Siding Installation
New siding installation starts with a material decision that will affect your home’s appearance, mai...
Old siding does not announce its failure all at once. It happens gradually, a cracked panel here, a soft spot there, energy bills creeping up as the walls become less airtight. By the time moisture has been getting behind the panels long enough to soften the sheathing underneath, the siding replacement job has already become a sheathing repair job too.
We remove the old material completely, repair any damaged sheathing underneath, and install new siding with the correct weather-resistive barrier, flashing, and expansion gaps that the original installation may have missed.
Some siding problems can still be addressed with siding repair, but others mean the system has reached the point where replacement is the only real solution.
One of the clearest signs is a soft spot behind the panels. When pressing on the siding reveals movement or give in the sheathing underneath, moisture has been entering the wall long enough to cause structural damage. At that stage, the issue is no longer surface-level and cannot be corrected with a patch.
Warping or buckling across entire wall sections is another indicator. This is not an isolated panel failure but a system-wide problem, often caused by installation errors such as over-driven nails or missing expansion gaps combined with years of thermal movement.
When the exterior shows widespread chalking or oxidation, the siding has broken down past the point where paint or surface treatment will hold. This is both a cosmetic and protective failure that signals end of life.
Moisture readings taken during inspection provide another clear threshold. When the sheathing behind the siding tests above acceptable levels, it confirms that water intrusion has been ongoing and the structure underneath is compromised.
Storm damage is also a common trigger in Bloomington. Hail and wind can cause cracking, panel displacement, and damage across multiple elevations. In these cases, partial repair is rarely effective and full replacement is usually covered by insurance.
Age and repair history matter as well. When siding is approaching 25 to 30 years and requires repeated repairs, it is no longer performing as a system. Continuing to patch it only delays the inevitable.
Before making a decision, you can explore our full range of siding services or use the quick guide below to evaluate your home’s current condition
| Common Situation | Recommended Solution | Why It Matters |
| One or two cracked panels, no sheathing moisture, color match available | Repair | Isolated damage in otherwise sound siding; repair is cost-effective and extends the system’s life |
| Soft spots behind panels, sheathing moisture present, or mold found during inspection | Replacement | Moisture in the wall assembly requires full tear-off; repair covers the symptom, not the cause |
| Warping or buckling across multiple wall sections | Replacement | Systemic installation failure; individual panels cannot be repaired without addressing the whole system |
| Hail or wind damage across two or more elevations | Replacement | Color matching is typically not possible; insurance claims often cover full replacement |
| Siding at 20+ years with repeated annual repairs | Replacement | Continued repair costs exceed replacement over time; replacement resets the maintenance cycle |
| Not sure, something looks wrong but unclear what | Free inspection first | We assess the exterior and provide a clear recommendation with no pressure |
Siding replacement starts with a full on-site inspection. The condition of the siding is assessed, soft spots are identified, and the sheathing behind the panels is checked for moisture. Flashing and trim are also evaluated to determine whether water has been getting behind the system.
Replacement is also the point where material decisions are made. Homeowners can stay with vinyl siding or explore options often discussed during siding installation, such as fiber cement or LP SmartSide. We then provide a written estimate, outlining materials, labor, and any sheathing repair that may be required once the siding is removed.
The existing siding is completely removed before any new materials are installed. This full tear-off includes all panels, trim, accessories, and the existing weather barrier. New siding is never installed over old material, since doing so traps moisture and prevents proper inspection of the wall assembly.
With the wall exposed, the sheathing, framing, and insulation are inspected in full. This is often the only opportunity to identify hidden damage caused by long-term moisture intrusion. Any compromised OSB, rot, or structural issues are repaired before the new system is installed.
A new weather-resistive barrier is installed with proper overlaps and sealed seams. Flashing is then replaced at all windows, doors, and penetrations, similar to how proper flashing is handled during roof replacement. These steps are critical to prevent future water intrusion and are not visible once the project is complete.
The new siding is installed with correct fastening and expansion spacing so it can move with temperature changes without buckling. Trim, soffit, and fascia components are replaced as needed to ensure the entire exterior system works together.
Once we complete the installation, we clean the site and review the finished system with the homeowner to confirm everything was installed correctly.
Storm Damage Siding Replacement and Insurance Claims in Bloomington
Storm damage is one of the most common reasons siding replacement is needed in Bloomington. Hail and wind are covered perils under most homeowner policies, while normal aging and wear are not. The distinction matters, because coverage depends on how the damage occurred, not just the condition of the siding.
