Three things every homeowner asks before getting siding work done
These are the questions we get asked the most. The honest answers are: usually it can be repaired if it's localized; bundling roof and siding is convenient and can save you some money; and yes, we'll give you a straight, honest answer as to whether it can wait.
With siding, the right question is whether you actually need it
In short: Many homeowners are told they need full replacement when targeted repairs would do. Some find their siding has more life in it than they thought. We start with the question: do you actually need to install anything?
Most of the siding we're called to look at can be repaired, or has more life in it than the homeowner expected. Sometimes the bubbling and warping is localized to one elevation and a section repair will get the house another decade. Sometimes it's cosmetic fade and a careful color match brings the house back. Sometimes the whole envelope is failing and replacement is the right call.
We tell you what we see honestly. If repair will work, we recommend repair. If sections need replacement, we say so. If the whole house needs new siding, we explain why.
We don't sell siding you don't need. That's the same standard we apply to roofs.
A roofing company that does siding properly
In short: Same team, same standards, same honest assessment whether it's a roof or a siding repair.
I founded Better Way in 2015 with my business partner Keith. We're family and owner-led, based in Shipshewana. The crew that does our siding works to the same standards as our roofing crew: show up on time, do the job properly, leave the site clean, stand behind the work.
If you're considering siding because you're already replacing your roof, we'll be honest about whether bundling makes sense. Roof and siding bundling is convenient and it can save you some money. The curb appeal works better when the new roof and new siding are done together rather than years apart. We'll lay out the options and you decide.
Our siding services
In short: Repair and full replacement. Both start with a free assessment and a written, fixed-price estimate.
Siding repair
Targeted fixes for storm damage, sections of warping or rot, isolated panel failures, and color matching for visible damage. Often the right answer when only parts of the siding are compromised.
Siding replacement
Full tear-off and new installation when the existing siding has reached the end of its life. We'll walk you through the options and cost differences, and what suits your home, your budget, and the climate. We'll do color samples and finish samples before any commitment.
Signs your siding needs attention
In short: Seven things to look for. If you spot any, worth getting an assessment before water gets behind the siding.
- Visible cracks, warping, or holes. Signs of deterioration. Warping often indicates water damage underneath.
- Mold or mildew, especially near seams or panel edges. Moisture is getting behind the siding.
- Faded or peeling color. The protective coating has worn off, leaving the siding vulnerable.
- Higher heating and cooling bills. Failing siding and the insulation behind it could be creating higher energy costs.
- Dry rot or insect damage. Tap the siding with a screwdriver. If it crumbles, you have dry rot, and it spreads silently.
- Loose or missing panels. Needs immediate attention before water gets behind the rest.
Read the full guide on when to replace siding →
“With siding, the damage you can’t see is the part that matters. Siding’s real job is to keep water off the sheathing and the weather barrier behind it. By the time you spot warping or mildew on the surface, water has usually been sitting against the wall for a while. That’s why we pull a panel and look at what’s behind it before we ever quote a repair.”
The Better Way Difference: applied to siding
In short: The same things we do on every job, applied to siding: insurance support, property protection, dedicated project management, and a written price guarantee.
Policy Guard
If your siding damage is insurable (storm or impact damage), we take the photos, document the scope, and support your adjuster interactions.
Property Protection Promise
If we break it, we buy it. No claims process, no negotiation. Damage to landscaping, windows, gutters, or anything else around the work area is on us to fix.
Dedicated Project Manager
Senior project manager Wayne coordinates scheduling and communication. On site, your day-to-day project manager (Jimmy or Lamar) runs the job and is your single point of contact for everything happening at your property. Lamar is also our siding repair specialist.
Photo Documentation
Photos at every key stage: old siding removed, underlayment condition, new panels going up, trim detail, cleanup.
Price Guarantee
The number on the proposal is the number on the invoice. If we find something during tear-off (rot in the sheathing is the most common surprise on siding work), we stop, document it, show you the photo, and get your written approval before any extra cost goes on.
What you'll pay for siding work
In short: We'd rather give you a real number after seeing the house than publish a misleading range. Free assessments. Written, fixed-price estimates.
