Expert Siding Contractors in Reading, MA

Siding replacement is something most homeowners put off until the problems become obvious. Panels pulling away from the wall. Soft spots where rot has taken hold. Paint that won't stay on no matter how many coats you apply. Reading homeowners maintain their properties well, but every siding installation eventually reaches its limit.

The weather here is tough on exterior materials. Between December and March, freeze-thaw cycles do real damage. Water seeps into small cracks, freezes overnight, expands, and forces those cracks wider. Repeat that process forty or fifty times each winter and even quality materials fail. Summer brings a different challenge. UV exposure on south and west walls breaks down finishes and makes some materials brittle. North-facing walls hold moisture longer, encouraging mold growth.

For most Reading homeowners, the decision comes down to vinyl or James Hardie fiber cement. Vinyl is the budget-friendly choice. Modern premium vinyl with insulated backing costs significantly less than fiber cement and requires almost no maintenance. It won't rot, won't need painting, and handles weather well when installed correctly. The limitation is appearance. Even premium woodgrain textures look like vinyl up close. For homes valued at $800,000 and above, that matters.

James Hardie costs roughly 40-60% more than vinyl, but the investment is visible. It's thicker and more substantial. The texture reads as painted wood, not plastic. Hardie handles freeze-thaw cycles better than vinyl, resists impacts, and holds color for years. The ColorPlus factory finishes carry a 15-year color warranty. For the older homes along the tree-lined streets in West Reading or the established neighborhoods near downtown, Hardie maintains character while eliminating maintenance headaches.

Natural wood siding remains an option for homeowners who want authentic character. Cedar clapboards and shingles look beautiful and weather naturally. The tradeoff is maintenance every five to eight years. You'll budget for repainting or staining, and you'll watch for rot. Stone veneer works well for accent applications like foundation wraps and entryway surrounds.

Our process starts with a thorough inspection. We check for rot or damage to the sheathing underneath the old siding and assess whether existing housewrap is still functional. The estimate covers everything: removal, sheathing repairs if needed, new housewrap, siding, trim, soffit, and fascia. Most homeowners address the entire exterior at once. Replacing siding while leaving deteriorating trim looks incomplete and costs more later.

We handle all permitting through the town's online system. Application, fees, inspection scheduling. You don't need to take time off work to visit the Building Department. Permit approval typically takes five to ten business days. Most siding projects take one to three weeks depending on home size and complexity.

Every project includes manufacturer warranties on materials plus our workmanship warranty on installation. Most siding failures stem from installation problems, not defective materials. Proper flashing details, correct nailing patterns, adequate weather barriers. These details determine whether your siding lasts decades or fails prematurely.

We've been doing this work for 27 years under the same family ownership. Crews arrive when scheduled, protect your landscaping, and clean up daily. That's how you build a reputation in towns where neighbors talk.