Picture this: you’ve invested significant time and money into improving your home’s curb appeal. You’ve repainted your shutters, planted flowers, and perhaps even repaired or replaced the roof. However, something still feels “off” when you pull into the driveway. If your home still looks tired, the culprit might be your siding.
Many homeowners overlook the importance of siding upgrades for curb appeal until issues arise. Siding is a functional necessity that helps to keep your home warm and dry, improve energy efficiency, and protect the structure from the elements. It also plays a huge role in boosting the aesthetic appeal of your property. Old, faded, or outdated siding not only diminishes your home’s appearance, but can also reduce energy efficiency and negatively impact resale value.
In this post, we will walk you through the best siding upgrade options for maximizing visual impact. We will consider various options, including James Hardie fiber cement siding and high-quality vinyl siding, the two most popular alternatives to traditional wood siding for NJ and NY homes. We will explore the pros and cons of each option, consider how each material can impact curb appeal, and share some key questions you should ask before you make the investment.
What Does a Siding Upgrade Typically Involve?
A full siding upgrade involves completely removing all existing siding from your property and installing new siding in its place.
The process begins with the removal of old siding and an inspection of the substrate or sheathing underneath. This ensures that any underlying problems are addressed before the new siding is installed.
Your siding contractor will then install your chosen siding panels, trim, soffits, fascia, and underlayment. If you have chosen any optional upgrades such as extra insulation, gutters, or accent materials like stone veneers, these will also be installed at this stage.
The right exterior materials can act as visual anchors for home design, reflecting your personal style and complementing your home’s architectural style to make it more eye-catching. This can increase home value and, when the time comes to sell, help to attract potential buyers.
However, a siding upgrade is not merely a cosmetic enhancement for your property. New siding can also enhance energy efficiency, weather resistance, and pest control.
Cost-Benefit Framework for a Cost-Effective Siding Replacement (Worksheet Preview)
The cost of a complete siding replacement can vary significantly. Later in this post, we will take a closer look at the costs of James Hardie fiber cement siding compared with popular vinyl siding products. Average costs are impacted by various factors such as square footage, your chosen siding materials, and any add-ons or enhancements you choose. A reputable siding contractor should provide you with a transparent cost estimate including labor, trim, wrap, disposal, and warranty.
To help you get started, here are some of the factors you will need to consider as you weigh up your siding options.
Direct Costs
The largest direct costs involved in any home improvement project are materials and labor. Different siding materials have different costs attached per square foot, so you will need to consider both your budget and aesthetic preferences. Do not be tempted to skip proper installation to save money, either. Quality workmanship will pay off in the long run in the form of low maintenance, high performance siding.
Other direct costs might include trims, wraps, insulation, disposal of old siding materials, any necessary permits required by local building codes, and paints or stains (if applicable).
Direct Benefits
New siding offers an immediate boost in your home’s visual appeal. However, the benefits do not end there. It also offers better energy efficiency and a stronger moisture and temperature barrier, lowering your heating and cooling costs and keeping your home’s interior cozy and protected.
In addition, the modern materials available include many low maintenance options that offer superior durability with little upkeep required. Traditional wood siding, for example, requires regular painting and staining. Vinyl, fiber cement, and composite siding, on the other hand, requires little maintenance to keep it looking beautiful and performing well for many years to come.
Qualitative Benefits
The right siding can also offer an array of intangible benefits. Your new and improved home exterior will attract neighborhood admiration and result in a higher perceived home quality. Enhancing your home’s beauty also potentially allows for easier and speedier resale, creating a positive first impression and attracting prospective buyers’ attention at first glance.
ROI Formula for Curb Appeal Projects
Assessing the return on investment (ROI) for home improvement projects is not always simple. However, we have created this simple formula to help you make a more educated estimate of ROI over the lifespan of your new siding:
Increased resale value + maintenance savings over 10 years + energy savings – Total siding installation cost = ROI.
Sample ROI Estimate
- Estimated square footage: 2,000
- Material: James Hardie vs. Vinyl
- Energy savings/year: $300
- Maintenance cost avoided: $500/year
- Resale value increase: $15,000
- Installation cost: $22,000 (James Hardie), $13,000 (Vinyl)
Check out our ROI calculator download or worksheet to start estimating the total cost of your siding replacement project.
Hidden Cost Pitfalls
If you are not careful, siding installation can come with several potential pitfalls which can be costly.
Never be tempted to skip the siding underlayment or house wrap, as this can lead to water infiltration and serious structural damage.
Low-cost siding contractors may take shortcuts, potentially voiding manufacturer warranties with improper siding installation or leaving gaps in insulation, especially around windows and doors. In addition, some keep costs artificially low by using low-grade vinyl that fades in just a few short seasons.
Siding Material Comparison: James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding
James Hardie’s fiber cement siding and vinyl siding are the two most popular choices for homeowners in New York and north New Jersey. Both options are highly durable, require minimal maintenance, and can greatly improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. However, there are also some key differences.
In this section, we will compare and contrast James Hardie fiber cement siding with vinyl siding to help you make an informed choice.
Appearance
James Hardie’s fiber cement siding offers woodgrain realism, which mimics the natural beauty and traditional look of wood siding. The designer color palette also means there are numerous styles and shades to choose from.
