Siding companies in New Orleans, LA

What siding installation costs in New Orleans

Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes in the New Orleans area, not an offer or a quote for your project.

When to schedule siding installation in New Orleans

Siding projects in New Orleans are most active in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, presents scheduling risks; sudden afternoon thunderstorms can soak open sheathing if the wall isn't dried in each day. Many local pros recommend scheduling major exterior work outside the peak tropical months of August and September.

Permits and HOA rules

In New Orleans, exterior work is governed by the Department of Safety and Permits. Simple removal and replacement of deteriorated weatherboards may be exempt from a building permit for one- and two-family dwellings, but that exemption does not apply within a local historic district. Properties in the French Quarter (Vieux Carré) or any HDLC-designated district must obtain approval, such as a Certificate of Appropriateness, before work begins, even for repairs that would otherwise be exempt.

Licensing and insurance in Louisiana

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) regulates siding professionals. Residential projects exceeding $50,000 require a Residential Building Contractor license. Home improvement projects between $7,500 and $50,000 require a Home Improvement Registration with the state. Verify a contractor's status through the LSLBC search and confirm they carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance.

Navigating New Orleans Historic District Guidelines

New Orleans has some of the most closely regulated historic districts in the country. Homes in the French Quarter fall under the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC). Most other historic areas, such as the Garden District, Marigny, or Bywater, are governed by the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC). These bodies preserve the city's architectural character, so you cannot simply choose any material for your siding.

The HDLC generally prefers traditional materials such as wood weatherboards, or approved substitutes like smooth-finish fiber cement that matches the profile of the original boards. Vinyl and aluminum are often restricted in these districts. Before buying materials, submit your application through the city's online permitting system with photos of the existing siding and specifications for the replacement.

Skipping HDLC or VCC approval can lead to a stop-work order and penalties. Work with a contractor familiar with the New Orleans design guidelines, which address not only material but board exposure, window trim, and corner board details that define styles like the Creole cottage and the Victorian shotgun.

Material Choices for a High-Humidity Climate

New Orleans has a hot, humid climate with heavy rainfall and near-constant moisture, which is punishing for exterior cladding. Traditional wood siding, while architecturally accurate, needs rigorous maintenance to prevent rot and peeling paint. Owners often choose rot-resistant species like cypress or cedar, but even these need good primer and topcoats to survive.

Fiber cement has become a leading choice for New Orleans replacements. It is non-combustible, dimensionally stable, and resistant to termites. Because it does not rot, it holds paint longer than wood. A smooth finish rather than an embossed fake grain better reflects the look of historic New Orleans weatherboards.

Vinyl remains a budget-friendly option outside historic districts, particularly in neighborhoods like Gentilly and Lakeview. In this climate, choose a thicker, wind-rated product; thin vinyl can become brittle with UV exposure and is more likely to strip off in high winds. Insulated vinyl costs more but adds impact resistance and dampens street noise.

The Threat of Formosan Termites

New Orleans is heavily affected by Formosan subterranean termites, a species far more aggressive than native termites. They can chew through wood and foam insulation. Termite mitigation should be part of any siding plan, which is why many local professionals are cautious about untreated wood siding and exterior foam that can hide termite tunnels.

A key detail is keeping the bottom of the siding clear of the soil so mud tubes stay visible. If siding runs down to the ground, termites can enter the wall undetected and cause serious structural damage behind the new cladding.

Beyond termite-resistant siding, ask that any wood trim or replacement sheathing be appropriately treated. Borate-treated lumber is commonly used in Louisiana for its resistance to termites. Confirm your contractor is preserving your home's termite protection throughout the project.

Hurricane Preparedness and Wind Load Ratings

Every New Orleans siding project should be designed with the next hurricane in mind. The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code sets wind load requirements for exterior cladding based on location and building height. Meeting them depends on how the siding is fastened, not just what it is.

Proper fastening means corrosion-resistant nails, typically hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel, driven into framing per the manufacturer's high-wind instructions. Vinyl products with reinforced nail hems add security. For fiber cement, blind nailing must follow the manufacturer's high-wind schedule so boards don't loosen in a storm.

Sheathing condition is vital. Older New Orleans homes may have original board sheathing that has softened with age or moisture and won't hold nails. A good contractor inspects the wall once old siding is removed and replaces soft or rotted wood before installing new cladding.

Moisture Management: Beyond the Siding

In a city with this much rain, siding is only the first line of defense. The water-resistive barrier behind it is what keeps the house dry. Many local pros recommend drainable house wraps that create a small gap so water drains out instead of being trapped against the wall.

Flashing is the most common failure point. Z-flashing belongs above windows, doors, and horizontal trim boards to steer water away from the wall. Missing drip caps over windows are a frequent cause of rot in historic homes.

Sealant choice matters as well. High UV exposure makes cheap caulk crack quickly. Use high-performance sealants that flex with the building at siding-to-trim joints, and leave the gaps manufacturers specify so materials can move with temperature and settling.

Hiring a Local New Orleans Siding Specialist

Start by verifying the contractor's Louisiana credentials. A Home Improvement Registration is the minimum for jobs over $7,500, and a Residential Building Contractor license is required above $50,000. Be cautious of storm chasers who arrive after a hurricane; established local firms are easier to hold accountable.

Ask for a detailed written estimate with line items: siding brand and grade, house wrap type, how damaged sheathing will be priced, and debris disposal. Older homes may have asbestos-containing siding, which requires special handling and should be addressed in the quote.

Ask about the crew's experience with your home's style. Detailing a historic Garden District Victorian takes different skills than suburban new construction. Ask for local references from projects a few years old to see how the work has held up.

Areas Henry covers

Uptown · Garden District · Mid-City · Lakeview · Gentilly · Algiers Point · Marigny · Bywater · Carrollton · French Quarter

Common questions

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