What to Expect With Siding Replacement in Central PA

If you are thinking about replacing your siding in Central Pennsylvania, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you know when siding really needs to be replaced? What does the process look like? How long will it take?

At Equity Roofing, we help homeowners across Central PA keep their homes durable from top to bottom. We hold our crew to clear standards so that everyone involved knows exactly what to expect on installation day. 

This guide gives you a clear, honest look at what actually happens during a siding project from start to finish—without sales pressure or contractor jargon. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared for your siding project, regardless of which contractor you work with.  

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Siding?

It is time to replace siding when it can no longer keep water out or stay securely attached. Some signs are easy to spot, while others stay hidden until siding is removed.

Signs Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced

In Central Pennsylvania homes, especially older ones, hidden rot is commonly discovered during siding replacement because modern weather barriers were not always used when the home was built.

Can Siding Be Repaired?

You can repair siding if the damage is limited and the material can still be matched. Replacement is usually necessary when damage is widespread, the siding has become brittle, or matching pieces are no longer available.

What Happens During a Siding Inspection?

A proper inspection includes a full walk-around and a clear plan of action for your project.

A thorough inspector will:

• Photograph all sides of the home
• Document outlets, lights, doors, and penetrations
• Assess window and trim needs
• Check your soffit and fascia condition
• Look for signs of damage and rot
• Check for the presence of house wrap

Expect 30–60 minutes for inspection and another 30 minutes to review your options. Because of this, it is important that someone comfortable discussing the project is home during the inspection. 

Red Flags to Watch For

• “Limited time deals” that pressure you to sign immediately 
• Very short inspections
• No photos or documentation
• Verbal agreements only
• Vague or non-itemized estimates

What Should I Expect During a Siding Replacement?

A siding replacement involves removing or preparing existing siding, repairing damage underneath, and installing a new weather-tight exterior system. 

Preparation Phase

Before installation begins, old siding is removed or prepared to be covered. Rotted or damaged wood is replaced, and wood lath strips may be installed to create a flat surface.

Finally, house wrap, or another approved weather barrier, is installed. 

Window and Trim Work

Windows require special attention. Older windows often get wrapped with aluminum trim. Newer windows may only need J-channel and tape sealing. Poor window detailing is one of the most common causes of hidden rot.

Siding Installation

Here is the process of installing siding: 

• Starter strips are installed at the bottom
• Corner posts and trim pieces are added
• J-channel is installed around windows and doors
• Siding panels are installed from bottom to top

Daily Cleanup

Crews clean up at the end of each day, including magnet sweeps for nails. A final walkthrough is completed at the end of the project.

How Long Does a Siding Replacement Take from Start to Finish?

Most siding replacements take one to three weeks, depending on the home and materials used.

Vinyl Siding: Typical Installation Timeline by Home Size

LP SmartSide installations typically take about 20% longer than vinyl due to heavier material and more detailed fastening requirements.

LP SmartSide: Typical Installation Timeline by Home Size

Board-and-batten siding—whether vinyl or LP—usually takes about 20% longer than standard horizontal siding because of the vertical layout and alignment requirements.

Board-and-Batten Siding: Typical Installation Timeline by Home Size

Weather delays, hidden rot discovered during removal, and architectural complexity can extend any of these timelines.

How Do I Prepare My Home for a Siding Replacement?

Preparation helps your siding project go smoothly. Before your crew arrives, try to complete the following: 

• Move vehicles away from work areas
• Clear movable furniture and plants that are near the house
• Remove decorations attached to the siding
• Plan to keep pets and children away from active work zones

Crews typically need 30–50 feet of clear space. Expect daytime noise between 7 a.m. and 3–5 p.m. Since work is done on one side of the house at a time, we recommend keeping sleeping children and pets on the opposite side of the house, where it will be quieter. 

How Long Should Siding Last in Central Pennsylvania?

Most siding in Central PA lasts 25 to 40 years, depending on material, sun exposure, and installation quality. South-facing walls often wear out faster due to UV damage, while winter cold can make some materials brittle over time.

To make this easier to compare, here’s how the most common siding materials perform in our region:

Siding Lifespan Comparison for Central PA Homes

Keep in mind that siding installed 20 or 30 years ago may not perform like today’s products. Manufacturing standards, UV resistance, and fastening systems have improved significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Siding

Below are some of the most common questions homeowners have about siding replacement: 

What Is House Wrap, and What Happens If My House Doesn’t Have It?

House wrap is a critical weather barrier installed between your siding and the wood structure of your home. While many people call it Tyvek, that is just one brand name.

Siding is not designed to keep all water out. Water can get behind the siding, which is why the weather barrier underneath matters. With house wrap, water drains safely down the wall. Without it, moisture can sit directly on the wood and cause rot.

Many older Central Pennsylvania homes do not have house wrap at all. An inspector can usually check this by removing a small piece of siding and looking underneath.

Does New Siding Actually Improve Energy Efficiency?

New siding can improve energy efficiency indirectly, but siding itself is not insulation. The biggest benefits come from sealing air leaks and installing a proper weather barrier during replacement.

A siding project may improve efficiency by:

• Sealing gaps around windows and doors
• Installing a continuous weather barrier
• Allowing optional insulation upgrades behind the siding

Some homeowners choose insulated siding with foam backing or add rigid foam board or reflective low-E material during replacement. These options can help reduce drafts and improve overall energy efficiency.

When Does Storm Damage Mean Full Siding Replacement?

Storm damage usually leads to full replacement when multiple areas are affected, or repairs keep failing. Repeated blow-offs often indicate siding that has reached the end of its lifespan or was not installed correctly.

Replacement is often recommended when:

• Hail damage creates holes across multiple sides of the house
• Windstorms cause siding to blow off repeatedly
• Multiple sections of soffit and fascia are damaged

When repairs keep adding up, replacement is often the more cost-effective long-term option.

What Happens If I Ignore Cracked or Missing Siding?

Ignoring damaged siding allows water to enter the wall system, which can lead to serious and expensive problems over time.

Potential consequences include:

• Rotting wood and framing
• Compromised wall structure
• Mold and moisture issues
• Higher repair costs later

Small damage with house wrap underneath may hold temporarily. Large exposed areas should be addressed as soon as possible.

What’s the Next Step in Planning Your Siding Replacement?

Replacing siding isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your home from hidden water damage and rising energy costs. That’s especially true in Central PA, where harsh winters and outdated materials speed up siding wear.

Now that you’ve learned what to expect from a siding project, you’re one step closer to a smooth and stress-free experience.

Your next step is to review siding price ranges by home size so you can budget confidently and avoid inflated quotes. We break down costs on our siding page. 

At Equity Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners navigate siding replacement without pressure or surprises. If you’re ready to move forward or just have more questions, contact our team—we’re here to help.