The average siding repair cost in the U.S. is $916, but actual totals can range from $75 for minor fixes (like painting or replacing damaged boards) up to $16,330 for extensive damage or partial replacement.
But prices can vary wildly: $75 for a small patch or paint touchup, and up to $16,330 for extensive damage or partial replacement.
Cost per Square Foot
- Typical Range: $2–$50 per square foot
- Average: $26 per square foot (labor + materials)
Siding Repair Costs by Type
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Painting | $1.50–$4 per sq ft |
| Crack filling | $500–$800 |
| Hole repair | $50–$100 each |
| Replacing damaged boards | $1–$12 per sq ft |
| Water damage repair | $25–$50 |
| Dry rot removal | $5–$40 per sq ft |
| Mold remediation | $10–$25 per sq ft |
| Asbestos siding removal | $7–$10 per sq ft |
Cost by Siding Material
| Material | Repair Cost per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2–$4 |
| Fiber Cement | $3–$11 |
| Wood | $4–$13 |
| Aluminum | $5–$7 |
| Stucco | $9–$50 (most expensive) |
| Stone/Brick | $10–$30 / $6–$18 |
Other Siding Repair Cost Factors
- Labor: 50–90% of total cost ($450–$820 on average).
- Home Height: Repairs on upper levels can add 25–50% to labor costs.
- Damage Level: If there’s underlying rot, mold, or water damage, expect higher costs due to extra work.
When to Siding Repair Cost Repair vs. Replace
| Factor | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | <30% of full replacement | >50% of full replacement |
| Lifespan | 10+ years left | Within 10 years of end-of-life |
| Damage | Cosmetic | Structural (rot, mold, leaks) |
DIY vs. Professional Siding Repair Cost
- DIY: Small vinyl repairs using kits ($15–$40) can save labor costs.
- Pro: Recommended for stucco, stone, brick, or if structural damage is suspected.
In Nashville was quoted $1,650 to replace a small section of vinyl siding, J-channels, and flashing above a porch due to water intrusion.
How do I estimate siding repair costs for my house?
| Step | What to Do | How to Measure / Calculate | Typical 2025 Numbers to Plug In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the siding material | Look at an edge or check paperwork | Vinyl $2–$4 / sq ft, Wood $4–$13, Fiber cement $3–$11, Brick $6–$18, Stucco $9–$50 |
| 2 | Measure the damaged area | Length × height (in feet) to get square feet | Example: 12 ft × 8 ft = 96 sq ft |
| 3 | Pick the repair type | Cosmetic (paint/caulk) vs. structural (board/rot) | Paint $1.50–$4 / sq ft, Hole $50–$100 each, Dry-rot removal $5–$40 / sq ft |
| 4 | Add height surcharge (if above 1st floor) | +25 %–65 % on labor | 2-story house: multiply labor by 1.5× |
| 5 | Account for minimum trip fee | Most pros charge $100–$300 just to show up | Add $150 to small jobs |
| 6 | DIY or Pro? | DIY kits: $10–$50; Handyman $50–$80 / hr; Siding contractor $40–$90 / hr | 3-hour vinyl patch by pro ≈ $240 labor |
| 7 | Check insurance & permits | Storm damage often covered; permits rarely needed for spot repairs | Could drop your out-of-pocket to your deductible |
- Material: Fiber cement siding
- Damage: 2 cracked boards + small dry-rot patch, 20 sq ft total, 1st floor
- Math:
- Boards: 20 sq ft × $8 = $160
- Dry-rot removal: 20 sq ft × $15 = $300
- Labor @ 60 % of total: ≈ $460
- Trip fee: $150
- Estimated Total ≈ $1,070
Sanity-Check Table (100 sq ft repairs)
| Siding Type | Low-End | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Wood | $400 | $850 | $1,300 |
| Fiber cement | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Stucco | $800 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Brick | $1,100 | $1,750 | $2,400 |
What Are the Average Siding Repair Costs by Material?
| Siding Material | Typical Repair Cost/sq ft | Cost to Repair 100 sq ft | Notes |
| Vinyl | $2–$4 | $200–$400 | Common, easy to source; color fade can complicate matching |
| Wood (Clapboard) | $4–$13 | $400–$1,300 | Labor for priming and sealing drives cost |
| Fiber Cement | $3–$12 | $300–$1,200 | Durable, but heavy materials increase labor |
| Aluminum | $3–$7 | $300–$600 | Simple to patch, but denting common |
| Brick | $5–$18 | $500–$1,800 | Mortar and structural checks add costs |
| Stone Veneer | $10–$30 | $1,000–$3,000 | Matching stones takes extra labor |
| Stucco | $8–$50 | $800–$5,000 | Texture matching and sealing add complexity |
Example: You discover a 10 sq ft spot of rot on your wood siding. Expect to pay about $40–$130 for materials and labor. But if the same sized patch were in fiber cement? That’d run $30–$120 assuming no hidden damage.
