Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Siding Guide for the Kansas City Area
When it comes to updating siding on your home, there are a lot of considerations! On this page, we’re covering the most common questions we get from homeowners about siding and how it applies to their homes. Don’t see your question on the list? Reach out and ask directly! We’re always happy to help.
Cost and Pricing
Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding Costs in 2026: How much does it cost to replace siding on a 2,000 sq. ft. home?
You will see a lot of information out on the internet and through different AI sources about the costs of getting new siding on your home. It’s hard to know what to trust about these numbers and how accurate they are. Where does this information come from? We’re not sure!
When searching ourselves, we found estimates for new siding that were all over the board. On the low end, the costs listed wouldn’t even be able to cover the materials needed, and on the high end, you’d be looking at taking out a second mortgage.
When it comes down to it, take all the ranges you find online with a grain of salt.
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the cost of installing siding on your home, including the size of your home, the siding material you choose, the amount of siding needed, and details like trim and soffit.
Let’s talk more about these details!
Here’s a more in-depth look into the factors that go into pricing siding for your home:
- Size of home: This does play into pricing, but it is not the deciding factor! What matters more is how much siding you will need on your home. Two houses might both be 2,000 square feet, but one of those houses could have double the amount of windows and brick on the exterior while the other doesn’t.
- Type of siding material: You will find most sources say that James Hardie fiber cement siding is more expensive to install than vinyl or polymer siding. This is partially true, but it depends on color selection (light vs dark) and quality of vinyl. Depending on those choices, vinyl or polymer can still be a more budget friendly option.
- Amount of siding, trim, and soffit needed: How do we determine how much material you need? We partner with a group called Hover, which provides us complete measurements of your home with “to the inch accuracy.” These measurements allow us to know precisely the amount of siding materials needed on your home based on the decisions you make and then allow us to give you accurate pricing! As an added bonus, Hover can apply the colors and product you choose so we can design the complete exterior look you want.
What about wood rot and repairs? We have been replacing siding on homes for more than 40 years and have learned that most homes need some repair. That’s why all our projects include 100 square feet of wood rot repair, which is built into your bid.
When we meet with you for in-home consultations, we will talk about siding options and materials, what the different options provide, and answer any questions you might have about what choice works best for both your home and for the Kansas City area. After working through the details mentioned above, we will be able to provide you a price for new fiber cement cement or vinyl siding.
Should I replace my windows and siding at the same time? Will it save me money?
What matters most is what needs to be replaced first. If your budget can only cover one or the other, then focus on what needs more attention.
You might see that replacing both at the same time creates a more seamless look and moisture barrier or save you labor costs. If the company you are working with is doing their due diligence, then they should be able to create a seamless look between your siding and windows even if only replacing one or the other. As for labor, there are small savings there, but net savings is small enough it shouldn’t be your deciding factor.
The main benefit to replacing both at the same time is you get the whole thing done at once and then don’t have to worry about setting up the next stage of improvements!
We can also conduct a complete inspection of your home’s condition when replacing siding and windows together. But if we’re only doing siding, for example, we are still able to thoroughly see the condition of the home and any repairs that need to be made for new siding.
We are happy to help you tackle your home improvement projects in stages. If you want to start with either siding or windows and do the other later, then just let us know! That way, we can make sure you’re all set up down the road when it comes to getting the next project done (including a returning customer discount).
What hidden costs should I expect in a siding replacement bid?
Ideally, there are no hidden costs in your siding replacement bid!
But, it is true that you are not just paying for the cost of the new siding. If the contractor you are talking to doesn’t provide a full list and breakdown of what you are paying for, ask them what the bid includes and if you will be paying more for other costs.
At Kansas City Siding and Windows our quotes for siding replacement include labor cost, the permit cost, tearing off the old siding and hauling it away, and wood rot repair. All our projects include 100 square feet of wood rot repair, which in our experience covers almost 99% of the houses we work on.
Ask about how those extra costs are determined and charged when discussing the initial bid! If the company isn’t forthcoming about what “unforeseen expenses” might include, consider someone who is more transparent.
Is it worth the extra cost to install insulated siding?
Yes, it is well worth it to include insulation under your siding.
First off, let’s clarify: the insulation question applies to vinyl and polymer siding installation.
Kansas City Siding and Windows includes insulation with a moisture barrier under all vinyl and polymer jobs. This cost is included in our siding bids we provide at in-home consultations. We always include insulation for this siding.
This approach provides additional protection for your home, keeps out moisture and damage to your siding over time. It also results in significant savings on your utilities.
How does new siding affect my home's resale value in 2026?
This is the exciting part.
Installing new siding on your home increases the value of your home. But by how much?
In the 2024 Cost vs. Value report, we saw that new fiber cement siding for homes in Kansas City typically recouped homeowners 90% of the project cost. Which is a great return on the investment in your home!
But the 2025 Cost vs. Value report shows something even better. For homes in the Kansas City area, new fiber cement siding recoups homeowners an average of 111% the project cost. That means your home value could increase more than the cost of the siding!
For vinyl siding, we see a similar trend. The 2024 report shows that for vinyl siding, Kansas City homeowners recouped an average of 70% of the project cost. But the 2025 numbers improved for vinyl siding too. The latest report shows 88% of the cost recouped for new vinyl siding on the home.
What accounts for the increase? The current state of the market. Home buyers are more discerning in the current market and tend toward homes in solid condition with recently updated and aesthetically pleasing exteriors. An updated home is more likely to sell and more likely to sell at a higher price.
Siding Types, Materials, and Replacement
What is the best siding material for the Kansas City area? What siding stands up best to Midwestern weather extremes in 2026?
