Siding Calculator for Gable: Find Your Best ROI (Up to 95%)

Typical Cost per Square Foot for Common Gable Siding Materials

Vinyl Siding Cost Range

Ever noticed how vinyl siding prices seem to be all over the map? There's a reason for that.

When you're pricing vinyl siding, three major factors determine what you'll pay: material grade, style choice, and whether insulation is built in. These aren't minor considerations—they can easily double or triple your project cost.

Basic vinyl siding starts at just $3 per square foot for materials. Not bad, right? But premium options with enhanced durability or designer aesthetics can quickly jump to $12 or more per square foot. That's a 300% difference for what might look like the same product to the untrained eye.

What about the all-in cost? When you combine materials and labor, expect to pay around $8.60 per square foot for a mid-range product on a typical 2,000-square-foot home.

But here's where it gets interesting: total project costs range anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000. Why such a massive spread? Home size and installation complexity create dramatic differences in the bottom line.

Style matters too—not just for looks, but for your wallet.

Traditional lap siding offers the most budget-friendly option at $2-$6 per square foot. Similar pricing applies to beaded, Dutch lap, or clapboard styles.

Want your home to stand out? Specialty vinyl that mimics wood (like board and batten or shake) or stone typically runs $3.50-$10 per square foot. You're paying for that upgraded aesthetic.

Energy efficiency comes at a premium. Insulated vinyl siding costs more upfront—$6 to $12 per square foot—but offers thermal benefits standard vinyl can't match.

The installation itself? That'll add another $2.15-$5.25 per square foot to your budget, depending on contractor expertise and local labor rates.

Bottom line: budget anywhere from $3 to $16 per square foot for completely installed vinyl siding. The dramatic range reflects the choices you'll make about material quality, style, and energy performance.

Typical Cost per Square Foot for Vinyl Siding by Type

Wood Siding Cost Range

Looking at wood siding? Be prepared for sticker shock—or pleasant surprises—depending on your choices.

Wood siding costs fluctuate dramatically based on what's actually in that wood. The species, grade, style, and installation complexity all play major roles in what you'll ultimately pay.

Material costs alone run from $2 to $6 per square foot for standard options. But if you're eyeing premium woods like cedar or redwood? Those could set you back up to $30 per square foot just for materials. That's not a typo—high-end wood truly commands premium prices.

When installation enters the equation, expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot all-in. For perspective, that translates to an average project cost around $12,500 for a typical home.

But here's where wood gets wild: total project costs range from as little as $2,300 to as much as $57,500. Why such a massive spread? Your choices make all the difference.

Style significantly impacts your bottom line. Basic pine clapboard sits at the affordable end of the spectrum. But more elaborate options like board and batten, tongue and groove, shingle, shake, or log siding can dramatically increase costs—ranging from $5 to $25 per square foot installed.

The installation itself adds $2 to $5 per square foot to your project. But complex styles like shingles and logs demand even more skilled labor, potentially adding 25% to 50% to your overall project cost.

Wood quality matters too. Low-grade options cost $1 to $3 per square foot, mid-grade woods run $2 to $12, and premium grades command $3 to $30 per square foot.

The price reflects what you're getting: unique natural beauty, excellent insulation properties, and potentially decades of performance—if properly maintained.

Typical Cost per Square Foot for Wood Siding by Type/Style

Fiber Cement Siding Cost Range

Fiber cement siding occupies that sweet spot between vinyl's affordability and the premium cost of higher-end materials like wood or stone.

What will it cost you? The installed price typically ranges from $3 to $15 per square foot. For a standard 2,500 square foot home, that translates to a total installation cost between $13,700 and $25,000.

The materials themselves generally run between $5 and $14 per square foot. Though if you're a savvy shopper, you might find basic planks for as little as $0.70 per square foot, while specialty panels can reach $15 per square foot.

What drives these price differences? It's all about form.

Fiber cement comes in several presentations, each with its own price point. Shingles that mimic wood or cedar range from $2 to $9 per square foot installed. They offer that classic, textured appearance but at a more moderate price point than actual wood.

Looking for something more budget-friendly? Fiber cement clapboards—your classic horizontal lap siding—typically cost between $2 and $5.25 per square foot installed. They're the workhorses of the fiber cement world.

Want versatility? Panels come in various sizes and can imitate everything from wood paneling to stone veneer, stucco, or brick. This variety comes with a broader cost range: $5 to $13 per square foot installed.

Don't forget installation costs—they're significant with fiber cement. Professional installation typically adds $2 to $8 per square foot to your project. Why so much? Fiber cement requires specialized tools and techniques. It's heavier than vinyl, needs precise cutting to avoid damaging the material, and demands careful handling during installation.

