Let’s be real — siding isn’t the flashiest home improvement project. It’s not a spa bathroom or open-concept kitchen. But if your siding is warped, faded, or old enough to remember dial-up internet, it’s time to talk about upgrading.
Your siding is the first (and sometimes only) thing people see. It also happens to be your home’s outer shell — the thing that keeps rain, wind, bugs, and skyrocketing utility bills at bay. And in Pittsburgh, where we get the full four-season drama of ice, heat, rain, and humidity, siding isn’t optional maintenance — it’s a survival move.
If you’re considering a Pittsburgh siding installation, here’s what you need to know before you start comparing samples and signing paperwork.
Let’s Start With the Basics: Why Should You Even Care About Your Siding?
You may not think about siding until something goes visibly wrong — but that’s like ignoring your tires until one explodes on the highway.
The Usual Suspects: Cracks, Warping, and “Wait, Was That Mold?”
If your siding is peeling, warping, or has turned from “cozy cream” to “mildewed mystery beige,” it’s probably not just cosmetic. Cracks let in moisture. Warped panels pull away from your house and create air gaps. And mold? That means water’s been making itself at home behind your walls.
Your Energy Bills Are Screaming — and Your Siding Might Be the Culprit
Nope, it’s not just your 20-year-old furnace. If your walls are under-insulated or your siding is letting drafts in, your HVAC system is working overtime. Which means your money is flying out the literal walls.
What Kind of Siding Makes Sense in Pittsburgh?
Now that you know siding matters, let’s talk about the types that can actually survive (and thrive) in the unpredictable mood swings of Western PA weather.
Vinyl Siding: The Workhorse That’s Better Than You Think
Vinyl has come a long way since the cheap plastic panels of yesteryear. Today’s vinyl looks sharp, resists fading, and doesn’t demand a weekend of scraping and painting every other year.
Why people like it:
- It’s affordable
- It holds up to snow, rain, and sun
- You won’t need to babysit it
- Tons of color options (including ones that won’t offend your HOA)
We install high-grade vinyl siding built for Pittsburgh’s wet-dry-freeze-thaw life cycle. It’s tough stuff.
Fiber Cement Siding: Premium Look, Built Like a Tank
Want something that looks like wood but doesn’t rot, warp, or give termites a welcome mat? Say hello to fiber cement. It’s made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which sounds weird, but translates into “basically indestructible.”
We install Hardie Board for homeowners who want minimal maintenance and serious curb appeal.
Composite & Stone Veneer: The Eye-Candy Upgrade
If you’re not trying to redo your whole exterior but want to class it up — think columns, entryways, or just that front wall — stone veneer like Evolve Stone’s Mortarless Series gives you the stone look without the heavy labor or mortar mess. It’s beautiful, durable, and surprisingly low-maintenance.
Siding Installation Isn’t a DIY Weekend Project
Sure, YouTube can teach you how to tile a backsplash. But siding? That’s a different game. Poor installation = water damage, insulation gaps, and warranty voids.
Here’s what should actually happen during a professional install:
- Old siding gets removed (not just covered up)
- We check what’s going on underneath (rot, mold, missing insulation)
- We install a weather-resistant barrier (think of it as a raincoat for your house)
- Panels go on with tight seams and clean trim work
- Everything is sealed, flashed, and checked for energy efficiency
We handle all of this with certified crews and a clear game plan — no surprises, no “oops we forgot that corner” follow-ups.
What Does a Siding Project Actually Look Like?
We’re big on transparency, so here’s how the process goes down:
Step 1: We Show Up, Listen, and Take a Look
We come out, look at your current siding, talk through what’s bugging you, and give you real options. No pressure, no upsell.
Step 2: You Get a Real Quote
We don’t do vague numbers or “starting at” pricing. Our quotes are broken down by material, labor, and timeframe — no games.
Step 3: Prep, Repair, and Replace
We remove the old stuff, fix what needs fixing underneath, and get your house wrapped up tighter than your favorite burrito.
Step 4: Your House Gets a Glow-Up
Installation wraps up, we clean up the mess, and your home looks like the after photo on a renovation show.
Why Work With a Siding Company Serving Pittsburgh?
Because you want a contractor who knows the weather, the codes, and the fact that Pittsburgh winters don’t mess around.
At New Look Exteriors, we’re not just siding installers — we’re homeowners here too. We understand what Western PA homes need to stand up to the elements (and still look good doing it).
What sets us apart:
- VSI Certified crews
- Award-winning service on Angi year after year
- High-performance products from names like Hardie and Goodview Metals
- Clean job sites and detailed communication
- Local expertise with real manufacturer warranties
Homeowners Ask Us These Questions All the Time
How long will my new siding last?
Your new siding will typically last 20 to 50 years, depending on the material and the quality of installation. Vinyl and fiber cement are especially well-suited for Pittsburgh’s seasonal weather and tend to perform well over decades.
Will new siding help lower my energy bills?
Yes, new siding can help reduce your energy bills, especially when installed with updated insulation. By sealing gaps and improving your home’s thermal envelope, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard — which translates into savings.
Can siding be installed in the fall?
Siding can definitely be installed in the fall, and in fact, it’s one of the best times to schedule the project. Cooler temps (above freezing) and less humidity provide ideal conditions for siding adhesives and trim installation.
Can you repair a few pieces of siding instead of replacing the whole exterior?
Yes, we can repair individual siding panels if the damage is limited. We offer vinyl siding repairs for cracked, loose, or missing sections, and we’ll always advise whether a targeted repair or full replacement makes more sense for your home.
So, Should You Pull the Trigger on New Siding?
If your siding is peeling, cracked, letting in drafts, or just plain ugly — probably, yes.
We’re not here to push you into a full exterior overhaul you don’t need. But we are here to make sure you have all the info, a fair price, and a smooth-as-possible experience.
Let’s get your house protected, efficient, and looking great.
Schedule your free inspection with New Look Exteriors today — and let’s make sure your siding’s working as hard as the rest of your home.
