When you’re undertaking a home improvement project in Cincinnati, choosing the right siding company is crucial. Siding isn’t just about curb appeal—it protects your home, impacts energy efficiency, and if done wrong, can lead to costly repairs. Below are what truly set great siding companies apart from the rest, drawing on what Empire Contractors and others in the area do well.
Key Qualities of Outstanding Cincinnati Siding Companies
Here are the main traits and practices that distinguish top-tier siding companies. If your contractor has most or all of these, you’re likely in good hands.
| Trait | Why It Matters | What to Look For / Questions to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Years of experience | Experience often means they’ve seen many siding scenarios: different weather, material failures, tricky geometries. This helps avoid rookie mistakes. | Ask how long they’ve been doing siding. Do they specialize in siding and roofing, or are they general contractors? For example, Mr. Roof in Cincinnati emphasizes they have over 60 years of experience. |
| High quality materials & options | The longevity and maintenance of siding depend heavily on the material—vinyl, fiber cement, wood or cedar, composite, etc. The right options give both performance and aesthetics. | Look for contractors that offer multiple siding options: cedar siding, James Hardie (fiber cement), vinyl siding, etc. Do they explain trade-offs (cost, durability, maintenance)? |
| Durable, low-maintenance solutions | Homeowners want siding that stands up to Cincinnati’s weather, needs minimal upkeep, and gives peace of mind. | Ask about warranties, resistance to moisture, pests, rot. Does the contractor install siding that won’t warp, fade, or buckle? Mr. Roof notes its siding is “virtually maintenance-free.” |
| Attention to detail in siding installation | Even high-end materials won’t perform if installation is sloppy (gaps, improper flashing, poor sealing, etc.). | Inspect past work or portfolio. Do they do inspection, careful prep, alignment, sealing, trim work, etc.? |
| Customer service & communication | Projects often reveal surprises—good contractors manage expectations, keep homeowners informed, and follow through on promises. | Are they responsive? Do they provide free estimates? Do they walk you through siding options, installation steps, warranties, after-care? Do reviews mention friendly, professional, clear communication? Superior Products Exteriors, for example, highlight “fast, friendly service” and treating both small and large jobs with respect. |
| Transparent, free no-obligation estimates | Before you commit, you need a clear picture of cost, materials & timeline—with no hidden surprises. | Does the company offer free no obligation estimate(s)? Do they itemize materials vs labor? Any surprises in what is or isn’t included? Titan Siding & Roofing offers free inspections & estimates. |
| Strong warranty / guarantee | Materials or workmanship can fail. A good siding contractor backs their work so you have protection. | Ask about warranties on materials (e.g. from the siding manufacturer like James Hardie) and workmanship. How long is the guarantee? What maintenance is required to keep that warranty? |
| Solid roofing experience (if they also handle roofing) | Because siding and roofing often interact (e.g. flashing, water run-off, roof overhangs), it’s a plus if the contractor also has roofing expertise—helps avoid leaks or other exterior failures. | If your siding company also does roofing, check their roofing portfolio. Empire Contractors does roofing, siding, windows and gutters, which gives them more comprehensive exterior experience. |
| Local reputation & references | Local experience means they understand local codes, climate (humidity, snow, wind), and local challenges. References help you verify consistency. | Check reviews, examples of past siding installations in your neighborhood(s). Are people saying “stands the test of time”? How do they handle problems when they arise? |
How Empire Contractors Measures Up
Empire Contractors already ticks many of these boxes. Here are some of their strengths, as well as areas where homeowners should ask good questions, to ensure they get the great service they deserve.
Strengths:
- Offers both roofing and siding services, plus windows and gutters, which means they have integrated exterior experience.
- They work with a variety of siding products: vinyl, fiber cement (which can include brands like James Hardie), custom siding options.
- Provides free quotes (“Get Your FREE Quote”) and honest transparent pricing. Empire’s process includes a free inspection.
Questions to Ask / Areas to Confirm:
- What are the warranties (material + workmanship) and how do they compare among siding options?
- How do they handle moisture, flashing, trim details, which are often the weak spots in siding installation?
- What customer service follow-up is provided after installation—is there cleanup, walkthrough, adjustments if needed?
- What maintenance is required for the materials you choose, especially if selecting cedar siding or composite vs vinyl?
Siding Material Options: Pros & Trade-Offs
Choosing the right siding material is a core part of what sets one company apart. Here’s a quick comparison of popular siding options, especially those used by Cincinnati contractors.
| Material | Pros | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | Durable, low maintenance, cost-effective, wide range of colors & styles, good withstanding of moisture & insects. Mr. Roof highlights it as popular and virtually maintenance-free. | Can fade over time, may crack (in extreme cold or hail), less premium look than wood or fiber cement; trim and flashing details still matter. |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie etc.) | Very durable, fire-resistant, more premium look, good withstanding of rot & moisture, long lifespan. | Heavier, more expensive materials & installation; needs proper sealing & painting; more labor intensive; higher upfront cost. |
| Cedar / wood siding | Beautiful natural aesthetics; classic, high-end appearance; good insulation; if maintained well, can last long. | Requires more maintenance (staining, sealing), more vulnerable to pests & moisture; higher cost; needs high craftsmanship in installation. |
| Composite or engineered materials | Can mimic wood or other materials with less maintenance; often more uniform; some are designed for durability & low upkeep. | Cost can be higher; availability; ensure that the composite is truly durable and from reputable manufacturer. |
Final Checklist Before You Hire
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you or your contractor do these:
- Get a free no-obligation estimate in writing. Includes material costs, labor, schedule, warranty.
- Check licenses & insurance. Including general liability + workers’ compensation.
- See past work & ask references. Neighborhood or similar homes are best.
- Ask about timeline & disruptions. How long the installation will take, what needs to be done to prep.
- Review warranty fine print. What voids it, what maintenance is required, who pays for what.
- Understand maintenance. Even “low-maintenance” materials will need cleaning, occasional touch-ups. Make sure the siding material and style you pick fits how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
A great Cincinnati siding company isn’t just about the lowest price or fastest install. What matters most is the combination of quality materials, attention to detail in siding installation, years of experience, good customer service, strong warranty/peace of mind, and a transparent estimate process.
At Empire Contractors, we strive to offer all of these: durable, low maintenance siding options (vinyl, fiber cement, cedar), roofing & siding expertise, free no‐obligation estimates, and service that stands the test of time. If you’re starting a siding or exterior home improvement project, the right contractor makes all the difference.