Siding pricing varies because it depends on the complexity of the home, the condition of the sheathing underneath, and how much trim and detail work is involved. We primarily install vinyl siding and LP SmartSide.
The main thing that can change the price is sheathing. If the existing sheathing needs replacing (or if there's no sheathing at all, which we do come across), that adds material and labor. But that's the only major variable, and we'll know once we see the house.
Rather than publish a national price range that probably doesn't apply to your house, we'd rather come out, see the building, and give you a real, written, fixed-price quote. Free of charge. No commitment.
See pricing for our other services →
“On siding, the one thing I can’t price until the old panels come off is the sheathing underneath. Most of the time it’s solid. When it isn’t, and on some older homes there’s no sheathing back there at all, that adds material and labor. I’ll show you the photo and get your okay before a dollar goes on. Nobody likes a surprise on the invoice, me included.”
Our siding process: from inspection to final walkthrough
In short: Six steps. One project manager throughout. Photos at every stage.
- The call. We listen, ask about your house and what you're hoping for, and book a time that works for you.
- The assessment. Full inspection of the existing siding, sheathing condition where visible, and the trim and flashing details around windows and doors.
- The estimate. Itemized, fixed-price, with the system, color, finish, and timeline all spelled out. Valid 30 days.
- The work. Your dedicated project manager runs the job. Photos at every key stage. Old siding off. New siding on.
- The walkthrough. When the work is done, your project manager does a walk-around the house with you. Since siding is visible from the ground, you can see everything together. If you have any questions, that's the time to ask.
“If you’re already having the roof done, it’s worth at least pricing the siding at the same time. You’ve got crews, ladders, and dumpsters on site either way, and a brand-new roof over tired siding tends to make the siding look even more tired. Doing both together usually costs less than two separate jobs, and the house comes out looking finished.”
What our siding clients say
In short: We've done a lot of siding work alongside roofing. Here's what some of those homeowners said.
"Used them to repair siding damage. Would definitely recommend to others! Prompt, courteous, and below budget!"
"Lyle was very helpful with finding the right color to make the siding of the house. He was also very polite and respectful. The siding matched up perfectly and the new gutter spouts look great as well! I highly recommend this company."
"Better Way Roofing replaced the siding and roof on our home. Lyle came out and talked with us about our choices of siding and roof. He was very knowledgeable and helped find our perfect fit. His roofing team and siding team were very professional."
Better Way Roofing may not be the right fit if...
In short: We're upfront about who we're not the right contractor for.
- You're looking for the cheapest possible quote.Cheaper installers usually use thinner panels, skip the flashing details around windows and doors, or rush the install. We don't do any of those, so we won't be the cheapest.
- You want fiber cement siding.We don't install fiber cement. If that's what you're after, we're not the right fit for the job.
If either of those sounds like you, there are contractors who'll fit better. We can usually point you to one.
Common siding questions from Indiana homeowners
Should I replace my siding when I replace my roof?
In short: It depends on the condition of your siding. If both are aging or damaged, doing them together gives a consistent finish and one construction window. Bundling is convenient and can save you some money, and the curb appeal works better.
How do I know if my siding needs replacing?
In short: Look for warping, bubbling, mold near seams, dry rot (tap with a screwdriver), and loose or missing panels. If you spot any of those, worth an assessment.
What types of siding do you install?
In short: Vinyl siding and vinyl board and batten. We also install LP SmartSide. We'll discuss the options that suit your home, your climate, and your budget during the free assessment.
How long does siding last?
In short: Vinyl typically lasts 20 to 40 years depending on quality. All assume proper installation and minor maintenance.
Do you do siding repair, or only replacement?
In short: Both. If a section is damaged or worn but the rest is sound, repair is often the right answer. We'll tell you honestly which makes more sense for your house.
Are you licensed and insured?
In short: Yes. Fully licensed and insured in Indiana and Michigan. We can show you the paperwork on request. See our credentials →
Book a free siding assessment
A free assessment is the easiest way to know whether you need repair, replacement, or to wait.
We'll come out, look at your siding, walk you through your options, and send you a written, fixed-price quote. No pressure.
If you want the work, we book it. If you want to think about it, you've got an honest baseline to compare against anyone else.
— Lyle Lehman, Founder