Siding in Boston, MA

Replacing siding on a Boston house means choosing a material that handles nor'easters, freeze-thaw cycles and salt air near the harbor. We work on the wood-framed colonials, triple-deckers and capes common across the neighborhoods. Here is how the job goes from the first measurement to the final walk-through.

What siding replacement involves on a Boston house

On a Boston triple-decker or wood-framed colonial, the work starts with tearing off the old clapboard or shingle layer down to the sheathing. Our crew checks the OSB or plank sheathing for rot and soft spots, especially along the eaves and corners where nor’easters drive rain. We replace any damaged sections before the house wrap goes on.

• Remove existing siding and trim, bagging debris as we go.
• Inspect and repair sheathing, paying attention to window and door openings.
• Install a water-resistive barrier and flash all penetrations with corrosion-resistant metal.
• On pre-1978 houses, follow Massachusetts lead-safe work practices: contain the work area, wet sand where needed and clean with a HEPA vacuum.
• Replace rotten trim with PVC before hanging the new siding.
• Fit rigid foam insulation if the wall assembly calls for it, then strap as needed for a rain screen.

Siding materials that work in a Boston climate

Wet winters, freeze-thaw cycles and wind-driven rain call for materials that hold paint, shed water and stay put on older houses. James Hardie fiber cement, CertainTeed vinyl, Cedar Impressions polymer shakes, Everlast and Ascend composite, and cedar each do this differently.

• Fiber cement resists rot and holds color well. It is a common choice for colonials and two-family homes.
• Vinyl siding needs no painting and handles freeze-thaw without cracking.
• Polymer shakes suit capes and historic district streets where wood shingle looks are expected.
• Cedar suits period houses but wants regular painting or staining.

How the project runs from measurement to walk-through

We start with a free in-home visit. A project manager measures the house and talks through the materials and colors you have in mind. You get a written proposal that lists the exact siding product, trim, scope of tear-off and any sheathing repair we expect. The scope is complete before you sign.

• We pull the building permit with the City of Boston and schedule inspections at the right stages.
• Our in-house crew handles the tear-off, repairs the sheathing where needed, and installs house wrap and flashing before the new siding goes on.
• We order the siding and trim to the colors and profiles you chose, and stage materials on site the day before we begin.
• After installation we haul away all debris, old siding and packaging, and leave the site clean.
• We walk the finished job with you to make sure every detail looks the way you expect.

What to look for in a siding quote

A useful siding quote lists the exact products, colors, trim, house wrap and flashing, tear-off and disposal, and who pulls the Boston building permit. An estimate gives you a rough number over the phone. A written proposal fixes the scope before work starts, so you can compare contractors on the same terms.

• Sheathing repair is priced per square foot or as an allowance, not left open-ended.
• Trim, corner boards and flashing are itemized, not folded into one line.
• Debris removal and the permit are named as part of the job.