The Truth About Siding ROI: Comparing Board & Batten, Vinyl, and Wood Siding for PA Home Value

TLDR - Article Overview:

• New siding has one of the highest resale ROIs of any exterior renovation
• Vinyl siding appeals to mid-range buyers and can recoup up to 95% of install costs
• Board & batten is great for curb appeal, but may not work in every neighborhood
• Wood siding, though charming, is the riskiest siding material for ROI

Need new siding and thinking about selling your home? If so, there’s probably one thing on the top of your mind: investing in a siding material that’s going to produce a healthy return in resale value.

The good news is that new siding has one of the highest ROIs of all exterior renovations. In fact, a 2024 study revealed that new siding recoups as much as 67-95% of its upfront costs in resale value, energy bill savings, and prevented water and pest damage.

So, whether you’re planning to stay for the long haul—or eventually sell—siding can make an amazing investment. And maximizing that return is what this article is all about. 

Give it a read. By doing so, you’ll learn how three popular siding types stack up in our area in terms of investment ROI—so you can live in a home that looks great and sells for top of market value when the time comes.

What Does “ROI” Really Mean?

For most folks, ROI sounds like dollars in your pocket. However, there’s more to it than financial returns on your investment—especially if you’ll be selling your home.

Siding ROI means:

• Upfront costs recouped at sale
• Energy savings by lowering monthly bills
• Increased curb appeal that shortens time on market
• Reduced maintenance costs and repair bills for owner
• The way you feel about your home living in it

In other words, ROI isn’t about getting every penny back in pure dollar terms. Instead, it’s just as much about preserving value that would otherwise be lost with an exterior that’s gone into disrepair (i.e., being more competitive in the market).

That being said, let’s take a look at the comparative ROIs of three popular siding styles in our region.

Why is Vinyl Siding So Popular in Southeastern PA?

Vinyl siding remains the workhorse of exterior cladding in PA for the following reasons: 

• Low upfront costs
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Strong resale value.

In terms of financial recoup, Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs Value Report shows that new vinyl siding can bring back as much as 94.7% of the upfront cost at resale (depending on product material and trim type). 

There are a few reasons for this, but for starters, PA buyers expect to see vinyl in entry-level and mid-range neighborhoods. Additionally, the lower maintenance requirements (painting or resealing) mean less hassle before showings and for the new owner.

The tradeoff is that vinyl is the least eye-catching of siding varieties. But if you’re more interested in a reliable material that produces a consistent ROI, vinyl is the solid choice for most homeowners.

The Pros and Cons of Board & Batten Siding

To clear up any confusion, let’s start with the basics. Board & batten siding isn’t a material—it’s a style. One that’s popular among homeowners in and surrounding Pennsylvania’s beautiful farm country.

Because of the options in material choices (vinyl, fiber cement, or wood), calculating an average upfront cost is a bit trickier for board & batten. Depending on the material you choose, prices can range from $7,500–$21,300 for a typical home.

That being said, the ROI on board & batten siding generally falls in the 70–80% range. Plus, this style gives a home a dramatic boost in curb appeal—especially in suburban or farmhouse-style neighborhoods—something that matters when scrolling online listings.

Board & batten does, however, have two caveats.

• Fiber cement or engineered hardwood has a higher cost, but won’t necessarily affect ROI
• If surrounded by simple lap-sided homes, board & batten look might look too upscale and result in a lower payback on resale

That said, if you love the look, board & batten may be the perfect choice. There’s no denying it makes your home look amazing, and a reasonable ROI makes it a solid option for the right homeowner.

A Few Things to Consider Before Installing Wood Siding

When it comes to charm, the rich texture and authentic character of natural wood is undeniable. This is especially true in historic areas where a vintage look is prized. However, if your goal is to maximize ROI, wood may not be the best choice.

While wood siding’s resale recoup runs in the 70–80% range (not bad, all things considered), homes with wood siding may have trouble selling. 

There are a few key reasons for this buyer's hesitation.

• Wood siding requires more maintenance (painting, staining, caulking)
• Wood is susceptible to rot and moisture issues—especially in humid areas
• Buyers are often skeptical of the long-term durability of wood

So while wood can absolutely lift the emotional response to a home—particularly in older, historic districts—middle-class buyers seeking durable, low-maintenance exteriors will usually take a pass.

Choose the Best Siding for Your Home with This Quick Guide

To recap, here’s the short of siding choices when it comes to ROI in southeastern PA.

• Vinyl = Safest ROI, predictable resale appeal, recoups 80–95% of cost at resale
• Board & Batten = Striking look for the right neighborhood, decent recoup at 70–80% of costs
• Wood = Beautiful look, but with variable ROI and selling difficulties—best for historic or upscale areas

Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals. If you’re planning to sell within a few years, lean toward vinyl or neutral board & batten. They make homes easier to sell and return the most reliable ROI.

However, if you want to stay in your home for the long haul, investing in higher-end materials you love may be the right choice—even if the resale percentage isn’t quite as high.

The Real Secret to Maximizing Your Resale ROI!

Choosing the right materials is important. There’s no denying that. But just as important—and perhaps moreso—is this.

Choosing the right contractor. 

At E&E, we know renovating your home is a big deal. While you may only do it once in your life, our crews do it every day. And after 30 years, we’re still passionate about putting our homeowners’ minds at ease.

• Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
• Top-tier products expertly installed
• Hand-picked crews that care about you and your home

So if you’ve been considering upgrading your home’s siding, don’t wait.

Reach out for your complimentary estimate (and help finding the perfect materials and look to maximize your ROI) today.

Get Your Complimentary Estimate

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E&E General Contracting got started over thirty years ago as a local siding replacement company. Since then, our team has grown to become a trusted provider of all types of exterior services (roofing, siding, windows, doors) and interior remodels and additions. All projects come backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty and the assurance that comes from working with highly skilled, communicative, and caring crews. And while you might only renovate your home once in a lifetime, we do it every day—and are ready to make your dream home a reality.