Documentation has to be completed before any cleanup or removal begins. Photos of impact marks, cracked panels, displaced sections, and any exposed sheathing are required to support a claim. Once materials are removed without documentation, that evidence is lost, which can affect coverage decisions.
At AMI Roofing Contractors, we provide full documentation and work alongside the insurance adjuster during the inspection process. Having a contractor present helps ensure that all visible damage is identified and properly recorded. If additional issues are discovered during tear-off, such as sheathing or flashing damage, a supplemental claim can be submitted.
Coverage also depends on the type of policy. Replacement cost value policies cover the full cost of replacement, while actual cash value policies account for depreciation. Understanding that difference is important when reviewing an estimate and determining out-of-pocket costs before work begins.
Many homes in Bloomington’s older neighborhoods, including Near Westside, Elm Heights, and Bryan Park, still have original siding that has been exposed to Indiana’s humidity and seasonal weather for decades. Over time, that exposure leads to moisture intrusion behind the panels, softening the sheathing underneath and causing the siding system to break down.
Newer homes are not immune to these issues. Southern Indiana’s hail season and high winds can damage siding across multiple elevations, especially when materials are already approaching the end of their service life. What starts as visible surface damage often extends beneath the panels, making full replacement the more reliable long-term solution.
We replace siding on homes throughout Bloomington and Monroe County. We understand how local weather patterns affect siding performance and install systems designed to handle Indiana’s humidity, temperature swings, and storm exposure.
We have completed over 1,000 projects throughout Bloomington and Monroe County, from older homes in Near Westside, Elm Heights, and Bryan Park where original siding has been exposed to Indiana humidity for decades, to newer homes where hail and wind damage have shortened the life of the system.
Siding replacement is where shortcuts create long-term problems. Some contractors install new siding over existing material to reduce cost and time. That approach traps moisture, prevents inspection of the sheathing, and often voids manufacturer warranties. We do full tear-offs on every siding replacement so the wall assembly can be opened, inspected, and corrected before new materials are installed.
Each project follows the same process. All existing siding and accessories are removed before new materials are installed. The sheathing is checked for moisture and structural damage. Any compromised OSB or framing is repaired before the new system goes on. A new weather-resistive barrier is installed with proper overlaps and sealed seams, and flashing is replaced at every window, door, and penetration. These are the steps that prevent water from getting behind the siding in the first place.
We maintain an A+ BBB accreditation with zero complaints on record and have earned four Best of the Best awards. These are verifiable records tied to completed projects in Bloomington and Monroe County, where siding replacement requires getting the details right the first time.
Call (812) 327-2885 for a free written estimate.
Yes, when siding has reached the point where moisture is getting behind the panels or repairs are recurring, replacement prevents more expensive structural issues. In Bloomington, aging siding often leads to hidden sheathing damage that continues to spread if not addressed.
It depends on the cause. Hail and wind damage are typically covered, while normal aging is not. Documentation must be completed before any removal begins. We provide documentation and can be present during the adjuster inspection to help identify all damage. Replacement cost value policies cover the full cost, while actual cash value policies factor in depreciation, which affects out-of-pocket cost.
Yes. In Bloomington, new siding signals that the home has been maintained and that there are no underlying exterior issues. Buyers often view aging or damaged siding as deferred maintenance, which can affect value and negotiations.
Fiber cement and LP SmartSide perform well in Indiana’s climate because they handle humidity and seasonal weather better than standard vinyl. Insulated vinyl is a solid upgrade, but for long-term durability, fiber cement and engineered wood are typically stronger options.
Re-siding installs new siding over existing material, which prevents inspection of the wall assembly and can trap moisture behind the system. Full replacement removes all existing siding first, allowing the sheathing, flashing, and weather barrier to be inspected and repaired before new materials are installed.
If your siding is past the point where another repair makes sense, or you are not sure which side of that line your home falls on, a free inspection will make that clear. At AMI Roofing Contractors, we assess the full exterior, check for hidden moisture damage behind the panels, and provide a written estimate with honest options.
We serve Bloomington, Ellettsville, Martinsville, Bloomfield, Spencer, Nashville, Bedford, and Mooresville.
Call us at (812) 327-2885 to schedule your inspection. AMI Roofing Contractors is based at 3802 Industrial Blvd # 1, Bloomington, IN 47403. Free inspections and written estimates with no pressure.
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed
