Before and After: 5 Metro Detroit Siding Transformations
I've been installing siding in Southeast Michigan for over three decades, and I can tell you this: nothing changes a home faster than new siding. Not landscaping. Not a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Not even new windows.
Siding is the single largest visual element of your home's exterior. When it's dated, damaged, or just plain wrong for the architecture, the whole house suffers. But when you get it right — the right material, the right color, the right installation — the transformation is immediate and dramatic.
Over the years, our team at NEXT Exteriors has completed hundreds of siding projects across Metro Detroit. We've worked on everything from 1920s bungalows in Royal Oak to modern builds in Rochester Hills. Every project teaches us something new about what works in Michigan's demanding climate.
Today, I'm walking you through five real transformations we've completed in the past two years. These aren't staged marketing photos — these are actual homes where we tore off old, failing siding and installed materials built to handle Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, summer storms, and everything in between.
Transformation #1: 1960s Ranch in Sterling Heights — From Faded Vinyl to Modern LP SmartSide
This Sterling Heights ranch was a textbook case of what happens when builder-grade vinyl siding hits the 25-year mark in Michigan. The south-facing wall had faded from beige to a washed-out gray. The northwest corner — the side that takes the brunt of winter winds and lake-effect moisture — showed multiple cracks where the vinyl had become brittle from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
The homeowners wanted a complete departure from the dated look. They chose LP SmartSide engineered wood siding in a deep charcoal gray with crisp white trim. This material is engineered specifically for climates like ours — it's treated with zinc borate for protection against moisture, fungal decay, and termites, and it carries a 50-year limited warranty backed by LP.
The Challenges We Solved
When we removed the old vinyl, we found exactly what we expected: minimal house wrap, no drainage plane, and trim boards that had started to rot from trapped moisture. This is common in homes from this era — the building science just wasn't there yet.
We installed a proper weather-resistant barrier, added a rainscreen drainage mat behind the new siding (critical for engineered wood in Michigan's humid summers), and replaced all the trim with PVC boards that will never rot. The corners got LP SmartSide trim boards for a seamless, architecturally correct look.
The Results
The transformation was immediate. The deep charcoal siding with white trim gave the ranch a contemporary, almost Scandinavian aesthetic. The horizontal lap siding emphasized the home's clean lines. More importantly, the homeowners now have a siding system that's engineered to handle Michigan weather for the next five decades.
Cost for this project: $18,500 for approximately 1,800 square feet of siding, including all trim, soffit, and fascia work. The investment added an estimated $25,000 to the home's market value according to their realtor.
Transformation #2: Colonial in Rochester Hills — Aluminum to James Hardie with Board-and-Batten Accent
This Rochester Hills Colonial had good bones — classic brick on the first floor, original 1980s aluminum siding on the second story and gables. The problem? The aluminum had oxidized to a chalky finish, showed dents from hail storms, and the color (a peachy beige) screamed "1985."
The homeowners wanted something timeless that would complement the brick and work within their neighborhood's informal architectural guidelines (Rochester Hills has several areas with strong aesthetic cohesion, even without formal historic designation).
The Material Choice: James Hardie Fiber Cement
We recommended James Hardie fiber cement siding in their ColorPlus® technology — factory-applied finish that's baked on in a controlled environment. The color they selected was "Aged Pewter," a sophisticated gray-blue that picked up the cooler tones in their brick.
For the front gable, we installed James Hardie's board-and-batten panels vertically. This created architectural interest and drew the eye upward, making the home feel taller and more substantial. It's a design move we use often on Colonials — the vertical accent breaks up what can otherwise feel like a blocky facade.
Why James Hardie Works in Michigan
James Hardie's fiber cement is engineered with their HZ10® technology, specifically formulated for freeze-thaw climates. The material is dimensionally stable — it doesn't expand and contract with temperature swings the way vinyl does. It's non-combustible (important for homes near wooded areas). And it's backed by a 30-year non-prorated warranty that covers both the product and the ColorPlus finish.
We're a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, which means our crews are trained on their specific installation requirements. This matters more than most homeowners realize — fiber cement is heavier than vinyl and requires different fastening techniques, flashing details, and expansion gaps. Get it wrong, and you void the warranty.
The Results
The transformation elevated the entire home. The Aged Pewter siding complemented the brick beautifully, and the board-and-batten gable added a custom, high-end look. The neighbors noticed immediately — we ended up doing two more projects on the same street within six months.
