How Much Does Liquid Siding Cost?

What Is Liquid Vinyl Siding?

Liquid vinyl siding (also known as LVS) is a special mix of resins and polymers. It combines the durability of vinyl with the versatility of paint. It’s 10 to 15 times thicker than a single coat of paint and works with almost any home exterior surface, including concrete, wood, stucco, and existing siding.

Average Cost to Install Liquid Siding per Square Foot

Liquid siding costs roughly around $3 to $6 per square foot.

Liquid Siding Prices

Liquid siding prices are typically higher than the cost for traditional latex paint—about three or four times more. This is because it is thicker and thus requires more material. On average, liquid siding materials cost around $0.60 per square foot.

Necessary materials consist of a primer coat and multiple finish coats of liquid siding. A primer coat is a bonding agent that optimizes the adherence between existing and new siding.

Liquid Siding Installation Cost

When installing liquid siding, you can expect to pay around $1 to $3 per square foot for labor costs. If your home has accessibility issues, more intricate architecture, or is taller than one story, you may pay up to $4 per square foot or more.

Additional Cost Factors

There are other added cost factors that you may want to consider when budgeting for a liquid siding project.

Preparing Siding

If you’re removing your current siding, this will increase your total project’s cost. The cost to remove siding is, on average, $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot. This includes labor and hauling away old materials. Removing siding before replacing it reduces the risk of moisture damage and pest infestations.

Window Replacements

Sometimes homeowners decide to get window replacements when they install siding. While many professional siding contractors can do both project tasks, you may want to collect a few comparative quotes from window installation professionals.

On average, the cost for window replacements is between $300 to $2,100 per window, depending on materials, window size, frame materials, and glass type. Installing new windows when you replace siding may increase your home’s resale value. You also may want to increase your insulation value, which you can do by upgrading to energy-efficient windows.

Siding a Garage

If you’re replacing your home’s siding, you might decide you also want to get garage siding. The cost to side a garage depends on whether your garage is attached or detached. For an average two-car detached garage, siding costs range between $1,500 and $9,500.

Pros and Cons of Liquid Vinyl Siding

If you’re considering a paint job on your home exterior, you may want to consider liquid vinyl instead. Be sure to compare advantages and disadvantages before choosing.

Pros of Liquid Vinyl Siding

• Durability: Liquid vinyl can outlast paint given its abilities to block dirt and debris as well as reflect heat, whereas paint will fade or crack over time. 

• Versatility: Can be applied to almost any exterior surface, including wood, vinyl, stucco, aluminum, brick, and concrete.

• Low maintenance: Once applied, liquid vinyl needs minimal maintenance with just a simple hosing down.

• Environmentally friendly: Gives off low volatile organic compounds (also called VOCs).

Cons of Liquid Vinyl Siding

• More expensive than painting: The average cost to paint a home exterior is between $2,000 to $4,500 (depending on the size of the home). While liquid vinyl is more expensive, it also lasts decades longer than paint.

• Costly repairs if poorly installed: Leave the application to a reputable pro. If vinyl siding isn’t properly applied, you can risk cracks or ships, resulting in refinishing requirements.

Liquid Vinyl Siding vs. Other Siding Options

If you’re looking to upgrade your siding and choosing between liquid vinyl and other materials, the main difference is personal aesthetics and price. The cost to reside your home across different common materials includes:

Additional factors to consider when weighing liquid vinyl against other options include:

• Your style: If your heart is set on a brick exterior, liquid vinyl won’t be able to replicate that look and feel.

• Maintenance: Consider how much time you’re willing to spend to maintain your siding option as some surfaces, like wood, will need more attention than others.

• Your region: If you live in an area with heavy rain or snowfall, you may want to opt for a more durable siding.

DIY vs. Hire a Siding Pro

While you can DIY your liquid vinyl, pros strongly recommend against it. Big-box retail and home improvement stores don’t sell liquid vinyl, so you’ll first need to connect with a certified manufacturer. Additionally, liquid vinyl siding needs to be mixed and prepared by your local siding installer, which includes handling polymers and resins.

A professional will have the proper equipment, knowledge, insurance, and licenses. Plus, they can likely complete the job in a shorter amount of time than if you were to DIY. If you’re inexperienced with exterior home improvement projects, you may pay more for any mistakes; liquid siding installation gets tricky when working around corners, fascia, and windows or doors.

If you are confident in your abilities and have the time, follow the basic steps to apply liquid vinyl:

1. Dig a shallow trench around your exterior to ensure you apply liquid vinyl to the entire surface.

2. Inspect your exterior surface, noting any cracks or chips.

3. Remove exterior features like lights and security cameras.

4. Powerwash the exterior of the surface and allow to dry fully (up to 24 hours).

5. Tape and cover windows, garage doors, and your roof’s fascia and soffit.

6. Follow the steps from the liquid vinyl manufacturer, which could include applying a base coat or primer, multiple coats of liquid vinyl, and a top coat. You may need to wait at least 24 hours between applications before applying more.

Cost to Install Liquid Siding Yourself

You can expect it to cost around $1 to $4 per square foot to install liquid siding yourself. This will mainly be materials, including a primer coat and multiple finish coats in addition to any brushes, rollers, and painting tools you purchase.