Your home’s siding does more than just make your house look good. It protects your home from wind, moisture, hail, and harsh sunlight while also helping with insulation and energy efficiency. But when it’s time for a siding replacement and you put it off for too long… your home will take a beating.
In Morrison and the Denver foothills, siding plays an especially important role because homes must handle intense sun exposure, hail storms, heavy snow, and dramatic temperature swings. Over time, siding can wear down, crack, or warp — allowing moisture and cold air to enter your home and causing costly structural problems.
If you’re considering replacing your siding but aren’t sure where to start (or don’t even know if you need one), this guide will walk you through the most important things homeowners should know about siding replacement, including costs, materials, lifespan, and how to choose the right contractor.
Table of Contents
- 5 Signs You Need New Siding
- Cost of Siding Replacement
- Types of Siding Materials
- Siding Lifespan
- Vinyl vs Fiber Cement Siding: What’s Better?
- Siding Warranties: What Does It Mean?
- What’s The Difference Between Siding Repair and Replacement?
- Siding Colors and Design Ideas
- Energy Efficient Siding
- Siding Installation Process: How It Works
- How to Choose a Siding Contractor
- Schedule a FREE Siding Inspection
5 Signs You Need New Siding
Many homeowners aren’t sure when siding should be replaced.
Here are some common signs that it may be time for new siding.
- Cracked, Warped, or Rotting Panels
- Frequent Painting or Maintenance
- High Energy Bills (bad siding = bad insulation, meaning your HVAC uses more energy)
- Pest or Water Damage
- Hail or Storm Damage
Colorado weather can be especially rough on siding. Hail, wind, and intense UV exposure can break down siding materials faster than many homeowners expect.
More explanation in this blog.
If you notice these issues, your siding might be failing to protect your home and family from weather damage. Call a siding contractor if you notice any of these. They’ll give you a professional look and help you decide what can be done.
Cost of Siding Replacement
One of the first questions homeowners ask is how much siding replacement costs. The total price depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the siding material you choose, and the amount of labor required to tear down old siding and install new.
Typical siding replacement projects fall into these general ranges for a 2,000 square foot home.
Basic siding replacement
$12,000 – $18,000
Often includes vinyl siding and minimal structural repairs.
Mid-range siding replacement
$18,000 – $35,000
Usually involves higher-quality materials such as fiber cement siding.
Premium siding replacement
$35,000+
Often includes architectural siding styles, trim upgrades, and additional insulation improvements.
To get an accurate cost, reach out to a siding contractor so they can give you an estimate (this is usually free).
Note: Homes in Morrison and the Denver foothills may require impact-resistant materials or extra insulation systems to withstand hail storms and extreme weather conditions.
Types of Siding Materials
Choosing the right siding material is one of the most important decisions during a siding replacement. It affects how long your siding will last, how your home looks, and the strength of your home’s protection.
Here are some of the most common options homeowners consider.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding has become extremely popular in Colorado.
Benefits include:
- Exceptional durability through turbulent weather
- Resistance to moisture and rot
- Fire resistance
- Long lifespan
- High-end appearance
Many homeowners in the Denver area choose fiber cement because it performs well against both hail and intense sunlight.
We install James Hardie fiber cement siding, which is one of the most trusted materials on the market.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is another one of the most widely used siding materials in the United States.
Benefits include:
- Affordable pricing
- Low maintenance
- Variety of colors and styles
- Resistant to moisture and pests
Vinyl siding is a good option for homeowners looking for a practical, cost-effective exterior upgrade.
Wood Siding
Wood siding provides a classic, natural appearance that many homeowners love.
Advantages include:
- Beautiful natural texture
- Timeless architectural style
- Can be painted or stained
However, wood siding requires more maintenance and can be vulnerable to Colorado’s intense sun exposure and seasonal weather changes.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding was especially popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, and many homes in Colorado still have it today.
Benefits include:
- Strong resistance to rust and corrosion
- Lightweight material
- Fire resistant
- Low maintenance compared to wood siding
Aluminum siding can hold up well against Colorado’s weather, but it is more prone to dents from hail or impacts. Because of this, many homeowners replace older aluminum siding with more durable modern materials during a siding replacement.
Siding Lifespan
Different siding materials last different lengths of time.
Typical lifespans include:
Vinyl siding — 20–30 years
Wood siding — 20–40 years depending on maintenance
Aluminum siding –- 20–40 years depending on maintenance
Fiber cement siding — 30–50 years
Weather exposure, maintenance, and installation quality all affect how long siding lasts. Homes in Colorado’s foothills often benefit from durable materials like fiber cement that can withstand extreme weather.
Vinyl vs Fiber Cement Siding: What’s Better?
Two of the most common siding materials homeowners compare are vinyl siding and fiber cement siding.
