With Texas temperatures swinging from freezing winter storms to blazing summer heat exceeding 100°F, your Fort Worth home’s siding takes a beating year-round. Before spring storm season hits, homeowners are looking at siding projects and asking the big question: what’s this really going to cost?
Fort Worth siding contractors charge $38.06 to $63.43 per hour, averaging $50.74 hourly. But hourly rates only tell part of the story. A typical 1,200 square foot vinyl siding project runs $8,400 to $14,400, while fiber cement jumps to $12,000-$18,000 for the same area.
Here’s what you need to know about siding costs in Tarrant County.
New Siding Installation Costs by Material
Material choice drives your project cost more than any other factor. Here’s the breakdown for popular siding options in Fort Worth:
| Siding Material | Cost per Sq Ft | 1,200 Sq Ft Home | 2,000 Sq Ft Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $7-12 | $8,400-$14,400 | $14,000-$24,000 |
| Fiber Cement | $10-15 | $12,000-$18,000 | $20,000-$30,000 |
| Wood (Cedar) | $12-18 | $14,400-$21,600 | $24,000-$36,000 |
| Steel | $8-14 | $9,600-$16,800 | $16,000-$28,000 |
Vinyl dominates Fort Worth installations because it handles our climate well and offers the best value. Neighborhoods like Ridglea Hills and Ryan Place see plenty of fiber cement for its durability against hail damage.
Getting and Comparing Multiple Quotes
Get at least three quotes, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Fort Worth contractors should provide detailed breakdowns including:
Labor costs: Expect 40-60% of your total project cost. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows siding workers earn $25.37 per hour, but you pay contractors $38.06-$63.43 hourly because that rate covers business insurance, licensing, equipment, and overhead costs that individual workers don’t carry.
Material specifications: Generic “vinyl siding” quotes are red flags. Legitimate contractors specify manufacturer, thickness, and warranty details.
Removal and disposal: Removing old siding adds $1-3 per square foot. Many contractors low-ball initial quotes then add this cost later.
Prep work: House wrap, flashing, and trim work can add 20-30% to material costs but are essential for long-term performance.
Ask each contractor about their experience with Fort Worth’s specific challenges: wind damage, hail impact resistance, and thermal expansion in our extreme temperature swings.
Common Problems in This Area
Fort Worth’s location in Tornado Alley creates unique siding challenges that drive up costs and influence material choices:
Hail damage: Our spring storm season delivers golf ball-sized hail that destroys vinyl siding. Impact-resistant materials cost 15-25% more upfront but save money on insurance claims and replacements.
Wind damage: Straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph are common. Proper fastening and reinforcement add $500-1,200 to typical projects but prevent catastrophic failure.
Thermal expansion: Summer temperatures hit 105°F+ while winter can drop to 20°F. This 85-degree swing causes cheaper siding to crack and warp. Quality materials with proper expansion joints prevent these problems.
Foundation settling: Clay soil throughout Tarrant County shifts dramatically between wet and dry seasons. Homes in areas like Westcliff and Monticello regularly need siding adjustments as foundations move.
DIY vs Professional: Honest Comparison
DIY siding installation can save 40-60% on labor costs, but here’s the reality check:
DIY costs: Materials run $3-8 per square foot, plus tool rental ($200-400), permits ($50-150), and your time. Figure 3-4 full weekends for an average home.
Professional advantages: Licensed contractors carry insurance, understand Fort Worth building codes, and warranty their work. They also have relationships with suppliers for better material pricing.
Where DIY makes sense: Small repair projects under 200 square feet, especially if you have construction experience and proper tools.
Where professionals win: Full-house installations, second-story work, and any project requiring permits. Fort Worth requires permits for siding replacement over 100 square feet, and DIY permit approvals take longer than contractor submissions.
Bottom line: DIY saves money but takes significant time and carries risk. Most Fort Worth homeowners find professional installation worth the extra cost for peace of mind and warranty protection.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Timing your Fort Worth siding project can save 15-25% on costs:
Best months: October through February offer the lowest contractor rates and best availability. Avoid March through August when storm damage keeps contractors booked solid.