Why such wide ranges? Labor plays a huge role matching textures (especially for stucco) or priming wood takes time. In general, expect labor to make up 50–90% of the cost across materials.
How Does the Severity of Damage Impact Cost?
The seriousness of damage can drastically change prices. Here’s how:
Minor Damage – $50–$400
- Small dents, nail holes, hairline cracks, or a single damaged board
- Typical cost includes labor to remove/replace one panel or paint a small section
Moderate Damage – $800–$2,000
- Several panels affected, mold starting behind siding, surface-level rot
- Involves moisture inspection and possible insulation replacement
Extensive Damage – $5,000–$16,330
- Widespread rot, water intrusion into framing, structural issues
- Often part of partial re‑siding, not just repair
How Do Labor and Location Affect Your Bill?
How Labor & Location Move Your Siding-Repair Price Needle
1. Labor is the biggest slice of the pie
- 50 %–90 % of your total bill is labor, not the siding itself .
- Typical labor rates (2025)
- Siding specialists: $40–$80 / hr
- General contractor day-rate: $300–$500
- Handyman: $50–$80 / hr
2. Location = built-in “multiplier”
| Region Tier | Hourly Wage Example (2025) | Multiplier vs. Nat’l Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| High-cost metro (e.g., San Francisco) | $26.01 / hr | +30–60 % |
| Mid-cost city (e.g., Boston) | $23.64 / hr | +10–25 % |
| Smaller market (e.g., Knoxville, TN) | $16.06 / hr | -15–25 % |
- Urban & coastal areas = higher demand + cost of living = higher labor .
- Rural areas often see lower per-hour rates, but travel fees can offset savings .
3. Accessibility adds another layer
- Second-story or obstructed walls = extra 25 %–65 % on labor to cover ladders, scaffolding, safety gear .
- Example: same 100 sq ft vinyl patch
- Ground floor: $400
- Third story: $650 (scaffolding + harness time) .
4. Emergency / storm rush jobs
- Post-storm “urgent” calls can tack on 10–25 % premium for quick turnaround .
Quick rule of thumb
Labor $ / sq ft = base rate × location multiplier × accessibility surcharge
e.g. base $3 × 1.4 (Boston) × 1.5 (3rd story) = $6.30 / sq ft labor only
What are some tips to reduce siding repair costs?
12 Practical Ways to Slash Your Siding-Repair Bill
“The cheapest siding repair is the one you never have to make.”
1. Catch Problems Early
- Walk the perimeter once a season; fix cracks, caulk gaps, loose boards the moment you see them.
- A $15 vinyl patch kit today prevents a $1,200 rot-repair next year .
2. DIY the Easy Stuff
- Vinyl hole or crack: $15–$40 kit, 30-minute job .
- Single cedar board: Just pry nails, slide in new board, prime & paint .
- Skip DIY if: asbestos (pre-1980 home), 2nd-story work, stucco, or unknown rot .
3. Hybrid Approach
- Do the tear-off and disposal yourself (save $0.60-$1.80 / sq ft), then let pros install the new pieces .
- Make sure the contractor still warranties the finished work.
4. Hunt for Off-Season Pricing
- Late fall & winter = 5-15 % discounts when crews are hungry .
- Ask: “Any upcoming slow weeks where you could fit me in cheaper?”
5. Get 3–4 Itemized Quotes
- Make each contractor bid the exact same scope so you can spot outliers .
- Use Angi, Google, and Nextdoor reviews to vet them.
6. Salvage & Match Existing Material
- Re-use old boards from a hidden wall or garage to patch the front .
- Paint the entire wall afterward so color differences disappear—cheaper than buying new specialty siding.
7. Negotiate Bulk or Left-Over Deals
- Ask suppliers if they have factory seconds, color overruns, or remnants; savings of 20-50 % are common.
8. Check Insurance & Warranties
- Storm damage? File a claim before paying out-of-pocket .
- Verify if the original siding is still under manufacturer or installer warranty.
9. Bundle With Other Exterior Work
- Combine siding repair with gutter cleaning or exterior painting; contractors often shave 5-10 % off each task.
10. Opt for Durable, Low-Maintenance Replacements
- When you do have to replace boards, choose fiber-cement or vinyl over wood; fewer future repairs = long-term savings .
11. Tap Rebates & Energy Credits
- Some utilities give $200-$1,000 rebates for adding insulated siding or house-wrap during repairs. Check DSIREusa.org for local programs .
