Why St. Louis Homeowners Need Expert Siding Contractors
House siding contractors St. Louis provide essential installation, repair, and replacement services using materials like vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement, and LP SmartSide engineered wood. With over 2,349 siding contractors serving the St. Louis metro area, homeowners face the challenge of choosing qualified professionals who offer fair pricing, proper installation techniques, and reliable warranties.
Quick Answer for St. Louis Homeowners:
| What You Need | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Top Materials | Vinyl ($3-$12/sq ft), Fiber Cement ($7-$18/sq ft), Engineered Wood |
| Key Credentials | BBB Accreditation, Licensed/Bonded/Insured, James Hardie Preferred Status |
| Installation Process | Evaluation, old siding removal, dry rot repair, moisture barrier, expert installation |
| Typical Timeline | 1-2 weeks for average home |
| Warranties | 10-year workmanship, 20-60 year materials |
Your home’s exterior faces serious challenges in St. Louis. Temperature swings from below freezing to sweltering summers stress siding materials. Hail storms and high winds cause damage that requires insurance claims. Old Masonite siding rots away, while builder-grade vinyl warps and cracks.
The right siding contractor makes all the difference. They’ll handle everything from storm damage insurance claims to complete exterior evaluations. Top contractors use certified installation crews, apply proper moisture barriers and flashing, and back their work with solid warranties.
The average St. Louis homeowner rating for siding services is 4.2 stars based on 154 verified reviews. Leading contractors like those with A+ BBB ratings and James Hardie Preferred status consistently deliver quality work, reasonable timelines, and excellent customer service.
This guide covers the materials, costs, installation process, and contractor selection criteria you need to make an informed decision about your St. Louis home’s siding project.
Top Materials Used by House Siding Contractors St Louis
When we walk through neighborhoods in St. Louis, St. Peters, or O’Fallon, we see a huge variety of siding styles. The material you choose isn’t just about looks—it’s about how many times you want to deal with maintenance over the next twenty years. In our humid Missouri climate, some materials perform much better than others.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl remains the most popular choice for house siding contractors st louis because it is incredibly cost-effective and versatile. Modern vinyl siding has come a long way from the thin, brittle plastic of the 90s. Today, you can get insulated vinyl that helps keep your AC bills down during those humid July afternoons. There are many benefits of vinyl siding installation, including the fact that it never needs to be painted. You just give it a good power wash once a year, and it looks brand new.
Fiber Cement
If you want a material that is nearly “bulletproof” against the elements, fiber cement is the way to go. Made from a mix of wood fibers, sand, and cement, it mimics the look of real wood but won’t rot or get eaten by termites.
Engineered Wood
This is a middle-ground material that offers the authentic warmth of wood with much higher durability. It’s treated to resist fungal decay and pests, making it a favorite for homeowners in wooded areas like Chesterfield or Wildwood.
Cedar Shakes
For that classic, high-end look, natural cedar is hard to beat. However, it does require more maintenance (staining and sealing) to prevent the St. Louis moisture from causing rot.
James Hardie and Fiber Cement Options
When we talk about fiber cement, James Hardie is the name that usually comes up first. It is widely considered the gold standard for house siding contractors st louis. Why? Because it is specifically engineered for our climate. It doesn’t shrink or swell with the temperature changes we see in Maryland Heights or Creve Coeur.
One of the biggest selling points for fiber cement is its fire resistance. Unlike vinyl, which can melt if a grill is too close, fiber cement will not ignite when exposed to direct flame. It also provides excellent pest protection. Woodpeckers and termites, which are common headaches in Missouri, find fiber cement completely unappetizing. For more technical details on how these systems work, you can check out fiber cement product specifications.
LP SmartSide and Engineered Wood
LP SmartSide is another heavy hitter in the St. Louis market. It uses “SmartGuard” technology, which involves treating every strand of wood with a combination of zinc borate, resins, and waxes. This process makes the siding incredibly resistant to impact—which is great news if your kids like to practice their baseball swing against the garage wall.
Engineered wood is also lighter than fiber cement, which can sometimes lead to a faster installation process. It features a rich cedar grain texture that is almost indistinguishable from real wood. You can dive deeper into the engineered wood durability research to see how it stands up against moisture and rot over the long haul.
Understanding Siding Installation Costs in St. Louis
Talking about money isn’t always fun, but it’s necessary! The cost of your project depends on three main things: the size of your home, the material you choose, and the complexity of the job (like how many stories your house has or how much old siding needs to be hauled away).
| Material Type | Estimated Cost per Sq. Ft. (Installed) | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl | $3 – $12 | 20-40 Years |
| Fiber Cement (Hardie) | $7 – $18 | 50+ Years |
| Engineered Wood | $6 – $15 | 30-50 Years |
| Natural Cedar | $12 – $25 | 20-30 Years |
Note: These are estimates. Prices can fluctuate based on current supply chain costs and labor availability in the St. Louis metro area.
When house siding contractors st louis give you a quote, they are usually looking at the “square” (a 10×10 foot area). Beyond the material, you have to account for removal fees of the old siding. If you have old Masonite or lead-painted wood, disposal might cost a bit more.
Labor rates in areas like Ladue or Clayton might be slightly higher due to local permit requirements and insurance costs. We always recommend calculating the lifetime cost of siding rather than just the upfront price. A cheaper vinyl might save you money today, but a fiber cement board could save you from having to do this all over again in 15 years.