Spring problems: March-May storm season creates high demand and premium pricing. Expect 20-30% higher costs and 4-8 week delays during peak season.
Summer challenges: Heat exceeding 100°F makes installation difficult and can affect material performance during installation. Many contractors add heat surcharges or refuse outdoor work during peak afternoon hours.
Winter advantages: Contractors offer discounts to keep crews busy. Materials are cheaper, and you’ll get better attention to detail when crews aren’t rushing between storm damage jobs.
Plan ahead. Book winter projects by November for best pricing and spring projects by January to avoid storm season delays.
New Roof Cost Factors That Also Apply to Siding
Like roofing projects, siding costs vary significantly based on home complexity. Simple ranch homes cost $2-4 less per square foot than two-story homes with dormers, bay windows, and complex trim work.
Access difficulty: Two-story homes require scaffolding, increasing labor costs by 25-40%. Homes with landscaping, pools, or tight lot lines add complexity charges.
Architectural features: Every window, door, corner, and trim detail adds labor time. Victorian homes in the Fairmount district can cost 50% more than simple ranch styles due to intricate millwork.
Existing condition: Homes with rotted sheathing, damaged house wrap, or structural issues require repairs before siding installation. Budget an extra 15-30% for homes over 30 years old.
Hidden Costs and Additional Expenses
Factor these often-overlooked expenses into your budget:
| Hidden Cost Item | Typical Range | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fees | $50-$200 | Most projects |
| Electrical work | $300-$800 | Exterior outlets/lights |
| Trim replacement | $5-$15/lin ft | Damaged existing trim |
| Insulation upgrade | $1-$3/sq ft | Energy efficiency projects |
| Soffit/fascia work | $8-$20/lin ft | Complete exterior updates |
| Color changes | $200-$500 | Special orders |
Insurance considerations: Most homeowner policies cover storm damage but not normal wear. Document your siding’s condition before and after installation for warranty claims.
HOA requirements: Neighborhoods like Westover Hills have strict architectural guidelines. Factor in potential HOA approval delays and required material specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a contractor charge for siding installation?
Fort Worth siding contractors typically charge $38.06-$63.43 per hour, with most averaging around $50.74. This rate includes business overhead, insurance, licensing, and profit margins beyond the $25.37 hourly wage workers actually earn. Project-based pricing ranges from $7-18 per square foot installed, depending on material choice and job complexity. Always get detailed written estimates that break down labor, materials, and additional costs like permits and disposal fees.
How much to charge for roofing per square compared to siding?
While roofing runs $300-800 per square (100 sq ft), siding costs $700-1,800 per square depending on material. Siding requires more detailed trim work and has higher material costs per square foot than most roofing materials. However, siding projects typically don’t require the specialized safety equipment and steep-slope expertise that roofing demands. Both trades face similar weather delays and permitting requirements in Fort Worth’s climate.
How much does a new roof cost in California versus Fort Worth siding?
California roofing averages $15,000-$30,000 for typical homes due to stricter building codes and higher labor costs. Fort Worth siding projects run $8,400-$21,600 for similar-sized homes, making Texas siding installation 30-40% less expensive. However, Fort Worth’s severe weather requires impact-resistant materials that California doesn’t need, somewhat narrowing the cost gap. Local material availability and transportation costs also favor Texas pricing for most construction projects.
How much does HVAC repair cost compared to siding maintenance?
HVAC repairs in Fort Worth typically run $200-$800 for common issues, while siding maintenance costs $300-$1,200 annually for typical homes. A full HVAC system replacement costs $4,000-$8,000, comparable to a partial siding replacement project. However, siding lasts 20-50 years with minimal maintenance, while HVAC systems require regular service and replacement every 12-18 years. Both investments significantly impact home value and energy efficiency in Texas’s extreme climate conditions.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.