Vinyl siding is typically the more affordable option and requires minimal maintenance. It works well for homeowners who want a simple, durable solution.
Fiber cement siding costs more upfront but offers better durability than vinyl, meaning it’ll last years longer. Plus it gives your home that premium appearance.
It’s also highly resistant to hail damage, moisture, and temperature changes which makes it ideal for Colorado’s unpredictable climate.
For many homes in Morrison and the Denver area, fiber cement siding provides better long-term durability and stronger curb appeal.
Siding Warranties: What Does It Mean?
When investing in siding replacement, warranties are one of the most important things homeowners should understand.
Why Warranties Matter
A siding replacement is meant to last decades, so strong warranty coverage protects your investment.
When evaluating contractors, always ask:
- What manufacturer warranty comes with the siding?
- Do you provide a workmanship warranty?
- What exactly does the warranty cover?
A reliable contractor will clearly explain your warranty coverage and provide documentation for both. This ensures that your siding replacement is protected long after installation is complete.
A quality siding system should come with two types of protection: Manufacturer and Workmanship
Manufacturer Warranty
The manufacturer warranty covers the siding material itself.
This warranty protects you if the product fails due to manufacturing defects such as:
- Cracking too early post-installation
- Excessive fading
- Warping
- Product failure
Many siding manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 25 years to 50 years, depending on the material. For example, the fiber cement siding products we use, James Hardie comes with strong manufacturer warranties because of their durability.
However, manufacturer warranties typically only cover the material — not installation errors.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty comes from the contractor installing your siding.
This warranty covers problems caused by improper installation, such as:
- improperly installed flashing
- siding panels installed incorrectly
- moisture barrier issues
- structural installation mistakes
Installation quality is extremely important because even the best siding material can fail if it’s installed incorrectly.
Most reputable siding contractors offer workmanship warranties ranging from 5–10 years, depending on the company.
What’s The Difference Between Siding Repair and Replacement?
Sometimes siding can be repaired instead of fully replaced. Siding repairs may involve a few panels, and you keep the same siding. While a full replacement can include your whole home, new siding, and new colors.
Siding repairs may work if:
- damage is limited to a small section
- panels can be replaced individually
- the siding is relatively new
However, full siding replacement is recommended when:
- siding is reaching the end of its lifespan
- weather damage is widespread
- the exterior needs improved insulation
- multiple repairs have already been done
Replacing siding can also significantly improve your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
Siding Colors and Design Ideas
Siding replacement is also an opportunity to update your home’s look. If you aren’t loving your current colors, here’s your chance to switch it up.
Popular siding color choices include:
- Modern gray tones
- Warm neutral colors like sandstone, charcoal, and chocolate
- Classic white or beige exteriors
- Deep blue or charcoal accents
- Dark mountain-inspired tones for homes in the foothills
Many homeowners combine siding styles such as horizontal lap siding with board-and-batten accents to create a more modern look. Updating trim, fascia, and exterior details during siding replacement can dramatically improve curb appeal.
Energy Efficient Siding
New siding can improve your home’s insulation and energy performance, saving you hundreds on energy bills every year.
Energy-efficient siding systems often include:
- insulated siding panels
- weather-resistant barriers
- improved sealing around windows and doors
These upgrades help reduce drafts and maintain consistent indoor temperatures. This is especially valuable during Colorado’s cold winters and hot summer days, when your HVAC system may otherwise work overtime.
Siding Installation Process: How It Works
Understanding the installation process helps you know what to expect during a siding replacement project.
Before the actual installation, you’ll call a siding contractor to get an estimate (the estimated cost of your project). They’ll inspect your property and see what’s going on. If you choose to hire them, you’ll pick your siding material and color.
From there, a typical siding installation includes:
- Removing old siding
- Inspecting the wall structure
- Installing moisture barriers or house wrap
- Installing insulation if needed
- Installing new siding panels
- Adding trim and finishing details
- Final inspection and cleanup
The full process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the project.
How to Choose a Siding Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is essential for a successful siding replacement.
Homeowners should look for a contractor who:
- is licensed and insured
- has experience with siding installation
- provides clear project estimates
- offers workmanship warranties
- understands the weather challenges of Colorado
You can usually find this information on a contractor’s website or during your estimate consultation. Working with an experienced siding contractor ensures the installation is done correctly and protects your home for years to come.
Schedule a FREE Siding Inspection
Now you know the basics of siding replacement! If you’re considering replacing the siding on your home in Morrison or the Denver area, the best place to start is with a professional inspection.
At Lasting Exteriors, we help homeowners understand the condition of their siding and explore the best replacement options for their home and budget. Our team specializes in exterior renovations designed to withstand Colorado’s weather while improving curb appeal and long-term durability.
So when you need an expert look at your home’s exterior…
Contact Lasting Exteriors today to schedule your FREE siding inspection and estimate.