This isn't a DIY-friendly material for most homeowners, but the durability and fire resistance make the professional installation worth considering.

Typical Cost per Square Foot for Fiber Cement Siding by Form

Metal Siding Cost Range (Aluminum and Steel)

Metal siding brings durability and modern aesthetics to your home—but what will it do to your budget?

Your two main options—aluminum and steel—each come with their own price considerations. Let's break them down.

Aluminum Siding: You're looking at an installed cost between $3 and $18 per square foot, though most projects fall in the $4 to $12 range. Curious about the breakdown? Materials run $1 to $5 per square foot, while installation adds another $1 to $2 per square foot.

Some contractors charge installation rates up to $6 per square foot, particularly for complex projects. Factors like aluminum thickness and specialized finishes can push you toward the higher end of the price spectrum.

Steel Siding: Generally, expect to pay $3 to $16 per square foot installed, with most varieties falling between $4 and $8 per square foot. Material costs range from $3.50 to $8 per square foot, with installation adding $1 to $2.50 per square foot.

Want something high-end? Premium options like seamless steel panels with concealed fasteners can reach $16 per square foot installed. Specialty styles like log-look or corrugated steel also influence your final price.

Both aluminum and steel offer impressive longevity—up to 50 years with proper maintenance. That extended lifespan can offset the higher initial investment when compared to some less expensive siding options.

Typical Cost per Square Foot for Metal Siding (Aluminum and Steel)

Expected Return on Investment (ROI) for New or Replacement Siding

Wondering if new siding is worth the investment? The numbers might surprise you.

Replacing your siding ranks among the highest-return home improvement projects you can undertake. The average ROI exceeds 80%, with some materials performing even better.

But not all siding materials deliver equal returns. Your choice matters—a lot.

Vinyl siding replacement projects typically yield remarkable returns, ranging from 68.9% to 94.7%. In practical terms, if you spend $10,000 on vinyl siding, you could recoup between $6,890 and $9,470 in increased home value.

Fiber cement also performs admirably, with ROI percentages between 69.4% and 88.5%. Its durability and low maintenance requirements make it particularly attractive to potential buyers.

Wood and aluminum siding installations both hover around a 77% return. While not quite as high as the top performers, they still offer substantial value.

Remember what these percentages actually mean: they represent the portion of your project cost that you'll likely recover when selling your home. A high ROI doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive material is best—it means you're getting more value back for each dollar spent.

The benefits extend beyond just the financial return. New siding transforms your home's curb appeal, potentially leading to faster sales and better offers. First impressions matter tremendously in real estate.

Modern siding options also improve energy efficiency, reducing utility bills for years to come. These ongoing savings aren't reflected in the ROI percentages but add real value over time.

Don't overlook the maintenance factor, either. New, durable siding reduces your ongoing repair and upkeep costs—another "hidden" return on your investment.

Typical Return on Investment (ROI) for Siding Materials

Standard R-Value Ranges for Common Residential Wall Insulation

Ever wondered why some homes stay comfortable with minimal heating or cooling while others rack up massive energy bills? The answer often lies in a single number: the R-value.

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    title["Insulation R-Value per Inch Comparison"]
    title --- Insulation
    
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    Insulation --> Fiberglass[Fiberglass Insulation]
    Insulation --> Cellulose[Cellulose Insulation]
    Insulation --> SprayFoam[Spray Foam Insulation]
    
    FoamBoard --> Polyiso["Polyisocyanurate<br/>R-5.6 to R-8.0"]
    FoamBoard --> XPS["Extruded Polystyrene<br/>R-4.5 to R-5.0"]
    FoamBoard --> GPS["Graphite Polystyrene<br/>~ R-4.7"]
    FoamBoard --> MineralWool["Mineral Wool<br/>~ R-4.0"]
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    Cellulose --> CelluloseDense["Dense-packed<br/>~ R-3.8"]
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R-value measures how effectively a material resists heat flow. Higher numbers mean better insulation. It's that simple—and that important.

The R-value you need depends on where you live. Minnesota homeowners need substantially higher R-values than those in Arizona. Climate zones dictate the minimum requirements for energy efficiency.

Let's explore the R-values of common insulation types to help you make informed decisions for your gable siding project.

Fiberglass Insulation R-Value Range

Fiberglass remains the most common insulation choice, largely due to its cost-effectiveness and availability.

In batt form (those pink blankets you've seen), fiberglass typically delivers R-2.9 to R-4.3 per inch of thickness. The loose-fill version, blown into wall cavities, offers slightly less at R-2.2 to R-2.9 per inch.

For standard 2x4 walls, fiberglass batts with R-values between R-11 and R-15 are typical. Thicker 2x6 walls can accommodate higher R-values up to R-23.

