more openings and architectural details your home has, the more cutting and flashing the job needs.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Siding
Siding repairs are the right call for isolated damage, but when problems spread, a full replacement is usually the better use of your money. It may be time to replace your siding if you notice:
- Warped, buckled or cracked panels
- Rot, soft spots or signs of moisture damage
- Loose or missing panels, especially after a storm
- Faded or chalky siding that no longer looks right
- Rising energy bills that could point to poor protection from the weather
Replacing siding at the same time as your roof? Read our guide to how much a new roof costs in Bucks County.
Getting a Siding Estimate From KPI Jr Exteriors
Every KPI Jr Exteriors estimate is free and no-obligation, with a clear breakdown of products, timeline and cost. We’ll help you compare vinyl, aluminum, cedar and James Hardie fiber cement for your home, your budget and how much upkeep you want. KPI Jr Exteriors is a family-owned, licensed and insured exterior remodeling company that has served homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2017, and we back our work with workmanship coverage plus manufacturer warranties on materials. See our siding services or browse all of our services.
Siding Cost FAQs
It depends on the size of your home’s walls, the siding material you choose, whether the old siding has to be removed, any repairs underneath, and the trim and insulation involved. The only accurate number comes from measuring your home in person, which is why KPI Jr Exteriors gives every homeowner a free written estimate.
Vinyl is usually the more budget-friendly option upfront, and it needs very little maintenance. Aluminum is highly durable, but it can dent and its painted finish can fade over time. The right choice depends on your home, your budget and how much upkeep you want.
Fiber cement, such as James Hardie siding, performs exceptionally well in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey climate for durability and low maintenance. Well-maintained vinyl typically lasts 30 years or more, and aluminum is highly durable, while wood and cedar need regular care to last.
Most siding projects are finished within about a week, depending on the size of the home and the material. You’ll receive a clear timeline with your estimate.
Yes. Every estimate is free and no-obligation, with a clear breakdown of products, timeline and cost. We also handle permits, removal of the old siding and cleanup.
Get a Free Siding Estimate
The only way to know what new siding will cost for your home is to have it measured and looked at properly. Call KPI Jr Exteriors at (609) 658-9925 or request your free estimate online, and we’ll give you an honest, written answer.