Before We Pull a Single Panel
Every project starts with a free visit. We measure each elevation, note window and door openings, check the roof edge and look for soft spots by pressing on trim and the bottom course. Moisture behind siding usually shows up first at inside corners, under windows and where a roof line meets a wall. We photograph what we find and explain it before you choose a material.
Choosing the Cladding
Most Madison homeowners land on one of three options:
- Vinyl siding: the most budget-friendly, low maintenance and available in many colors; thicker panels resist wind and sagging better.
- Insulated vinyl siding: vinyl with a rigid foam backer that stiffens the panel and adds a little thermal resistance.
- Fiber cement such as James Hardie: heavier, more wood-like and highly resistant to rot, fire and impact.
For a material-by-material comparison, read our article on the best siding for Mississippi heat and humidity.
The Layers Under the Siding
- Tear-off and repair. Old cladding comes off and any damaged sheathing is replaced.
- Weather-resistive barrier. House wrap is lapped top over bottom and taped at seams.
- Flashing. Windows and doors get sill pans and head flashing; roof-wall joints get step and kick-out flashing.
- Starter and trim. A straight starter strip and corner posts set the lines for everything above.
- Panels or planks. Hung with room to expand (vinyl) or fastened to the exact pattern the maker requires (fiber cement).
Gutter Details That Protect New Siding
New walls deserve a drainage system that keeps water off them. We form seamless gutters on site to the length of each run, set a consistent slope toward downspouts and use hidden hangers spaced closely enough to carry a heavy load of wet leaves. Downspouts are placed where they will not dump against a wall or across a walkway, and extensions carry water away from the foundation. Homeowners in nearby Ridgeland can see more on our Ridgeland siding and gutter page.
Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
We magnet-sweep for nails, haul off old material and walk the house with you to check lines, caulking and trim. You get the manufacturer and workmanship warranty information in writing.
Common Questions
Is house wrap really necessary under new siding?
Yes. Siding is a rain screen, not a waterproof skin. Some water always gets behind it, and the house wrap and flashing are what send that water back out instead of into your walls.
Can you install siding over the old siding?
We rarely recommend it. Covering old siding hides any rot underneath and makes proper flashing around windows difficult. Removing it lets us inspect and repair the wall.
Which siding is quietest in a storm?
Fiber cement and insulated vinyl are noticeably more solid than standard vinyl, so they rattle less in high wind.