Siding Installation in Washington: Hardie Board, Vinyl & Cedar for PNW Climate
Siding Installation in Washington: Hardie Board, Vinyl & Cedar for PNW Climate
Choosing and installing the right siding for Washington's wet, challenging climate
Siding for Washington's Climate
Washington's climate is brutal on siding. West of the Cascades, we get 150+ days of rain, persistent humidity, moss growth, and freeze-thaw cycles. East of the Cascades, extreme temperature swings and UV exposure create different challenges. Choosing the right siding material isn't just about aesthetics—it's about survival.
This guide covers the best siding options for Washington, costs, installation considerations, and what questions to ask contractors.
Siding Costs in Washington (2024)
Installed Cost Per Square Foot
| Siding Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4–$6 | $6–$9 | $9–$12 |
| Fiber cement (Hardie) | $8–$11 | $11–$15 | $15–$20 |
| Cedar (shingle) | $10–$14 | $14–$19 | $19–$25 |
| Cedar (bevel/lap) | $9–$13 | $13–$18 | $18–$24 |
| Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | $7–$10 | $10–$14 | $14–$18 |
| Metal (steel/aluminum) | $8–$12 | $12–$18 | $18–$25 |
| Composite | $12–$18 | $18–$25 | $25–$35 |
Total Project Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Vinyl | Fiber Cement | Cedar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000–1,500 sq ft) | $8,000–$15,000 | $16,000–$28,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
| Medium (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | $12,000–$22,000 | $24,000–$42,000 | $30,000–$52,000 |
| Large (2,500–3,500 sq ft) | $18,000–$32,000 | $35,000–$60,000 | $45,000–$75,000 |
| Very large (3,500+ sq ft) | $25,000–$45,000 | $50,000–$85,000 | $65,000–$100,000+ |
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|
| Materials | 40–50% |
| Labor | 35–45% |
| Removal of old siding | 5–10% |
| Permits, trim, accessories | 5–10% |
Additional Cost Factors
| Factor | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Removing old siding | +$1–$3/sq ft |
| Replacing sheathing/OSB | +$2–$5/sq ft |
| New house wrap | +$0.50–$1.50/sq ft |
| Window/door trim | +$50–$200/opening |
| Complex architecture | +15–30% |
| Multi-story | +10–25% |
| Soffit and fascia | +$5–$15/linear ft |
Siding Materials for PNW Climate
Fiber Cement (Hardie Board)
Why it's popular in Washington:
- Handles moisture without swelling or rotting
- Non-combustible (fire-resistant)
- Resists insects and pests
- Doesn't support moss/mildew growth
- Minimal expansion/contraction
- 30–50 year lifespan
- Paintable, many factory-finish options
Considerations:
- Heavier = more complex installation
- Requires skilled installers
- Can crack if improperly handled
- Needs painting every 10–15 years (unless ColorPlus)
- Higher upfront cost
| Product Line | Features | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| HardiePlank Lap | Most popular, horizontal | Mid-range |
| HardieShingle | Shake look, vertical | Mid-high |
| HardiePanel | Large panels, modern | Mid-range |
| ColorPlus | Factory-finished, 15-yr warranty | Premium |
💡 Seattle Tip: HardiePlank with ColorPlus finish is extremely popular here. The factory finish handles our moisture better than field-applied paint and carries a 15-year fade warranty.
Western Red Cedar
Why it works in Washington:
- Naturally rot and insect resistant
- Breathable—handles moisture cycling
- Beautiful natural aesthetic
- Local/sustainable (grown in PNW)
- Can be painted, stained, or left natural
- 20–40 year lifespan with maintenance
Considerations:
- Requires regular maintenance (stain/paint every 3–5 years)
- Higher cost than vinyl
- Can split, check, or warp over time
- Attracts woodpeckers if left untreated
- Fire risk without treatment
| Style | Application | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Bevel/lap siding | Traditional horizontal | Moderate |
| Shingle/shake | Classic Northwest look | Higher |
| Tongue & groove | Soffits, accent areas | Moderate |
| Board & batten | Vertical, modern farmhouse | Moderate |
Vinyl Siding
Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost
- Zero painting required
- Resists moisture (doesn't absorb)
- Easy to clean
- Good color retention
- 20–30 year lifespan
Cons for Washington:
- Can crack in cold snaps
- Looks plastic (especially cheap grades)
- Limited depth and shadow lines
- Can melt near heat sources
- May not suit historic neighborhoods
- Lower resale perception in upscale areas
| Grade | What to Expect | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Builder-grade (thin) | Wavy appearance, fades faster | Rentals, budget |
| Mid-grade | Decent appearance, standard warranty | Average homes |
| Premium/insulated | Thicker, better appearance, added R-value | Investment-minded |
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)
What it is: Treated wood strands bonded with resin, protected with overlay.
