Sheet F-1001 · Questions on file
By the ledger on the cost guide: vinyl standard $4.50–$7.50 per sq ft installed, fiber cement lap $8.00–$13.50, engineered wood $7.50–$12.00, cedar $8.00–$14.00, conventional stucco $7.00–$11.00 — plus tear-off at $1.00–$2.00 per sq ft when replacing. A typical 1,500 sq ft wall in fiber cement therefore runs $12,000–$20,250 before tear-off. Ranges, not quotes.
It does not rot or feed termites, holds paint, is noncombustible, and is manufactured for this climate zone (Hardie HZ10). Its demands — weight, dust control, exact flashing — are installation disciplines, which is why installer quality matters more with it, not less.
Sometimes, over sound, flat wood with a proper barrier — and it buries flashing problems and shortens the new siding's honest assessment. Most quality Atlanta work tears off, because the open wall is the only time sheathing and flashing can be inspected and corrected.
Like-for-like replacement within the City of Atlanta is generally treated as permit-exempt; additions and structural alterations are not. Suburbs, overlays, and historic districts differ — historic work needs its Certificate of Appropriateness regardless. Confirm with your jurisdiction before tear-off.
About one to two working weeks for a typical house once approvals and materials are in hand. The day-by-day sequence is on the process page.
Homes built before 1978 may carry lead paint on original siding. Test before disturbance, use lead-safe work practices for tear-off and sanding, and expect the scope and cost conversation to include it.
Only if the cause is in the wall assembly — wet sheathing, failed flashing, buried siding at grade. A re-side with open-wall inspection can find and fix those. Interior sources (plumbing, HVAC condensate, crawlspace) are separate files; a good assessment says which you have.
No. This is a guide that connects you with a vetted local siding contractor, who performs assessments and any work under a contract with you. The how-it-works page states the arrangement plainly.
