Exterior · Ohio & Michigan
Siding, fascia and soffit
What a siding project includes, how fascia wrap and soffit fit in, lead-safe rules for older homes, and what to confirm in a written quote.
2 min read · Updated
Key takeaways
- A siding job is priced by the square (100 sq ft of wall) after windows and doors are deducted.
- House wrap, flashing around windows and trim details decide how well the new siding keeps water out.
- On pre-1978 homes, federal lead-safe rules apply when painted surfaces are disturbed.
Siding is the visible layer of the wall. Behind it, a water-resistive barrier and flashing at every window, door and roof-to-wall joint do most of the waterproofing. A good siding job gets those hidden layers right.
What a siding project includes
- Removing old siding (or installing over it, where appropriate) and checking the sheathing.
- House wrap or another water-resistive barrier, taped and lapped correctly.
- Flashing at windows, doors, roof-to-wall joints and penetrations.
- Starter strip, siding panels, J-channel around openings, and inside and outside corner posts.
- Trim at fascia, soffit, frieze boards and gable ends.
The siding calculator turns wall, gable and opening measurements into net area, cartons and trim lengths.
Fascia and soffit
Fascia is the board along the roof edge where gutters hang. Soffit closes the underside of the overhang and often provides attic air intake through vented panels.
Fascia wrap covers wood fascia with bent coil stock, usually aluminum, so it never needs paint. Wrapping over rotten wood hides the problem and traps moisture, so soft boards should be replaced first. The fascia and soffit calculator works out coil rolls, pre-formed pieces and soffit panels.
Older homes and lead paint
In homes built before 1978, painted siding, trim and windows may contain lead. EPA rules require paid contractors who disturb painted surfaces in these homes to be lead-safe certified (RRP) and to follow lead-safe work practices. Ask for the firm’s certification.
What to confirm in a quote
- Product line, thickness or gauge, profile and color for siding, soffit and trim.
- Tear-off or overlay, and how damaged sheathing is priced.
- Water-resistive barrier and flashing details at openings.
- Vented soffit area for attic ventilation.
- Lead-safe practices for pre-1978 homes.
- Warranty for material and workmanship.
Siding materials compared
| Material | Maintenance | Notes for cold climates |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Low; wash occasionally | Can crack from impacts in very cold weather. Thicker panels resist better. |
| Fiber cement | Paint every so often | Heavy; needs careful cutting and dust control. Not affected by cold. |
| Engineered wood | Paint and caulk upkeep | Must be sealed at cut edges and kept off the ground. |
| Metal (steel or aluminum) | Low | Dents from hail are possible. |
Signs it’s time for new siding
- Soft or spongy spots behind the siding, or peeling paint and stains on inside walls.
- Warped, cracked or loose panels after winter.
- Mold or mildew coming from behind the siding, not just on the surface.
- High heating bills with drafts at outlets on exterior walls, which can point to missing wrap or insulation.
Measure walls with the siding calculator and trim with the fascia and soffit calculator. The exterior cost guide explains the planning ranges.
Run your numbers
Quick siding estimate
Provisional planning range (our setting, not a quote or market average). Real prices depend on condition, access and scope.
Quick fascia wrap estimate
Provisional planning range (our setting, not a quote or market average). Real prices depend on condition, access and scope.
Siding, fascia and soffit: common questions
How long does vinyl siding last?
Quality vinyl siding commonly lasts decades. Fading, cracking from impacts in cold weather and loose panels are the usual reasons it gets replaced.
Can new siding go over old siding?
Sometimes, but it hides rot and moisture problems and can cause trim and window detailing issues. Most contractors recommend removing old siding so sheathing and flashing can be inspected.
What is the best siding for Ohio and Michigan winters?
Vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood and metal all work here when installed correctly. The differences are cost, maintenance, impact resistance in cold weather and appearance. Installation details matter more than the product.
Should I replace fascia and soffit with siding?
It is often efficient to do them together, since the same crew and materials are involved and rotted fascia is easier to fix while the house is open.
Sources
- Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Federal government
- 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 7 Wall Covering, International Code Council. Model code
Model code for water-resistive barriers and exterior wall coverings. Local adoption varies.
General information only. Codes, product instructions and warranties change, and your local building department and the manufacturer have the final word.