Cost: $24,800 for approximately 2,200 square feet of James Hardie siding with ColorPlus finish, including the board-and-batten accent, all trim, and soffit/fascia upgrades.
Transformation #3: Cape Cod in Grosse Pointe Farms — Cedar Shake to Low-Maintenance Vinyl Perfection
This Grosse Pointe Farms Cape Cod had the classic look — cedar shake siding, steep roof lines, dormers. It also had the classic problem: the cedar was failing. Forty years of Michigan weather had taken its toll. We found rot behind the shakes, moisture intrusion at the window trim, and sections where the wood had warped so badly that water was running behind the siding.
The homeowners loved the Cape Cod aesthetic but were done with the maintenance. They wanted something that looked like cedar but would never need staining, sealing, or replacing rotted sections.
The Solution: CertainTeed Cedar Impressions
We installed CertainTeed Cedar Impressions — a vinyl siding product that replicates the look of hand-split cedar shakes with remarkable accuracy. The profile, the texture, even the shadow lines are designed to mimic real wood. Available in a range of colors, the homeowners chose "Natural Clay," a warm taupe that honored the home's traditional character.
CertainTeed's vinyl is engineered with Vynil® technology for superior fade resistance and impact strength — critical for homes near Lake St. Clair where wind-driven rain and occasional hail are facts of life. The material carries CertainTeed's limited lifetime warranty.
Addressing the Moisture Issues
Before installing the new siding, we had to fix the underlying problems. We replaced sections of sheathing that had been compromised by moisture, installed a high-performance weather-resistant barrier, and upgraded all the window flashing to a modern, code-compliant system. We also added new seamless gutters with proper downspout placement to direct water away from the foundation — a detail that matters more than most people realize.
The Results
From the curb, you'd swear it was real cedar. The texture and depth of the Cedar Impressions profile are that convincing. But unlike cedar, this siding will never rot, never need painting, and will look the same in 20 years. The homeowners were thrilled — they got the Cape Cod aesthetic they loved without the constant maintenance burden.
Cost: $21,200 for approximately 2,000 square feet of CertainTeed Cedar Impressions, including all trim, soffit, fascia, and moisture remediation work.
Transformation #4: Mid-Century Modern in Royal Oak — Bold Color Blocking with Smooth LP SmartSide
This Royal Oak mid-century modern had been updated inside but the exterior was still wearing its original wood siding from 1962. The paint was failing, the wood was showing signs of rot at the bottom courses, and water intrusion around the windows had caused damage to the interior walls.
The homeowners wanted to honor the home's clean, modernist lines while making a bold statement. They didn't want traditional lap siding — they wanted smooth panels that emphasized the horizontal planes and geometric simplicity that define mid-century architecture.
The Design: Smooth LP SmartSide Panels with Color Blocking
We installed LP SmartSide smooth panels — 4x8 sheets that create a seamless, contemporary look with minimal reveal lines. The homeowners chose a two-tone color scheme: deep charcoal for the main body and a warm cedar tone for the recessed entry and accent walls. The contrast was dramatic and perfectly suited to the home's modernist aesthetic.
LP SmartSide panels are engineered wood treated with their proprietary SmartGuard® process — zinc borate protection plus a weather-resistant overlay that resists moisture, fungal decay, and termites. The smooth finish takes paint beautifully and holds color longer than traditional wood siding.
The Installation Challenges
Mid-century homes often have unique details — large expanses of glass, cantilevered sections, flat or low-slope roofs. These create flashing challenges. We spent extra time detailing the transitions between the siding and the large picture windows, ensuring that water would be directed away from the openings.
We also discovered that the original sheathing was minimal — just 1x6 boards with gaps between them. We added a layer of rigid foam insulation over the existing sheathing before installing the new siding. This upgraded the wall assembly's thermal performance (important for a home with single-pane windows in some areas) and provided a solid, flat substrate for the panels.
The Results
The transformation was stunning. The smooth panels and bold color blocking turned this into one of the standout homes in the neighborhood. The clean lines and contemporary palette attracted attention from architecture enthusiasts — the home was even featured on a local mid-century modern home tour.
More importantly, the homeowners now have a siding system that will protect their home for decades. The LP SmartSide panels, properly installed with modern flashing and a drainage plane, will handle Michigan's weather without the maintenance headaches of traditional wood siding.
