The Ultimate Presidential Exteriors Guide to Siding
Table of Contents
Hey there! Welcome to the Presidential Exteriors Complete Guide to Siding: your new best friend for understanding everything about the cladding on your house.
Whether you’re here because your siding looks like it survived a recent battle, you want a cosmetic upgrade, or you just randomly clicked a link (welcome, by the way), we’ve got you covered.
Siding might not be the most exciting topic at your next dinner party, but it’s literally the jacket your house wears every single day. It protects you from the elements, keeps your energy bills from going through the roof (pun intended), and accounts for about a third of what people see when they look at your home.
Let’s talk about it.
TL;DR: What Homeowners Need to Know About Siding
- Siding protects your home from moisture, pests, and energy loss — not just curb appeal.
- Many homes in Northern Virginia and Maryland have hidden substrate issues behind old siding.
- James Hardie® fiber cement and premium vinyl are the most common replacement options in our region.
- Installation quality matters just as much as material choice.
- Most siding projects locally range from $15,000–$40,000, depending on size and complexity.
- A structured process — Estimate → Pre-Install Inspection → Installation → Final Walkthrough — prevents costly mistakes and surprises.
What Is Siding? It Matters More Than You Think
What Siding Does for Your Home
Siding is the cladding on the outside of your house. It’s what you see when you look at the walls. It might be vinyl, aluminum, wood, asbestos (yes, really), and occasionally it’s something structural that’s actually holding your house together.
Common Siding by Home Era in Northern VA & Maryland
| Home Build Era | Common Siding Found |
|---|---|
| 1940s–1960s | Black corrugated board with asbestos siding |
| 1970s–1980s | Aluminum siding |
| Early 1990s | Vinyl over OSB sheathing |
And here’s where it gets fun: sometimes people just slapped new siding over old siding.
We’ve pulled off vinyl to find aluminum underneath. We’ve found aluminum over asbestos over cardboard. It’s like archaeological layers, except instead of ancient pottery, it’s decades of questionable home improvement decisions.
What's Underneath Matters
You can touch your siding. You can see it. You know what it looks like. But what you don’t know is what’s behind it, and that’s where the real story lives.
Behind your siding, there should be:
- Structural sheathing (CDX plywood or OSB)
- A weather barrier or vapor barrier
- Proper flashing and moisture protection
But here’s the kicker: we’ve torn off siding plenty of times to find… nothing. No barrier. No protection. Just rotting wood that’s been soaking up moisture for decades.
So while your siding might look fine from the curb, the stuff behind it could be in rough shape. And by the time you notice a problem inside your house—like water damage around windows or cracks in your drywall—the damage has already been done.
Why People Call Us (And Why You Might Be Reading This)
Most people think about their siding for one of two reasons:
1. It looks terrible
Faded, cracked, outdated, or just plain ugly. You want your house to look better, and you’re tired of the judgment of your neighbors and house guests.
2. You’re worried about moisture.
Maybe you’ve noticed gaps in the caulking around your windows. Maybe a piece of siding blew off in a storm. Maybe you’ve seen critters running up behind it. Or maybe you just have a gut feeling that something isn’t right.
Both are valid reasons to reach out. Frankly, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve either already talked to someone on our team, a neighbor referred you, or you’re standing in your yard holding a random piece of siding that wasn’t there yesterday.
Welcome. Let’s figure this out together.
What to Look For (The DIY Siding Inspection Checklist)
You don’t need to be an expert to spot some warning signs. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
| What to Look For | What It Means / Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fading | The color isn’t what it used to be. This is especially common with older vinyl or aluminum siding that has been exposed to 20+ years of sun. |
| Cracks or Brittleness | Cheaper vinyl can become brittle over time. Visible cracks are a red flag that the siding is failing. |
| Chalky Residue | Aging aluminum siding often develops a chalky, dusty feel when rubbed. This indicates surface deterioration. |
| Gaps & Caulking Failures | Check around windows, doors, and where materials meet. Peeling or cracked caulking allows moisture to get in, which can lead to bigger structural issues. |
| Missing Pieces | If sections have blown off or fallen off, it’s a clear sign the siding needs attention or replacement. |
| Critters Behind the Siding | Animals getting behind the siding means there are gaps. Gaps allow moisture and pests in — and that leads to serious problems over time. |
But here’s the truth: even if your siding looks old and beat up, it might still be doing its job. And even if it looks fine, there could be major issues hiding behind it. That’s why we recommend having someone who knows what they’re looking at take a peek behind the scenes.
"But My Siding Looks Fine..."
That’s completely normal. Most people don’t know what to look for, and we don’t expect you to. Siding problems are sneaky. They happen slowly, then all at once. By the time you notice water damage on your interior walls, moisture has been working its way through your siding, sheathing, and insulation for months or even years.