One quirk of fiberglass: its thermal resistance decreases slightly as temperatures rise. This means it works a bit less efficiently during extreme heat waves—something to consider for certain climates.

Standard R-Value Ranges for Fiberglass Insulation

Cellulose Insulation R-Value Range

Made primarily from recycled paper, cellulose insulation offers consistent and often higher R-values than fiberglass.

Loose-fill cellulose typically provides R-3.1 to R-4.0 per inch. When dense-packed into wall cavities, it can achieve around R-3.8 per inch.

Cellulose batts are also available, offering specific R-values based on thickness. A 3.5-inch batt typically rates R-13, while a 5.5-inch batt reaches R-20.

Here's what many homeowners don't realize: proper installation density is crucial with cellulose. If not installed correctly, the actual performance might fall short of the stated R-value.

Standard R-Value Ranges for Cellulose Insulation

Foam Board Insulation R-Value Range

When space is limited or you need maximum thermal performance, foam board insulation delivers impressive results.

Different foam board types offer varying levels of insulation:

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): R-3.6 to R-4.4 per inch. The most economical foam board option.

• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): R-4.5 to R-5.0 per inch initially, though this can decrease over time due to thermal drift.
• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso): R-5.6 to R-8.0 per inch. The highest R-value among common foam boards.
• Graphite Polystyrene (GPS): Around R-4.7 per inch, offering improved performance over standard EPS.
• Mineral Wool: Around R-4 per inch. Not technically foam, but often grouped with rigid board insulations.

Some foam boards, particularly XPS, experience thermal drift—a decline in R-value over time. Others, like GPS and mineral wool, maintain more stable thermal performance throughout their lifespan.

A key advantage: foam boards can create continuous insulation, reducing thermal bridging through wall studs. This means better overall thermal performance for your walls.

Standard R-Value Ranges for Foam Board Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation R-Value Range

Spray foam insulation delivers exceptional air sealing in addition to thermal resistance. It comes in two main varieties:

Closed-cell spray foam: Provides a high R-value of R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch. Beyond thermal insulation, it adds moisture resistance and structural reinforcement to walls.

Open-cell spray foam: Offers a lower R-value of R-3.5 to R-4.0 per inch. While it provides excellent air sealing, it's less dense and doesn't offer the same moisture resistance or structural benefits as closed-cell foam.

The higher R-value of closed-cell comes with a higher price tag, but the additional benefits make it worth considering for many projects.

Standard R-Value Ranges for Spray Foam Insulation

Relevant ASTM International Standards

ASTM Standards for Vinyl Siding

Ever wondered what ensures your vinyl siding won't crack, fade, or peel after a few seasons? That's where ASTM standards come in.

A comprehensive set of ASTM standards governs vinyl siding quality and performance. These aren't just technicalities—they're your assurance that products meet specific requirements for durability and performance.

The foundation of vinyl siding quality is ASTM D3679: Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Siding. This critical standard addresses the material properties, dimensions, and performance requirements that manufacturers must meet.

Planning to include soffits with your siding? Look for products complying with ASTM D4477: Standard Specification for Rigid (Unplasticized) Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Soffit. This ensures those often-overlooked areas meet quality standards too.

Considering insulated vinyl siding? Two standards matter here:

• ASTM D7445: Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Siding with Foam Plastic Backing. This covers the backed vinyl siding products gaining popularity for their improved insulation.
• ASTM D7793: Standard Specification for Insulated Vinyl Siding. This standard specifically addresses insulated vinyl siding and requires a minimum thermal insulation value.

Worried about fading?

Check for compliance with ASTM D6864 & ASTM D7856: Specifications for Color and Appearance Retention of Solid Colored Plastic Siding Products. These standards ensure your siding maintains its color over time.

For installation guidance, there's ASTM D4756: Practice for Installation of Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Siding and Soffit. This standard provides critical guidelines for proper installation—important information for both DIYers and professionals.

Key ASTM Standards for Vinyl Siding

ASTM Standards for Wood Siding

Unlike vinyl or fiber cement, wood siding doesn't have a single comprehensive ASTM standard dedicated to it. Instead, several relevant standards address different aspects of wood performance when used as siding.

Why does this matter to you? These standards ensure the wood on your home can handle the elements it will face year after year.

ASTM D1006: Standard Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints on Wood. This standard is crucial for evaluating how well coatings applied to your wood siding will perform over time. A proper finish makes all the difference in wood siding longevity.

ASTM E84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. While primarily focused on interior applications, this test method assesses flame spread and smoke development—important safety considerations for any wood product used on your home.

