5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Starting a Re-Siding Project

Ready to sign on the dotted line? After you've gotten references for reliable local siding contractors, make sure to ask each potential contractor these five questions. You'll quickly be able to separate the pros from the amateurs, and choose the best contractor for your project.

1. What materials do you install?

Many contractors try to be a jack-of-all-trades, but it's important to choose a siding installer that is familiar with the material you want to install. If you are unsure about which product you want, the contractor should be able to answer any questions you have. If you choose an inexperienced contractor or one that takes shortcuts or improperly installs the siding, the manufacturer's warranty may be voided. Ask questions about the contractor's previous projects.

2. How durable are the siding materials you install?

The true test of siding is how well it stands up to adverse conditions. Can it resist high-speed impacts from hailstones, rocks and other common projectiles? Impact resistance is important because it reduces ugly dents and holes during installation and beyond. Can it withstand strong winds and heavy rain? What about damage from extreme temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles? Is the siding susceptible to termite damage or fungal decay? Ask the siding contractor detailed questions about siding durability.

3. Are the siding materials you install backed by warranties?

Various siding materials carry different manufacturer warranties. For example, the LP® SmartSide® 5/50 Limited Warranty offers 20 years of coverage beyond the James Hardie^® 30-Year Limited Warranty included with Hardie fiber cement siding. Verify that your contractor is fully aware of the product and workmanship warranties that may come with siding materials for your job to avoid any issues if a repair is needed in the future.

4. Who will do the work?

After taking on a siding project, some contractors will sub-contract the actual installation to another company. This means that they - and ultimately you - have little to no say over the quality of the workmanship performed. Ask the company if their own employees will be completing the work, and request a general timeline of project milestones.

5. Is this a sustainable siding product?

Have you considered where the raw materials that make a siding material come from, or whether they were responsibly mined or harvested? Will you be able to reuse or recycle the materials once the siding reaches the end of its life? Find out if the siding material you are considering supports environmental sustainability.

Engineered Wood Siding: The Best Choice

Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of engineered wood siding from LP? From durability to sustainability to warranty coverage, we know you’ll be impressed. Browse the latest examples of home style trends to find what sparks inspiration for you or contact an LP® BuildSmart™ Preferred Remodeler or qualified contractor in your area.