With that said, it’s probably not that serious. Our goal is to lead with trust, not fear. We’re not here to scare you into a project you don’t need. If your siding still has life left in it, we’ll tell you. If a small repair will buy you time, we’ll explain the pros and cons.
Our job is to help you understand what you have and give you a path forward—whether you’re ready now or not.
How to Schedule a Siding Estimate
Scheduling a siding estimate is as easy as calling us directly or filling out the form on our website. Here’s what happens after that.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
First, we’re going to confirm a bunch of stuff: your address, your name, and that you actually own the home. Yes, seriously.
Why? Because we’ve seen kids scheduling estimates on parents’ homes without permission, ex-spouses on houses they no longer have access to, and renters trying to modify properties they don’t own. We just want to make sure we’re talking to the right person before we send someone out.
Yes, We're Going to Call You. Twice.
Once your appointment is set, we confirm the day before and a few hours before. We’re not harassing you; we’re protecting our team from driving to empty houses. The system is built around respect for everyone’s time, ours and yours.
Why We Need All Decision-Makers Present
This is a big one, and it’s the reason our online rating is 4.9 instead of 5.0 (go ahead and try to find a bad review about our craftsmanship — I’ll wait).
We’ve seen it too many times: one spouse schedules, the other can’t make it, and three weeks later, we’re changing colors on install day because someone thought we agreed on Charcoal, but someone else swears they said Pewter Gray.
We require all decision-makers to be present for estimates, contract signings, pre-install inspections, and final walkthroughs. It’s the only way to keep everyone on the same page — and honestly, it’ll save you a ton of money on couples counseling.
What Happens During a Siding Estimate
When most homeowners hear “siding estimate,” they picture a contractor walking around the house for a few minutes, scribbling a number on a form, and handing it over before disappearing.
That’s not how we do things at Presidential Exteriors.
Your estimate is one of the most important steps in the entire project. It’s where we evaluate your home, identify potential issues, and start designing the siding solution that will protect and improve your home for the next several decades.
In other words, you’re not just getting a price—you’re getting a plan.
A Thorough Exterior Evaluation
Every estimate starts with a detailed walkaround of your home. Our estimator takes measurements, photographs key areas, and inspects the condition of your existing siding and trim.
We review areas like:
- Existing siding condition
- Trim around windows and doors
- Soffits and fascia
- Gaps, cracks, or missing caulking
- Signs of moisture intrusion or damage
We also create a digital 3D model of your home, which allows us to take precise measurements and preview different siding styles, colors, and trim combinations directly on your home before installation begins.
Designing Your Siding Project
Siding replacement isn’t just picking a color. We’ll walk through siding styles, trim options, and accent details so you can see how everything works together.
Because these choices affect the entire look of the home, we recommend having all decision-makers present during the estimate. This keeps the process clear and prevents miscommunication later in the project.
A Clear, Detailed Contract
Once your design and scope are finalized, we generate a fully detailed digital proposal and contract outlining the entire project. This includes the scope of work, materials, color selections, warranties, cleanup responsibilities, and pricing.
Everything is documented so you know exactly what to expect before the project begins—no guesswork and no surprises.
Siding Options—What Are We Actually Putting on Your House?
Let's Talk Materials
You’ve made it this far, which means you’re either serious about replacing your siding or you just really enjoy our writing style (we get that a lot). Either way, let’s talk about what’s actually going on your house.
Siding is about keeping water out and air in, but it’s also about a third of what people see when they look at your home from the street. Your siding choice matters—for performance, longevity, and curb appeal.
Most contractors will ask you one question: “What color do you want?” Then they slap something on and send you the bill. That’s how you end up with mismatched edges, ugly trim, and a house that looks… fine.
At Presidential, we actually design your siding system. Line by line. Why? Because it’s a lot less “excessive” than redoing it all later.
Premium Vinyl Siding
Premium vinyl is the most common siding choice in our region, offering a strong balance of performance, affordability, and low maintenance.
Why homeowners choose vinyl:
- Cost-effective compared to premium materials
- Lightweight and adaptable for most homes
- Color baked into the panel to resist fading
- Very low maintenance—no painting or staining
- Wide variety of styles and colors
Vinyl is an excellent option for homeowners who want strong performance and a clean, modern look without the higher cost of fiber cement.
James Hardie Fiber Cement
James Hardie fiber cement siding is typically considered the premium siding option. It’s heavier and more rigid than vinyl, which gives it a more traditional, high-end appearance.
Why homeowners choose Hardie:
- Extremely durable (resists rot, insects, and fire)
- More solid, architectural look
- Premium design styles like board-and-batten
- ColorPlus factory finishes for long-lasting color
- 30-year non-prorated material warranty
Hardie is often the right fit for homeowners who want maximum curb appeal and a more upscale exterior.