Cost: $26,400 for approximately 1,600 square feet of LP SmartSide smooth panels, including the two-tone paint system, rigid foam insulation upgrade, all trim, soffit, and fascia work. The higher cost reflects the custom color work and the added insulation layer.
Transformation #5: Brick Colonial in Troy — Insurance Claim and Seamless James Hardie Repair
This Troy Colonial illustrates a scenario we see often: storm damage to a home with mixed exterior materials. The first floor was brick (original to the 1990s construction). The second story had James Hardie fiber cement siding that had been installed about 15 years ago by another contractor.
A severe summer storm with straight-line winds had damaged several sections of the siding on the west-facing wall. The homeowners filed an insurance claim and needed a contractor who could match the existing James Hardie siding and complete the work to current code standards.
The Challenges: Color Matching and Upgraded Installation
Color matching existing James Hardie siding can be tricky, especially when the original installation is 10+ years old. James Hardie has changed their color offerings over the years, and even when you can identify the original color, weathering and UV exposure mean the new siding will look brighter initially.
We identified the color as "Monterey Taupe" (still available in the ColorPlus line) and ordered material from the same production batch to ensure consistency. We also explained to the homeowners that there would be a slight color difference initially, but that UV exposure would blend the new sections within 12-18 months.
The bigger issue was the installation method. When we removed the damaged sections, we found that the original contractor had used incorrect fastening techniques — nails were overdriven in some areas, and the flashing at the window heads was inadequate. This had allowed water intrusion that wasn't visible from the exterior but had caused damage to the sheathing.
The Solution: Proper Installation and Water Management
We replaced the damaged sheathing, installed a high-quality weather-resistant barrier, and upgraded all the window flashing to current best practices. We then installed the new James Hardie siding using the manufacturer's specifications — proper nail placement, correct clearances at all penetrations, and a drainage plane behind the siding.
We also recommended that the homeowners upgrade their gutter system on the damaged wall. The original gutters were undersized and had been overflowing during heavy rains, contributing to the water intrusion issues. We installed 6-inch seamless gutters with properly sized downspouts and added splash blocks to direct water away from the foundation.
The Results
The insurance claim covered the siding replacement and the necessary sheathing repairs. The homeowners opted to pay out of pocket for the gutter upgrade, recognizing that it was a smart investment in protecting their home long-term.
The new James Hardie sections blended seamlessly with the existing siding. Within a year, you couldn't tell which sections were new. More importantly, the home now has a properly installed siding system with modern water management details that will prevent future moisture problems.
Cost: $8,400 for the siding replacement (covered by insurance), $2,200 for the gutter upgrade (paid by homeowner). Total project cost: $10,600.
What These Transformations Teach Us About Michigan Siding
After 35 years of installing siding in Southeast Michigan, these five projects reinforce lessons we've learned over thousands of installations. Here's what matters:
1. Material Selection Matters, But Installation Matters More
James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and CertainTeed all make excellent products engineered for climates like ours. But even the best siding fails if it's installed incorrectly. Proper flashing, correct fastening, adequate drainage planes, and attention to manufacturer specifications are non-negotiable.
This is why we're certified by James Hardie and trained on LP's installation requirements. It's why we follow the best practices outlined by the Vinyl Siding Institute for vinyl installations. And it's why we carry a Michigan Residential Builder's License — we're held to state standards for workmanship.
2. Michigan's Climate Demands Specific Considerations
Freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect moisture, summer humidity, occasional hail, and UV exposure from our surprisingly sunny summers — Michigan weather tests every exterior material. The siding that works in Arizona or North Carolina won't necessarily perform here.
Look for materials engineered for freeze-thaw climates. Understand that vinyl needs room to expand and contract. Know that fiber cement and engineered wood need proper clearances from grade and horizontal surfaces. These details aren't optional in Michigan — they're the difference between a siding job that lasts 50 years and one that fails in 15.
3. Budget for the Whole System, Not Just the Siding
Every one of these projects included work beyond just hanging new siding. We upgraded flashing, replaced damaged sheathing, installed proper weather barriers, and in some cases added insulation upgrades or gutter improvements.
When you're getting quotes, ask what's included beyond the siding itself. Are they addressing the trim? The soffit and fascia? The water management details? A complete siding replacement is an opportunity to upgrade your home's weather protection system — don't waste it by cutting corners.
