While New Jersey is still in the throes of winter, we look forward to warmer days, and many homeowners think about revitalizing their homes. Spring is one of the prime seasons to tackle exterior home improvements, but you need to know what to expect before you begin any major projects.
If your home’s exterior is looking faded, cracked, or simply outdated, now is the time to make a change. Updating your residential siding this spring doesn’t just boost curb appeal. It fortifies your home against the summer heat and the storm season ahead, protecting it for years to come.
Here is what you need to know about the costs of upgrading your siding this year and why industry experts and our team consistently point to James Hardie Fiber Cement as the best value for your money.
Why Spring is the Best Season for Siding
There is a reason contractors love working in the spring. The mild temperatures, lower humidity, and generally calmer weather make installations smoother.
Ideal Installation Weather
Siding materials, especially vinyl, expand and contract with extreme temperatures. The mild temperatures of a New Jersey spring allow for the tightest, most accurate installation, ensuring your home is perfectly sealed.
Beat the Summer Rush
By scheduling your project in March or April, you avoid the heavy backlog that often hits in mid-summer. You get your project done faster and your home ready for backyard BBQ season, while others are still planning their projects and picking their colors.
Immediate Energy Savings
Old siding can have gaps that let warm air out in winter and let heat in during summer. Tightening up your exterior envelope before the humid NJ summer hits means your AC won’t have to work as hard, lowering your energy bills now and in the future.
The Cost of Upgrading Siding in 2026
The cost of home improvement materials and labor has continued to shift in recent years. While prices vary heavily based on the size of your home and the complexity of the architecture, understanding the pros and cons of siding options, as well as their costs, is crucial to making the right decision for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding remains the “budget” option, typically costing less upfront. However, it is prone to cracking in cold weather and melting/warping in extreme heat or reflected sunlight. A trustworthy contractor will advise you on whether vinyl is a good choice for your home.
Wood Siding
Wood siding offers a premium look but comes with a premium price tag and a cost many homeowners overlook. The annual maintenance costs for staining, painting, and pest control can quickly add up and increase the project’s long-term costs.
Fiber Cement (James Hardie)
While James Hardie fiber cement siding has a higher upfront cost than vinyl or wood, its lifetime cost is lower, and its return on investment tends to be higher than other options. With durability that outlasts vinyl or wood and styles that suit any home, fiber cement siding is a great choice for homeowners seeking long-term value.
The “Hidden” Cost of Going Cheap
When evaluating the cost of your siding, it’s crucial to consider the total lifetime cost, not just the sticker price. A cheaper vinyl siding job that needs repairs after a heavy windstorm or looks faded in five years can cost you more per year than a quality product that lasts 30+ years. That’s why our team always makes recommendations that fit your needs and budget, not just the least expensive options.
Why James Hardie is the Best Value for Your Money
At CRS, we have been serving Northern New Jersey since 1977. We have seen countless siding jobs, and we have seen how every type of siding material fails. That is why we champion James Hardie Fiber Cement siding.
It isn’t just about the incredible curb appeal, it is about the math of homeownership.
Unmatched Durability
James Hardie siding is engineered specifically for our climate thanks to their HardieZone® technology. It resists the shrinking, swelling, and cracking that wood and vinyl experience during our freeze-thaw cycles. It is also fire-resistant and will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame, unlike wood, which will catch fire, or vinyl, which can melt. And, unlike wood, James Hardie Fiber Cement siding is pest-resistant, and woodpeckers, termites, and carpenter ants do not eat it.
The Best ROI in the Industry
Year after year, the Cost vs. Value Report lists fiber cement siding replacement as one of the top home improvement projects for ROI. Because it mimics the high-end look of wood without the rot, it significantly increases your home’s resale value.
Baked-On Beauty with ColorPlus® Technology
One of the biggest costs of wood siding maintenance is painting. James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology is a factory-applied, baked-on finish that resists fading from UV rays. While your neighbors are repainting their wood siding or replacing their faded vinyl, your Hardie siding will still look vibrant.
The CRS Difference
You can buy the best material in the world, but if it is installed poorly, it will fail. At CRS, we are certified exterior experts.
- Local Experience: We have been protecting NJ homes since 1977.
- Design Consultation: Not sure if “Arctic White” or “Iron Gray” suits your home? Visit our showroom to see the colors in person, or let us use our design tools to show you the transformation before we start.
- Peace of Mind: We are fully licensed, certified, and insured, and we adhere to manufacturer specifications, ensuring your warranty remains valid.
Ready to transform your home this Spring? Don’t wait until the summer heatwaves are here. Contact CRS today to schedule your Spring siding consultation.