ASTM E2266: Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Low-Rise Frame Building Wall Systems to Resist Water Intrusion. This guide includes valuable information about properly designing and installing wood siding to minimize water damage—the number one enemy of wood siding durability.

Beyond these specific standards, numerous ASTM standards under Committee D07 on Wood address the properties, testing, and grading of various wood species that might end up on your home. These ensure the structural integrity and performance of the wood itself.

While the lack of a single comprehensive standard might seem concerning, these various standards work together to ensure wood siding meets performance expectations when properly selected, installed, and maintained.

Relevant ASTM Standards for Wood Siding

ASTM Standards for Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding has earned its reputation for durability and performance—and ASTM standards help ensure that reputation is deserved.

The cornerstone of fiber cement quality is ASTM C1186: Standard Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets. This specification covers the physical requirements for flat non-asbestos fiber cement sheets used for exterior walls. It establishes different grades based on flexural strength and density, helping you understand exactly what you're getting.

How do manufacturers verify their products meet these specifications? That's where ASTM C1185 comes in: Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Non-Asbestos Fiber-Cement Flat Sheet, Roofing and Siding Shingles, and Clapboards. This standard outlines the specific test methods used to evaluate fiber cement products.

Fire performance matters too. ASTM E84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials) assesses the fire performance of fiber cement siding. This is particularly important if you're in a wildfire-prone area.

For the ultimate in fire safety, there's ASTM E136: Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C. This test determines non-combustibility—a key advantage of fiber cement over some alternative siding materials.

Together, these standards ensure fiber cement siding delivers on its promises of durability, weather resistance, and safety when installed on your home.

Key ASTM Standards for Fiber Cement Siding

ASTM Standards for Metal Siding

Metal siding needs to withstand decades of wind, rain, and temperature extremes. ASTM standards help ensure it's up to the task.

The structural performance of metal siding is evaluated through ASTM E1592: Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Sheet Metal Roof and Siding Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference. This standard measures how well metal panels and their attachments hold up under wind loads—critical information for homeowners in high-wind areas.

Air tightness matters too. ASTM E1680 (Standard Test Method for Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems) assesses how well your metal siding keeps drafts at bay. This directly impacts your home's energy efficiency.

Staying dry is non-negotiable. ASTM E1646 (Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference) evaluates metal siding's resistance to water penetration—essential for preventing moisture damage to your home's structure.

Beyond these siding-specific standards, the base materials themselves are covered by standards like ASTM A370 for steel products and ASTM B557 for aluminum alloys. These ensure the fundamental metal quality meets expectations.

Metal siding's impressive durability—often 50+ years—stems largely from adherence to these rigorous standards.

Key ASTM Standards for Metal Siding

ASTM Standards for Insulation Materials

The insulation behind your siding significantly impacts your home's energy efficiency. ASTM standards ensure these materials perform as expected, providing reliable thermal performance year after year.

Different insulation types have their own specific standards:

Foam Boards:

• ASTM C578: Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation. This covers both EPS and XPS foam boards, establishing requirements for these popular rigid insulation options.
• ASTM C1289: Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board. This addresses polyiso boards, which offer among the highest R-values per inch.

Cellulose:

• ASTM C739: Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation. This ensures loose-fill cellulose meets performance requirements.
• ASTM C1497: Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Stabilized Thermal Insulation. This covers stabilized cellulose products designed for specific applications.

Fiberglass:

• ASTM C547: Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Pipe Insulation. While focused on pipe applications, this standard is relevant to the material properties of fiberglass used in various forms.
• ASTM E84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. This assesses fire performance—critical for any insulation material.

Spray Foam:

• ASTM C1029: Standard Specification for Spray-Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal Insulation. This covers the spray foam products increasingly used in high-performance building envelopes.

For all insulation types, thermal performance testing typically follows ASTM C518: Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus. This is how manufacturers determine and verify the R-values claimed on their products.

These standards ensure the insulation in your walls delivers the thermal performance you're paying for.

Key ASTM Standards for Insulation Materials

Conclusions

The numbers tell a compelling story about gable siding.

Material costs vary dramatically—from budget-friendly vinyl starting at $3 per square foot to premium wood options pushing $30. Your choices directly impact the bottom line.

Return on investment? Impressive across the board. Vinyl and fiber cement typically deliver the highest ROI, frequently recouping 70-95% of their cost through increased home value.

Beyond dollars, siding transforms curb appeal while modern options slash energy costs through improved insulation. Those R-values matter—closed-cell spray foam delivers nearly twice the thermal protection per inch compared to traditional fiberglass.

Throughout the industry, ASTM standards ensure materials perform as promised, protecting you from products that crack, fade, or fail prematurely.

Armed with these metrics, your calculator results now have context—helping you balance aesthetics, performance, and budget for your specific home.