4. Color and Style Choices Should Complement Your Home's Architecture
The Sterling Heights ranch looked great in modern charcoal. The Grosse Pointe Farms Cape Cod needed a traditional cedar shake look. The Royal Oak mid-century modern could handle bold color blocking. Each choice was right for that specific home.
Don't fight your home's architectural style. Work with it. A Colonial looks best with traditional horizontal lap siding or shakes. A ranch can go contemporary or traditional depending on the other design elements. A mid-century modern can handle smooth panels and bold colors. If you're not sure what works, ask your contractor — we've seen what succeeds and what doesn't across every architectural style in Southeast Michigan.
5. Invest in Quality Now, or Pay for Repairs Later
The Troy Colonial's insurance claim happened because the original contractor cut corners on installation. The Grosse Pointe Farms Cape Cod's cedar siding failed because the homeowners deferred maintenance. The Sterling Heights ranch's vinyl siding reached the end of its service life and had to be replaced.
Quality siding, properly installed, is expensive. But it's cheaper than dealing with moisture damage, rot, mold, and structural repairs down the road. When you're comparing quotes, don't just look at the bottom line — look at what you're getting for that price.
How to Plan Your Own Siding Transformation
If you're considering a siding replacement for your Metro Detroit home, here's what you need to know:
Step 1: Assess Your Current Siding
Walk around your home and look for these warning signs:
- Visible damage: Cracks, warping, loose or missing pieces
- Fading or discoloration: Especially on south and west-facing walls
- Moisture issues: Peeling paint on interior walls near exterior walls, water stains, mold or mildew
- High energy bills: Poor insulation or air sealing behind old siding
- Rot or soft spots: Especially at the bottom courses or around windows and doors
If you're seeing multiple issues, or if your siding is more than 25 years old, it's probably time for a replacement rather than repairs.
Step 2: Choose Your Material
For Michigan homes, your main options are:
Vinyl siding: Most affordable, low maintenance, good performance in freeze-thaw climates. CertainTeed and GAF make excellent vinyl products. Expect to pay $6-10 per square foot installed for quality vinyl.
Fiber cement (James Hardie): Premium durability, non-combustible, excellent for historic or high-value homes. Requires professional installation. Expect to pay $10-14 per square foot installed.
Engineered wood (LP SmartSide): Authentic wood look, excellent durability, takes paint beautifully. Good middle ground between vinyl and fiber cement. Expect to pay $8-12 per square foot installed.
We cover the detailed comparison in our guide to the best siding options for Michigan homes.
Step 3: Choose a Licensed, Experienced Contractor
This is critical. Check for:
- Michigan Residential Builder's License: Required by state law for projects over $600
- Manufacturer certifications: James Hardie Preferred Contractor, CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator, etc.
- Insurance and bonding: Protects you if something goes wrong
- References and reviews: Look for consistent quality and professionalism
- Local experience: Michigan-specific knowledge matters
NEXT Exteriors carries all these credentials. We've been serving Southeast Michigan since 1988, we're BBB A+ Accredited, and we maintain a 5.0-star rating across 87+ reviews. We're also certified by the manufacturers whose products we install — which means we're trained on their specific installation requirements and our work is backed by their warranties.
Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Carefully
Don't just look at the bottom line. Compare:
- Materials specified (brand, product line, warranty)
- Scope of work (just siding, or trim/soffit/fascia/flashing too?)
- Installation details (weather barrier, drainage plane, fastening methods)
- Timeline and crew size
- Payment terms and warranty coverage
A detailed quote from a professional contractor will specify all of this. A vague quote with a low price is usually a red flag.
Step 5: Plan for the Unexpected
In older homes especially, we often find issues when we remove the old siding — rot, inadequate sheathing, missing insulation, outdated flashing. Budget 10-15% above the quoted price for potential repairs. A good contractor will communicate these issues as they're discovered and give you options for addressing them.
Step 6: Consider Complementary Upgrades
When you're doing siding, it's often the right time to address:
- Window replacement: Easier to flash properly when the siding is off
- Gutter upgrades: Protects your new siding investment
- Insulation improvements: Especially in the walls if you're already opening them up
- Exterior painting: For trim, doors, and other elements
NEXT Exteriors offers all of these services, which means we can coordinate the work efficiently and ensure everything is properly integrated. You're not juggling multiple contractors with different schedules and standards.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
NEXT Exteriors has been protecting Michigan homes since 1988. We're licensed, certified, and backed by a 5.0-star reputation across Metro Detroit. Get a free, no-pressure estimate from a team that shows up on time and does the job right — the first time.