Insulated vs. Standard Installation
Another decision we help homeowners make is whether to install siding with insulation behind it.
Standard Installation
- Lower upfront cost
- Faster installation
- Strong weather protection
Insulated Installation
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced air infiltration
- More consistent indoor comfort
- Added structural rigidity
Insulated systems cost more upfront but can improve long-term comfort and efficiency.
The Details That Make It Look Right
Great siding isn’t just about the panels. The finished look comes from the details.
We design a complete system that includes:
- Trim and corner posts
- Soffit and fascia
- Mount blocks and accessory pieces
- Custom flashing and drip caps
- Garage door and window trim
Our team fabricates custom aluminum trim so everything fits cleanly and protects your home from moisture.
Because when siding is done right, every detail works together.
Siding Project Planning: The Pre-Install Inspection (PII)
Many contractors focus on selling the project. Far fewer focus on planning it properly before installation begins.
At Presidential Exteriors, every project goes through a Pre-Install Inspection (PII) after the contract is signed but before materials are ordered or installation starts.
This step allows us to review the project line by line, so everything is confirmed before work begins.
What Happens During the PII
Think of the PII as the final planning meeting for your siding project. During this step, we:
Confirm all material selections
- Siding style and color
- Trim, corner posts, soffit, and fascia
- Accessory blocks and window details
Double-check measurements
We verify dimensions and field conditions that digital models or photos may miss, ensuring materials are ordered correctly.
Review HOA requirements
If your community requires approval, we help provide documentation, samples, and product specifications to support your submission.
Plan materials and scheduling
We confirm material orders and review any lead times that may affect installation timing.
Looking Behind the Siding
Because your project is under contract, we can remove small sections of siding to inspect what’s underneath.
This helps identify issues like rot, moisture damage, or with previous construction layers before installation begins.
Why the PII Matters
The Pre-Install Inspection helps ensure fewer surprises, clearer communication, and a smoother installation process. It’s one of the key reasons Presidential Exteriors projects tend to run smoothly from start to finish.
Siding Installation: What Happens on Install Day
Once your design is finalized and the Pre-Install Inspection is complete, your project moves to the installation phase.
For most homes, siding installation takes 3–10 days, depending on the size of the home, the materials selected, and the complexity of the design.
Our crews follow a structured process so the project runs efficiently and your home stays protected throughout the installation.
1. Site Setup
On the first day, our team prepares the property and stages materials.
This includes setting up scaffolding, positioning the dumpster, and protecting landscaping, windows, and outdoor areas with tarps and plywood. Proper setup helps the entire project run safely and efficiently.
2. Removing Existing Siding
Old siding is removed in controlled sections rather than all at once. This helps ensure the home is never fully exposed if weather changes during installation.
Debris is immediately directed into the dumpster to keep the work area organized.
3. Inspecting the Structure
Once siding is removed, we inspect the underlying sheathing and framing.
If any damaged wood or structural issues are discovered, they’re addressed before new siding is installed.
4. Installing Weather Protection
Next we install weather barriers such as Tyvek or HardieWrap, along with insulation if your project includes an insulated siding system.
At this stage your home becomes sealed and protected from moisture while installation continues.
5. Trim and Detail Work
Before siding panels go up, we install the architectural details that shape the finished appearance of the home, including:
- Corner posts
- Soffit and fascia
- Window and door trim
- Custom flashing and drip caps
- Accessory and mounting blocks
These elements ensure a clean, finished look and proper water management.
6. Siding Installation & Final Cleanup
Finally, siding panels are installed across the home in precise alignment.
After installation is complete, the crew performs a full cleanup, removing debris and ensuring the property looks as good as—or better than—when we arrived.
Post-Installation—The Final Walkthrough and What Comes Next
Congratulations, Your Siding Is Installed
The crew is packing up, the hammering has stopped, and your dog has finally stopped barking at strangers on ladders. But before we call it a day, there’s one final step: the Final Walk-Through.
At Presidential Exteriors, a project isn’t done when the last nail goes in. It’s done when you sign off on it and are fully satisfied.
The Final Walkthrough
When the crew is finished, your project manager doesn’t just wave goodbye and leave. They walk you through the job in detail. Here’s what happens:
We walk the entire exterior of your home and check all major components: siding panels, corner posts, trim details, soffit, fascia, flashing—everything should be installed to spec.
We walk your property, sweep your driveway, and check for any stray debris. Then we walk the yard with you. We want you to see with your own eyes that everything looks as good (if not better) than before.
Not everyone loves climbing ladders. So we bring photos of your project, show you the critical details, and explain how each part of the system works. You don’t just get new siding—you get an understanding of what was installed and why it matters.
This is your moment to point out anything you want double-checked. Even small things. We’d rather address it while we’re there than hear about it later.