The Professional Siding Installation Process
We’ve seen it all—siding slapped on over rotting wood, flashing that points water into the house, and nails driven so tight the vinyl buckles in the sun. A professional installation should follow a very specific set of steps to protect your home.
- Exterior Evaluation: We start by looking at the “bones” of the house. Are there soft spots? Is the current siding failing?
- Siding Removal: The old stuff has to go. We don’t believe in “siding over” old material because it hides problems like mold or termite damage.
- Dry Rot Repair: If we find rotted sheathing or studs, we fix them right then and there. You can’t build a beautiful exterior on a rotten foundation.
- Moisture Barrier (House Wrap): This is the “raincoat” for your house. We apply a high-quality weather barrier to ensure that even if a little moisture gets behind the siding, it doesn’t touch your wood framing.
- Flashing: This is critical around windows, doors, and corners. Proper flashing directs water away from the openings of your home.
- Expert Installation: Whether it’s lap siding, board and batten, or shakes, we follow manufacturer-specific nailing patterns to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
To see a more detailed breakdown of what this looks like in our local neighborhoods, check out the steps involved in siding replacement.
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims for House Siding Contractors St Louis
St. Louis is famous for its “wait five minutes and the weather will change” attitude. Unfortunately, that often means hail and high winds. If your siding has holes, cracks, or is literally hanging off the side of your house after a storm, you may have an insurance claim.
Many house siding contractors st louis specialize in insurance restoration. This involves meeting with the insurance adjuster to point out damage that might be missed by an untrained eye. For example, hail can cause “bruising” on vinyl that isn’t obvious until the sun hits it at a certain angle.
If your roof was damaged, there’s a high chance your siding was too. It’s often best to have both inspected at the same time. Knowing the signs you need siding repair can save you from a massive headache down the road if water starts leaking into your walls.
How to Choose the Best Siding Contractors in St. Louis
With over 2,000 contractors to choose from, how do you narrow it down? It’s not just about the lowest bid. In fact, the lowest bid often comes from someone who isn’t insured or doesn’t use a proper crew.
- BBB Accreditation: Look for an A+ rating. This shows the company cares about resolving customer issues.
- Local Service Areas: Ensure they actually work in your town. A contractor from three counties away might be hard to get a hold of if you need a warranty repair.
- No Upfront Deposits: This is a big one. Reputable contractors (like us!) often don’t require a dime until the materials are on-site or the job is done.
- Red Flags: Avoid contractors who pressure you to sign “today only” deals or those who don’t have a physical office address in the St. Louis area.
Understanding how a siding professional protects your home will help you ask the right questions during your consultation.
Credentials to Look for in House Siding Contractors St Louis
You wouldn’t let an unlicensed doctor perform surgery, so don’t let an uncertified contractor “perform surgery” on your biggest investment.
- Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: This protects you if a worker gets hurt on your property or if the contractor disappears halfway through the job.
- Manufacturer Certifications: Companies like James Hardie and CertainTeed have “Preferred” or “Master” programs. Contractors in these programs have gone through special training to ensure they install the products exactly as the manufacturer intended.
- Workmanship Warranties: A material warranty covers the siding itself, but a workmanship warranty covers the installation. We believe in our work so much we offer lifetime labor warranties.
If you are still on the fence, read through these 10 reasons to schedule a replacement to see if your home is showing the classic warning signs of failure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siding in St. Louis
Does homeowners insurance cover siding replacement?
Generally, yes—but only if the damage was caused by a “covered peril” like a sudden storm, fire, or vandalism. It does not cover general wear and tear, rot from lack of maintenance, or “it just looks old.” If a hail storm rolls through St. Charles and dents your siding, that’s usually covered. If your siding is simply fading after 30 years, that’s on you. Knowing when to schedule a siding repair can help you decide if it’s an insurance issue or a maintenance one.
How long does vinyl siding last in the St. Louis climate?
In our climate, high-quality vinyl siding typically lasts between 20 and 40 years. However, the intense UV rays in the summer can cause darker colors to fade over time, and the extreme cold in winter can make older vinyl brittle. To get the most out of it, we recommend a gentle cleaning every year and keeping your grill a safe distance away! Maintaining home exterior appeal is the best way to ensure your siding lasts as long as possible.
What geographic areas do local contractors serve?
Most top-tier house siding contractors st louis serve the entire metro area and surrounding suburbs. This includes:
- St. Louis County: Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and Clayton.
- St. Charles County: St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, and Wentzville.
- North County: Florissant and Hazelwood.
If you are specifically looking for siding services in St. Charles, you’ll find that contractors who are local to that side of the river can often get to your home faster for estimates and repairs.
Conclusion
Choosing between the many house siding contractors st louis doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By focusing on high-quality materials like James Hardie or LP SmartSide, understanding the real costs involved, and verifying contractor credentials, you can ensure your home stays protected and beautiful for decades.
At Martin & Sons, we do things a little differently. We know that trust is earned, not given. That’s why we offer no upfront deposits—you only pay us when the job is 100% complete and you are totally satisfied. We back our installations with lifetime labor warranties and offer our best prices upfront, so there’s no haggling or hidden fees. Whether you are in Florissant, Chesterfield, or St. Peters, we are here to help you transform your home’s exterior.
Ready to give your home the upgrade it deserves? Contact our St. Louis siding contractors today for a free, no-pressure estimate!