Siding questions and guides

It depends on the material, the installation and the exposure. Ask the contractor what the product's written warranty covers and for how long.

Both are horizontal. Dutch lap has a small cove cut along the face of each course, which casts a deeper shadow line.

Often, with care. Cold vinyl is stiffer and more brittle, and caulks and paints have temperature limits. Ask how the contractor adjusts.

Usually because it was nailed too tight to move with temperature, or the wall behind it is uneven.

A water-resistive barrier behind siding is standard practice. Ask what is installed and how it is lapped and taped at openings.

The city lists aluminum or vinyl siding with no structural work as not needing a building permit. Structural work does.

Ask for the number and look it up with LARA. The license lists the trades the contractor is qualified for.

No. Contractors pay the referral network. You pay only the contractor, and only if you hire them.

No. It connects you with a contractor for an inspection and a price. Questions about coverage go to your insurer.