12. Keep the Scope Surgical
- Only replace what’s truly damaged; partial repairs cost a fraction of a full wall re-side.
Quick Savings Cheat-Sheet
| Action | Typical Savings |
|---|---|
| DIY small vinyl patch | $200–$400 in labor |
| Off-season scheduling | 5–15 % off total |
| Re-using old boards | $300–$800 in materials |
| Insurance claim | 50–100 % of repair cost |
| Bundled exterior work | 5–10 % per task |
Bottom line: A little sweat equity, smart timing, and sharp negotiating can cut 20–40 % off an average $916 siding repair without sacrificing quality.
Should You Repair or Replace Entirely?
Start With the 30 % Rule
- Repair if the cost is < 30 % of a full replacement.
- Replace if the cost creeps toward 50 % or more.
Typical repair range = $300–$1,500
Typical replacement range = $6,000–$25,000
Next, Run the AGE + DAMAGE Test
| Factor | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Age | < 75 % of expected life (e.g., vinyl < 20 yrs) | ≥ 75 % of life (30-50 yrs) OR past warranty |
| Damage | Isolated holes, loose panels, small rot spots | Extensive rot, warping, multiple leaks, dry rot > 10 % of wall |
| Energy Bills | Neutral | Rising bills = new insulated siding saves 10-20 % |
| Curb Appeal | Minor fade or chalking | Outdated color/style hurting resale |
| Structural | No underlying issues | Water damage, mold, pest infiltration behind boards |
Quick Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small crack, 5-year-old vinyl | Repair | Cheap, material still has decades left |
| 20-year-old wood with 30 % rot | Replace | Rot spreads; repair is a band-aid |
| Storm blew off one 20-ft vinyl panel | Repair | Easy match, low cost |
| Faded 1990s aluminum, high energy bills | Replace | Upgrade to insulated vinyl or fiber cement |
Hidden-Cost Reality Check
- Repainting every 5–10 yrs = $1,500–$4,000 recurring
- Full replacement once = $6,000–$25,000, but zero repaint for 20+ yrs
- Surprise repairs (hidden rot, insulation) can add 10–30 % to either option
When Replacement Pays for Itself
- Energy savings: New insulated siding cuts heating/cooling costs 10–20 %
- ROI: Siding replacement recoups 75–85 % at resale, the highest of any exterior project
- Insurance discounts: Some carriers reduce premiums for impact-resistant or fire-resistant materials.
Bottom-Line Flowchart
Does damage cover > 30 % of a wall OR is age > 75 % of lifespan?
├─ YES → Get 3 replacement quotes
└─ NO → Get 3 repair quotes + inspect for hidden damage
If you’re patching every year, the patches own the wall time to replace.
What Can You Safely Do Yourself?
DIY-SAFE vs. CALL-A-PRO
(keep it legal, keep it safe, keep your warranty)
SAFE & CHEAP (under $100)
- 1-story vinyl patch
• 6-in. hole → snap-in “zip tool” + spare panel scrap + $15 kit.
• 30 min, no ladder over 8 ft. - Caulk & paint small cracks
• Acrylic or polyurethane caulk, exterior primer, color-matched paint.
• Saves $150–$300 in labor. - Tighten or replace loose aluminum nails
• Use color-matched 1¼-in. ring-shank nails; hammer gently to avoid oil-canning. - Pop-out a single cedar clapboard (ground floor)
• Pry bottom edge, pull nails, slide new board, back-prime, nail, caulk. - Surface mold/mildew scrub
• 1 cup bleach : 1 gallon water + soft brush.
• Rinse low-pressure garden hose only.
MAYBE DIY—BUT CHECK FIRST
• 2nd-story vinyl or wood only if you own OSHA-rated 24-ft extension ladder + fall-arrest kit.
• Fiber-cement board replacement OK if you have a circular saw with dust-collector & P100 respirator; otherwise silica dust risk.
NEVER DIY (hire a licensed pro)
- ✓ Asbestos-cement siding (pre-1980)
- ✓ Any repair above 24 ft or on a roof intersection
- ✓ Dry-rot > 10 % of wall (structural sheathing may be shot)
- ✓ Stucco holes > 4 in. (requires mesh, scratch coat, color coat)
- ✓ Electrical service mast or meter base overlaps the siding
- ✓ Warranty still active DIY voids it.
Quick Cost-Saver Tips for the Safe Jobs
• Buy factory seconds or contractor leftovers on Facebook Marketplace for spare panels.
• Use vinyl “siding saver” tool ($12) instead of breaking locking tabs.
• Paint the entire wall after your patch so the color blends; a gallon of quality exterior paint is cheaper than color-matching a single board.
