Residential Siding Installation

Siding Materials We Install in Natick and MetroWest

Choosing siding is a balance of budget, appearance, maintenance and how well the material handles New England weather: freezing winters, heavy snow, driving rain and humid summers. Here is how the most common options compare, so you can walk into your estimate knowing what to ask.

Fiber Cement Siding (HardiePlank)

Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie's HardiePlank, is made from cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of painted wood clapboard with less upkeep. It does not rot or get eaten by insects, it is fire-resistant, and it holds paint well, and pre-finished options are available. The trade-offs are a higher price than vinyl, a heavier material that takes more labor to install, and periodic caulking and repainting over the years.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option. The color runs through the material, so there is no painting, and washing it occasionally is usually enough to keep it looking good. Insulated vinyl, with a foam backing, is also available. Vinyl can crack on impact or in extreme cold, and it can warp or fade in strong sun, especially in darker colors, so the quality of the product and the installation both matter.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding, such as LP SmartSide, is made from treated wood strands bonded under heat and pressure. It offers a wood-grain look at a lower cost than natural cedar, and it needs paint and sealed cut edges to perform well over time.

Cedar and Natural Wood Siding

Cedar clapboard and shingles are traditional on New England homes and are hard to match for appearance. They also take the most upkeep, with regular staining or painting, and they are the most vulnerable to rot if moisture is not managed.

Trim, Fascia and Soffit

Siding is only as good as the trim and flashing around it. We also repair and replace rotted trim, fascia and soffit, including low-maintenance PVC trim options, so the edges of your roof and walls are sound before new siding goes on.

Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding at a Glance

Not sure which is right for your home? We can walk you through both options during your free estimate.

What a Siding Project Includes

A siding project is more than hanging new panels on the walls. Water damage usually starts behind the siding, so the details underneath matter as much as the material you see. A typical project includes:

1. Inspection and written estimate. We look at the walls, trim, window and door surrounds, and roof-to-wall flashing, then provide a written estimate that spells out the scope.
2. Removal and inspection. Old siding comes off so the sheathing can be checked for hidden rot or moisture damage.
3. Repairs. Damaged sheathing or trim is explained and documented, and any work outside the original scope is approved before we proceed.
4. Weather barrier and flashing. A weather-resistant barrier and proper flashing go in around windows, doors and roof intersections.
5. Siding installation. New siding is installed following the manufacturer's instructions for the product you chose.
6. Trim, caulking and cleanup. Corners, trim and joints are finished and sealed, and the jobsite is cleaned up.
7. Final walkthrough. We review the finished work with you before the project is complete.

Planning a full tear-off? See our residential siding replacement page for more on what a complete replacement involves.

Signs Your Siding May Need Repair or Replacement

• Cracked, warped, buckled or loose panels
• Soft spots or rot near corners, trim and the bottom of walls
• Peeling, bubbling or flaking paint
• Water stains or dampness on interior walls near exterior siding
• Mold, mildew or algae that keeps coming back
• Gaps, daylight or drafts around siding, windows and trim
• Holes from insects or woodpeckers
• Fading or chalking that cleaning does not fix

If you find soft spots or water stains, do not wait. Water behind siding can damage the sheathing and framing long before it shows on the outside.

Siding for Older MetroWest Homes

Many homes in Natick and the surrounding towns are decades old, and older walls come with their own considerations: wood clapboard that has been painted many times, trim that has rotted at corners and windows, and sometimes more than one layer of siding.

• Lead paint. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and federal rules require lead-safe work practices for renovation work on these homes. Ask any contractor how they handle it.
• Asbestos-cement siding. Some mid-century homes have asbestos-cement shingles. Do not cut, drill or break them, and have the material tested before any work begins.
• Historic districts. Some neighborhoods have historic district rules that limit exterior changes. Check with your town before choosing a material.

One Contractor for Siding, Roofing, Gutters and Windows

Your siding, roof, gutters and windows all meet at the same walls and rooflines, and water gets in at those joints when the pieces are done separately. Working with one contractor makes it easier to coordinate the flashing where a roof meets a wall, the fascia your gutters mount to, and the window surrounds that sit inside the siding.

• Roof replacement and roof repair
• Seamless gutters and gutter guards
• Window services and window replacement

Browse recent work on our interactive project map.

Where We Install Siding

We serve homeowners in Natick and surrounding MetroWest communities. See our service area for the full list of towns.

Siding Questions Homeowners Ask

What types of siding do you install in Natick, MA?

We install fiber cement siding, including HardiePlank, and vinyl siding, along with the trim, fascia and soffit work that goes with it. If you are considering another material, such as engineered wood or cedar, ask us during your free estimate.

Is HardiePlank better than vinyl siding?

Neither is better for every home. Fiber cement such as HardiePlank costs more up front and is heavier, but it resists rot, insects and fire and gives the look of painted wood clapboard. Vinyl costs less, needs no painting and is quicker to install, but it can crack in extreme cold or warp and fade with heat. The right choice depends on your budget, your home's style and how much maintenance you want to take on.

How long does siding last?

Lifespan depends on the material, the quality of the installation, how much sun and weather each wall takes, and how the siding is maintained. Fiber cement and vinyl can both last for decades when installed correctly, and manufacturers back their products with written warranties whose terms vary by product. Your written proposal identifies the product and its warranty.

How much does siding replacement cost in Natick?

Cost depends on the size of your home, the material you choose, the condition of the sheathing and trim underneath, the number of windows, corners and other details, and any repairs found after the old siding comes off. We provide free written estimates so you can compare materials and see exactly what is included before you decide.

Do I need a permit to replace siding in Massachusetts?

Requirements vary by town, and many municipalities require a building permit for re-siding. Check with your town's building department, and ask any contractor who is responsible for permits before you sign. Massachusetts also requires home improvement contractors to be registered, and you can review our license and registration details on our credentials page.

Can new siding be installed over old siding?

Sometimes, but removing the old siding is often the better approach. It lets the installer inspect the sheathing for hidden rot or moisture damage, install a proper weather barrier and flashing, and avoid trapping existing problems behind a new layer.

How long does a siding installation take?

Timing depends on the size of the home, the material, the amount of trim and repair work, and the weather. Your written proposal outlines the expected schedule, and we explain any weather delays or changes before they affect the job.

What is the difference between siding repair and siding replacement?

Repair makes sense when damage is limited, such as a few cracked panels or one small area of rot, and the rest of the siding is in good shape. Replacement is usually the better value when damage is widespread, the siding is failing across several walls, or moisture has reached the sheathing. An inspection can tell you which applies to your home.

Does new siding make my home more energy efficient?

Siding on its own is not a substitute for insulation and air sealing. A new weather barrier, proper flashing and, with some products, added insulation behind the siding can reduce drafts and help the wall shed water. Ask about insulated vinyl and other options during your estimate.

Do I have to pay anything upfront for siding work?

For qualifying residential projects, Natarelli & Son Roofing and Gutters does not ask for money down. Payment is due when the agreed work is complete and you have had a chance to inspect it. Exact terms are confirmed in your written proposal, and our credentials page explains our payment and warranty approach.