Vinyl siding provides a wide variety of color and style options but with a less premium appearance and without the wood-look effect.
Durability
James Hardie siding can last 30–50 years. It is fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and pest-resistant, making it a smart choice for New Jersey’s changeable weather conditions.
Vinyl siding is also a durable choice, lasting 20–30 years with proper maintenance. However, it may warp or fade in heat. Vinyl siding is also not as fire-resistant as fiber cement.
Maintenance
Both fiber cement and vinyl siding are low maintenance options. James Hardie siding requires repainting every 15–20 years, whereas vinyl requires no painting and little upkeep beyond an occasional clean.
Local Climate Suitability
James Hardie siding is an excellent choice for the harsh weather conditions common in northern NJ and NY. Vinyl also performs adequately in most climates, but may be less suited to withstand very cold weather or extreme heat. Insulated vinyl siding can be a smart choice for homes in cold areas or with poor insulation.
Cost
James Hardie fiber cement siding comes at a higher upfront cost, while vinyl is a more budget-friendly choice. However, it is also important to consider not just upfront costs but which option is most likely to be cost-effective in the long run.
ROI
Fiber cement siding offers an excellent long-term return on investment thanks to its superior durability, low maintenance needs, and energy-saving potential. Vinyl siding also offers a moderate ROI, enhancing both your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Style Fit
Fiber cement siding and vinyl siding work best for different property types. The natural wood-look appearance of James Hardie siding complements modern houses, Colonial properties, farmhouses, and luxury homes, while vinyl is a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades and property flips.
Matute Roofing is a certified installer of both materials, and our team will be pleased to provide you with a no-obligation estimate to help you assess the best option for your needs.
Design Considerations That Elevate Your Home’s Architectural Style and Boost Curb Appeal
The right siding should complement your home’s architecture and reflect your style. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Color Trends
Arctic White, Iron Gray, and Boothbay Blue are some of the most popular James Hardie siding shades, while earth tones, off-white, and navy are popular choices for homeowners opting for vinyl. Remember to focus on long-term style, not fleeting trends.
Texture and Orientation
Vertical board-and-batten siding styles work well for a farmhouse aesthetic, while lap siding is the best choice for traditional colonial homes. If in doubt, seek advice on the most appropriate style for your home’s age and architecture.
Trim Contrast
From black trim paired with white siding to white trim coupled with darker grays and blues, complementing or contrasting colors can make all the difference. Avoid visual clutter with too many colors or shapes, and use soffits and window trim to frame focal points for architectural balance.
Alternatives and Hybrid Upgrades
If a complete siding replacement is not right for you, there are a few other options available to improve your home’s curb appeal at a lower cost.
Partial upgrades, such as opting for siding installation only on your home’s front-facing elevation, offers maximum impact at an affordable price. Some homeowners also opt for pricier James Hardie siding at the front of the home, and lower-cost vinyl siding at the back.
Trim-only upgrades can give your home a budget-friendly visual refresh by updating window and corner trims. A gutter and siding combo is also one of our most popular exterior refresh packages.
Pre-Project Siding Checklist
If you are ready to upgrade your home’s siding, take the time to ask your siding installation contractor these questions:
- What material fits my climate and design vision?
- What colors will complement my roof and landscaping?
- How does insulation factor into the siding install?
- What warranties are included?
- How is old material removed and disposed of?
- Do you install trim, gutters, or windows alongside siding?
Lower Energy Costs, Improved Home Value, and Visual Appeal: Homeowners’ Experience of Siding Replacement
New siding can make an extraordinary difference to your home’s exterior appearance. However, you do not need to take our word for it. “We couldn’t believe it was the same house!” says one happy Matute customer. “Neighbors asked if we renovated the whole property,” says another.
Visual Transformation
For this client, we replaced their old beige vinyl siding with modern vertical James Hardie planks in slate gray. We also added black trim and white accents for a luxury-modern contrast.
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Case Study
Our client was a Union County homeowner whose property had 25-year-old beige vinyl siding. The Matute team installed James Hardie Arctic White lap siding with black trim, plus new seamless gutters.
Total cost: $24,000
Result: The home sold 30 days later at $40K above the appraisal price, with the realtor citing “HGTV-style curb appeal” as a key factor in the sale. The new siding installation also resulted in energy bills dropping by 12% due to better sealing and wrap.
The Matute Difference
Matute is a family-owned siding contractor proudly based in New Jersey and serving the local community for more than 20 years. We use only licensed crews and offer full warranties on all siding installation services. Our comprehensive service begins with inspecting the sheathing and includes clean-up and disposal when we are finished. We can also coordinate gutters, doors, and windows for a complete style makeover. And, with 0% interest financing options available, upgrading your home with new siding is more affordable than you think.
Whether you choose timeless vinyl, composite siding, or elegant wood-look James Hardie fiber cement, investing in high-quality siding pays off visually and financially. Enhance curb appeal, prevent damage, and embrace style, all while enjoying quality work and unparalleled customer service from the Matute team.
Whether you are staying or selling, are you ready to fall in love with your home again? Contact Matute Roofing today for a free, no-obligation siding consultation, and see the transformation for yourself.