Bottom line: If it’s ground-level, non-toxic, and doesn’t touch framing, you can probably knock it out in a Saturday morning. If it involves heights, power tools, or potential structural damage, call the pros.
Cost Comparison Siding Repair vs. Siding Replacement
| Scope | Typical Cost (2025) | When It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Repair (100 sq ft) | $200 – $1,100 total | Localized holes, cracks, or one to two warped boards; siding still < 75 % of expected life. |
| Partial Replacement (100 sq ft) | Vinyl: $300 – $700 Wood: $600 – $1,000 Fiber cement: $400 – $900 | Damage spans a full wall but rest of house is sound; color/style still available. |
| Full Replacement (2,000 sq ft house) | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Extensive rot, mold, or moisture inside walls; siding at or past lifespan; desire energy upgrade or new look. |
Key Cost Drivers & Decision Rules
- 30 % Rule of Thumb
- If repair bids exceed 30 % of full-replacement cost, lean toward replacement.
- Example: $1,500 repair vs. $5,000 new siding → replace.
- Age vs. Lifespan
- Vinyl: 20–40 yrs • Wood: 20–30 yrs • Fiber cement: 30–50 yrs.
- If your siding is within 10 yrs of the end, replacement usually pays off.
- Hidden Damage = Hidden Cost
- Water-damaged sheathing or framing can add $5–$20 / sq ft to either option.
- If you already see interior moisture stains, budget for sheathing work.
- Energy & ROI
- New insulated siding can cut HVAC bills 10–20 %.
- Full replacement recoups 60–80 % at resale, highest among exterior projects.
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1-story vinyl, 5-year-old, 2 cracked panels | Repair – $150–$300 |
| 25-year-old wood, 30 % boards rotting | Replace – repair cost ≈ 50 % of new install |
| Storm tore off 30 % of aluminum siding | Partial replacement – match remaining color |
| Continuous repairs every year | Full replacement – stop the patch-and-paint cycle |
Bottom line: Use the 30 % rule and age test first; then weigh hidden damage and energy savings.
Typical Repair Timeline & Process
Most spot or sectional repairs are finished in 1–2 days, while full replacement runs 7–14 days depending on size, weather, and surprises.
Repair Job (1–2 Days) – Quick Overview
| Phase | Duration | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | 1–2 hrs | Site prep, ladder/scaffold set-up, remove damaged boards/panels |
| Day 1 PM | 2–4 hrs | Inspect sheathing, treat any mold/rot, cut & install new siding pieces |
| Day 2 (if needed) | 1–3 hrs | Caulk joints, prime/paint, final QC, clean-up |
Simple vinyl or wood patches on one story can wrap in half a day if no hidden rot is found.
Full Replacement Job (7–14 Days) – Detailed Flow
| Day | Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | • Tear-off & disposal of old siding • Inspect WRB (house wrap) and sheathing for damage |
| 3–4 | • Repair or replace rotten sheathing/framing • Install new weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) and flashings |
| 5–8 | • Begin hanging new siding from the bottom up • Cut around windows, doors, outlets • Install trim and corner posts |
| 9–11 | • Touch-up caulking, site clean-up • Final walk-through and punch-list |
| 12–14 (buffer) | • Weather delays, paint/stain (if field-finished), or inspection hold-ups |
A 2-story, 2,500 sq ft house with vinyl siding usually takes 4–7 working days for a 4–6 person crew, including tear-off.
Factors That Stretch the Schedule
- Rain, high winds, or extreme temps – can add 1–3 days
- Hidden structural damage (sheathing/rot) – extra ½–2 days for framing fixes
- Custom colors – if siding is not pre-finished, painting adds 2–4 days
- Permit & inspection wait times – 1–2 days in some jurisdictions
DIY vs. Pro Repair Snapshot
- DIY small patch: 2–4 hrs (one afternoon)
- Pro crew patch: ½–1 day (includes travel/setup)
- Pro crew full re-side: 7–14 days (weather-dependent)
Plan for the short end of the range if the weather is perfect, the house is single-story, and no sheathing surprises appear.
Conclusion
- Repair when damage is isolated, siding is still young, and the quoted cost stays under ~30 % of a full re-side. Expect $200–$1,100 and 1-2 days for most patch jobs.
- Replace when rot or age is widespread, energy bills are climbing, or repairs keep coming. Budget $5 k–$15 k+ and 1–2 weeks, but enjoy decades of lower maintenance and higher resale value.
Whichever route you choose, get multiple itemized bids, verify hidden structural issues, and don’t DIY anything above one story or involving hazardous materials.
Need professional help in Brooklyn or the NYC area? Contact S&R General Construction NYC, they specialize in siding repair and replacement, and they understand what local homes need.