Pros:
- Looks like real wood
- Less expensive than cedar or fiber cement
- Lighter than fiber cement
- Good impact resistance
- 50-year warranty on some products
Cons:
- Relatively new (less track record)
- Requires painting
- Cut edges need sealing
- Some past moisture issues with older products
Metal Siding (Steel/Aluminum)
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Fire-resistant
- Won't rot, warp, or attract pests
- Modern aesthetic options
- 40–60+ year lifespan
Cons:
- Can dent (aluminum more than steel)
- Conducts heat and cold
- Expansion/contraction noise possible
- Higher cost
- Limited contractor familiarity
- Salt air concerns (coastal areas)
Washington-Specific Installation Requirements
Moisture Management (Critical)
Washington requires careful moisture management:
- Weather-resistant barrier (WRB) – House wrap or building paper
- Flashing – Around all windows, doors, penetrations
- Drainage plane – Allow moisture to escape
- Ventilation – Behind siding for drying
- Proper caulking – But not over-caulking (needs to breathe)
| Method | What It Does | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| House wrap (Tyvek, etc.) | Water barrier, vapor-permeable | All installations |
| Rainscreen | Air gap for drainage and drying | Recommended in Western WA |
| Furring strips | Creates drainage plane | Some applications |
| Integrated WRB (Hardie) | Combined backing and barrier | Optional |
Rainscreen Systems
Given Seattle's moisture, many builders now recommend rainscreen installations:
What it is: Creating an air gap (typically 3/8"–3/4") between siding and sheathing.
Benefits:
- Allows moisture to drain and dry
- Extends siding and paint life
- Reduces mold/rot risk
- Required by some codes for certain assemblies
Added cost: +$1–$3/sq ft
Building Codes
- Permits required for residing in most WA jurisdictions
- Energy code may require insulation upgrades
- Historic districts may restrict material choices
- HOAs may have appearance requirements
Lead Paint and Old Siding
Pre-1978 Homes
When removing old siding from pre-1978 homes:
| Consideration | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing | Recommended before disturbing |
| EPA RRP Rule | Applies if lead paint present |
| Containment | Required if lead found |
| Disposal | Lead waste = hazardous waste |
| Cost impact | +$2–$5/sq ft if lead present |
Old Siding Removal Costs
| Old Material | Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $0.50–$1/sq ft |
| Aluminum | $0.75–$1.50/sq ft |
| Wood | $1–$2/sq ft |
| Asbestos shingle | $4–$8/sq ft (hazardous) |
| Multiple layers | +50–100% |
⚠️ Warning: Asbestos siding was common in Washington homes from 1920s–1970s. Test before removal—asbestos abatement is expensive and legally required.
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY Makes Sense When:
- Vinyl siding on simple, single-story structure
- Small project (shed, detached garage)
- You have construction experience
- Not the primary residence
- You understand moisture management
Hire a Professional When:
- Fiber cement or cedar (heavy, requires skill)
- Multi-story home
- Complex architecture (lots of corners, windows)
- Old siding removal needed
- Moisture problems to address
- Want manufacturer warranty (often requires certified installer)
- Any lead or asbestos concerns
Professional Installation Benefits
- Proper moisture management
- Manufacturer warranty (some require certified installers)
- Code compliance
- Insurance coverage
- Proper flashing and trim
Maintenance by Material
| Material | Annual | Every 5–10 Years | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Wash | Inspect | 20–30 years |
| Fiber cement | Wash, inspect | Repaint (if not ColorPlus) | 30–50 years |
| Cedar (painted) | Inspect | Repaint | 25–40 years |
| Cedar (stained) | Inspect | Restain | 20–35 years |
| Cedar (natural) | Inspect | Nothing (weathers) | 20–30 years |
| Engineered wood | Wash, inspect | Repaint | 30–50 years |
| Metal | Wash | Inspect, touch up | 40–60+ years |
Questions to Ask Siding Contractors
- What siding materials do you recommend for our climate?
- How do you handle moisture management/drainage?
- Do you install rainscreen systems?
- Are you certified by the manufacturer? (especially Hardie)
- How do you handle window and door flashing?
- What's your process for removing old siding?
- Have you dealt with lead paint or asbestos?
- What warranties do you offer?
- Can you show me similar projects in this area?
- How do you handle unexpected repairs (rot, sheathing damage)?
Red Flags
- No discussion of moisture management
- Won't install house wrap or flashing
- Wants to install over existing problem siding
- Not certified for fiber cement
- No references for this material
- Pressure to skip permits
- Significantly below market pricing
Find Siding Contractors in Our Directory
All contractors are verified for:
✅ Active Washington L&I registration ✅ Current liability insurance ✅ Workers' compensation compliance ✅ Manufacturer certifications (where applicable)
Related Resources
- Hardie Board Installation
- Exterior Painting in Seattle
- Pressure Washing in WA
- Lead Paint Removal in WA
Last updated: 2024. Prices reflect Washington market rates. Get multiple quotes for your specific project.