Get Your Free QuoteOr call us: (844) 770-6398
Frequently Asked Questions About Siding Transformations
It depends on the material. Quality vinyl siding typically lasts 25-30 years in Michigan's climate. James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide engineered wood both carry 50-year limited warranties and can last even longer with minimal maintenance. Traditional wood siding requires regular maintenance (painting/staining every 5-7 years) and typically lasts 20-30 years. Aluminum siding from the 1970s-80s often shows oxidation and denting by the 30-year mark. The key factor is proper installation — even premium materials fail early if installed incorrectly.
There's no single "best" material — it depends on your budget, home style, and priorities. For budget-conscious homeowners who want low maintenance, quality vinyl from CertainTeed or GAF is excellent. For maximum durability and a premium look, James Hardie fiber cement is hard to beat. For authentic wood appearance with modern performance, LP SmartSide engineered wood is ideal. All three materials perform well in Michigan's freeze-thaw climate when properly installed. We help homeowners choose based on their specific situation — you can explore the options in our detailed siding comparison guide.
For a typical 2,000 square foot home in Metro Detroit, expect to pay $12,000-20,000 for quality vinyl siding, $18,000-28,000 for James Hardie fiber cement, and $16,000-24,000 for LP SmartSide engineered wood. These ranges include materials, labor, trim, soffit, fascia, and proper installation with modern weather barriers and flashing. The actual cost varies based on home complexity, material choices, color selections, and the extent of repairs needed when old siding is removed. Two-story homes, homes with complex architectural details, and projects requiring extensive trim work or sheathing repairs will be at the higher end of these ranges. We provide detailed, transparent quotes that break down exactly what's included.
Yes, but with important limitations. We can install vinyl siding in winter as long as temperatures are above 40°F — below that, vinyl becomes brittle and can crack during installation. James Hardie and LP SmartSide can be installed in colder temperatures, but any caulking or sealants require temperatures above freezing to cure properly. We also need dry conditions — snow, ice, and rain make it unsafe to work and can compromise the installation. Most Michigan siding projects happen between April and November when weather is more predictable. If you have storm damage or urgent repairs, we can often work around weather windows even in winter months, but spring through fall is ideal for planned replacements.
Yes, significantly. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, siding replacement typically recoups 70-80% of its cost in increased home value at resale. In Metro Detroit's market, we consistently see new siding add $15,000-30,000 to home values, depending on the size and material. But the real value isn't just the resale number — it's the improved curb appeal, better energy efficiency, elimination of maintenance headaches, and protection against moisture damage. Homes with new, quality siding also sell faster than comparable homes with dated or damaged siding. If you're planning to sell within 3-5 years, siding replacement is one of the best investments you can make. Even if you're staying long-term, you get the benefit of lower energy bills and peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
Start by considering your home's architectural style and any permanent elements you can't change — brick, stone, roof color. Traditional homes (Colonials, Cape Cods) typically look best in classic colors: whites, grays, taupes, sage greens. Contemporary and mid-century homes can handle bolder choices — charcoals, deep blues, even black. Consider your neighborhood context too — you want to stand out in a good way, not clash with surrounding homes. Michigan's gray winter skies mean darker colors can feel heavy; lighter to mid-tone colors often work better year-round. We offer visualization tools that let you preview colors on your actual home before making a decision. We also recommend ordering physical samples to see how colors look in Michigan's natural light — colors that look great in a showroom can read differently on a large exterior wall. Check out our guide on siding colors that boost curb appeal in Metro Detroit for detailed recommendations.
A complete, professional siding replacement includes: removal and disposal of old siding; inspection and repair of underlying sheathing and framing; installation of weather-resistant barrier (house wrap); installation of new siding according to manufacturer specifications; all trim work (corners, window trim, door trim); soffit and fascia work; proper flashing at all penetrations (windows, doors, vents, utilities); caulking and sealing; and thorough cleanup and final inspection. Some projects also include insulation upgrades, gutter work, or window flashing improvements depending on what we find when the old siding comes off. At NEXT Exteriors, we provide detailed written quotes that specify exactly what's included so there are no surprises. We also communicate throughout the project if we discover issues that need attention — you'll always know what we're doing and why.