Fiber cement has been steadily growing in popularity for homeowners over the last decade, and it is great for houses in our area due to its durability. As an added bonus, the James Hardie siding we install in Kansas and Missouri has been specifically designed for our region!
We only install siding that we think will last on your home for years to come. Here are benefits to each and why they work well in the Midwest:
Fiber cement: Rated for hot and cold, impact and wood rot resistant, impervious to pests like termites and woodpeckers, Class A fire rating
Vinyl (also known as polymer): Reinforced during the manufacturing process for additional UV resistance, impact and wood rot resistant
Engineered wood: Durable, stands up to moisture and hail, made from a renewable resource
If you’re looking for more comparisons, you can see our in-depth articles on fiber cement vs wood siding and fiber cement vs vinyl siding for homes in Kansas and Missouri.
How long does fiber cement siding actually last compared to vinyl?
How long siding lasts depends on the quality of the material and the quality of the installation. If you invest in high-quality siding that is professionally installed, you are looking at fiber cement lasting 50 years or more on your home and high-quality vinyl lasting 40 years or more.
When looking for how long siding lasts across the internet, you’ll find a set of different ranges, but in our experience, pairing quality materials with quality installation gives you a longer-term investment than you might think! Keep in mind that James Hardie warranties their material for 30 years and our vinyl producer, Mastic, offers a lifetime warranty on their materials. In almost all cases, your siding should outlast the warranty.
Remember, the material is only as good as the installation! Installation that doesn’t follow best practices, such as installing without a proper moisture barrier or rainscreen, will cause issues down the line. Your siding will still look great, but if moisture is introduced underneath, that can cause rot and other issues.
Make sure that you work with a company who knows the steps and follows them properly! Our teams go through training and we take careful measures to make sure all the prep work is done to keep your house protected and siding working as intended.
When installing vinyl, be sure to ask about the manufacturer and material as well. Cheaper vinyl will save you money on the initial project but it doesn’t last long in Kansas and Missouri winters and summers and could need to be replaced after only a few years.
Can new siding be installed over old siding? Do I need to do a full tear-off?
Whether we tear off existing siding is determined on an individual basis. In some cases it is necessary, such as removing old vinyl siding, but often we are able to install over old siding. In every home we work on, we do a complete wood rot evaluation and overall inspection of the home to create an effective moisture barrier and install siding that will offer complete protection for your home.
If you have additional questions about what is going to happen to the current siding on your home, feel free to ask during your initial consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
How do I know if my siding needs to be replaced?
Let’s get into some details about the major things to look for on your home’s siding:
- Warping and crackling or bubbling: Your home’s siding creates a barrier and when that barrier starts to warp or crack, it will no longer effectively lock out moisture or temperature extremes.
- Soft spots or sagging areas: When your siding has soft spots or sagging areas, not only does this allow for moisture to get in, but it also suggests that there is an issue underneath the siding already that has to be addressed.
- Fading or peeling paint: Fading and peeling paint could be your sign to repaint rather than replace. But if you don’t want to go through the repainting process again a few years down the line, new siding could be a good solution.
- Mold, mildew, or dry rot: If you notice this damage on the side of your home, you will definitely want to do a repair. Depending on the type of siding you have and how old it is, you might want to combine this repair with new siding.
- Damage from pests, woodpeckers, or other animals: The telltale signs of holes from woodpeckers or other damage that looks like it has been caused by wildlife can mean it’s time for an upgrade. If you’ve run into this situation, fiber cement is a great option that is impervious to pests and woodpeckers.
- Higher energy bills, drafts or discomfort inside your home: If the inside of your home is cold and drafty in the winter and your energy bills are creeping up, this is a sign that new siding (or windows) could be needed to help keep you more comfortable!
What are the trending siding colors for 2026?
Current trending siding colors have been shifting toward bold neutrals. It’s why James Hardie named Iron Gray as its color of the year for 2026!
In 2025, the top three fiber cement colors we installed were Arctic White, Deep Ocean, and Slate Gray. (Read our full write up of the most popular colors of 2025.)
We see a lot of homeowners choosing neutral tones like gray and brown. The most common trim color to pair with new siding in white, but we also see homeowners who go for Arctic White siding opt for a high contrast black trim.
Does new siding integrate with smart home security systems?
Yes, new siding integrates with whatever you need to mount on your home. We remove and reinstall exterior lighting, install vents, security systems, and anything else that is mounted on the home.
Installation Process and Team
What should I look for in a warranty?
When completing a siding project, we recommend ensuring you get a warranty on both the materials and on the labor.
The manufacturer provides the warranty on the material and when it comes to our siding manufacturers, they offer great coverage. James Hardie offers a 30-year limited non-prorated warranty on their siding that is transferable to the next homeowner, providing extended coverage. Our vinyl manufacturer, Mastic, offers a lifetime transferable warranty on installations.
As for the labor warranty, Kansas City Siding and Windows offers a lifetime warranty on all our home improvement projects. We like to add that when we say we offer a lifetime warranty, we mean it. Because we’ve been in business for more than 40 years, we can cover projects that were done years ago. About half of construction companies go out of business in the first five years and few survive as long as we have. And we have no intention of going anywhere.
What questions should I ask a potential siding contractor before signing a contract?
Anything you need to!
But some of our favorite questions include:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What does your process look like and how long will the project take?
- Do your installation teams work for you or are they subcontracted?
- What does your warranty look like?
- When is payment required and what are payment options?
No matter the list of questions, we recommend working with someone who will answer everything you ask. There is no need to be evasive about licensing, the work process, or the warranty. So make sure you feel comfortable with the answers you receive!