Warranty and Follow-Up
Every Presidential siding project comes with:
- Manufacturer warranties from James Hardie or your vinyl manufacturer
- Our lifetime transferable workmanship warranty
That means if something ever goes wrong—whether it’s a manufacturer defect or a workmanship issue—you call us, and we make it right.
Future Maintenance Tips
Quality siding should give you decades of protection with minimal fuss, but here are a few things you can do to extend its life:
- Clean it periodically: Use a soft-bristle brush, warm water, and mild soap. Most manufacturers don’t recommend pressure washers (they can damage materials if you get too close or use too much pressure).
- Keep an eye on caulking: Check around windows and doors every few years. If caulking is cracking or peeling, reseal it.
- Trim back vegetation: Don’t let bushes or trees rub against your siding. It can cause wear and trap moisture.
- Inspect after major storms: Not with a ladder, but with your eyes. If you see damage, missing pieces, or anything that looks off, give us a call.
And the golden rule: If something seems off, call us. There’s no such thing as a silly question. Whether it’s a minor concern, a weird gap you noticed, or just curiosity about how something looks, we’d rather you ask than ignore it.
Siding FAQs
Most siding projects in Northern Virginia and Maryland range between $15,000 and $40,000, depending on the size of the home, material selection, and complexity of the project.
A small townhome with straightforward vinyl siding will be toward the lower end, while larger homes with premium materials like James Hardie and detailed trim work will be higher.
Because every home is different, the most accurate way to determine cost is through a detailed inspection and written estimate.
Small, localized damage can sometimes be repaired. However, if your siding is 15+ years old, has widespread fading, multiple damaged sections, or signs of moisture intrusion, replacement is often the better long-term solution.
During our inspection, we evaluate the siding system, trim, and underlying structure to help you determine the best option.
Vinyl siding is lightweight, cost-effective, and available in many colors and styles. It’s durable and requires very little maintenance.
James Hardie siding is a fiber cement product that provides a more rigid, traditional appearance. It’s extremely durable and offers premium design options but typically costs more and requires more labor to install.
Both are excellent materials, and the right choice depends on your budget and design preferences.
Insulated siding includes rigid foam insulation installed behind the siding panels.
This additional layer can improve energy efficiency, reduce air infiltration, and add structural rigidity to the siding system.
Standard siding installations still provide excellent protection, but insulated systems can improve long-term comfort and efficiency.
Most siding projects follow a general timeline:
- 1–2 weeks for planning and project preparation
- 4–6 weeks for material ordering and delivery
- 3–10 days for installation, depending on the size and complexity of the home
Not for the entire project.
We recommend being available:
- At the start of installation for setup and coordination
- If questions arise during removal (for example, if substrate repairs are needed)
- For the final walkthrough when the project is completed
Every Presidential Exteriors siding project includes:
- Manufacturer warranties for the siding materials
- A lifetime transferable workmanship warranty from Presidential Exteriors
This means both the materials and installation are protected long-term.
Yes. Siding replacement is consistently ranked as one of the home improvements with the highest return on investment, often recovering 70–90% of project cost while significantly improving curb appeal.
Why Presidential Exteriors?
It’s About Who You Trust
Siding is more than panels and trim. It’s about trusting the people working on your home—people who will protect your investment, improve its appearance, and still answer the phone years down the road.
At Presidential Exteriors, we take that trust seriously.
Certifications and Industry Recognition
Our work is backed by leading manufacturers and industry organizations:
- Elite Preferred James Hardie Contractor
- Mastic Preferred Installer
- Qualified Remodeler Top 500
- GuildQuality Customer Satisfaction Awards
These recognitions reflect our commitment to installation quality, ongoing training, and consistently strong customer experiences.
A Process Designed to Work
After thousands of exterior projects across Maryland and Virginia, we’ve refined a process that keeps siding projects clear, organized, and predictable.
Our process includes:
- Detailed, transparent estimates
- Pre-Install Inspections that catch issues early
- Clear communication throughout the project
- Quality materials from trusted manufacturers
- A lifetime transferable workmanship warranty
When homeowners say their project felt smooth, professional, and stress-free, it’s not luck. It’s a process designed to deliver that experience.
A Team That Cares
From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, you’ll work with people who take pride in their craft and treat your home with respect.
We built Presidential Exteriors around a simple idea: do the work the way we’d want it done on our own homes.
Siding is what we install. People are why we do it.
Ready to Start Your Siding Project?
If you’re considering new siding, the best next step is a professional evaluation of your home.
Our team will walk you through your options, explain the process, and help you design a siding system that protects your home and improves its appearance for decades.
Because your home deserves more than just “fine.” It deserves exceptional.
Schedule your free siding estimate with Presidential Exteriors today.