Siding in Huntsville
Siding is a home's rain coat. In Huntsville, it has to handle long, humid summers, hail and some freeze-thaw each winter, and what's behind it matters as much as what you see.
Humidity and moisture
NOAA's engineering weather data for the Huntsville airport station counts about 935 hours a year with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F. In humid weather, any water that gets behind siding dries slowly. That's why the water-resistive barrier, flashing around windows and doors, and a way for water to drain out at the bottom matter so much. Ask the contractor what house wrap they'll use, how they'll flash windows and doors, and whether they recommend a drainage gap behind the siding.
Hail
The National Weather Service in Huntsville describes the May 2, 2003 hailstorm as one of the costliest in Alabama history, with hail larger than baseballs in places and over 30,000 insurance claims. Vinyl siding can crack or puncture in hail, especially when it's cold. Fiber cement and engineered wood resist impact better but cost more. After a hailstorm, ask a contractor to inspect the siding along with the roof, and photograph any damage for your insurer.
Freeze-thaw
NOAA lists an average of 40 freeze-thaw cycles a year at the Huntsville station. Caulk joints and paint on wood and fiber cement take the most wear. Ask what caulk and paint the contractor uses, and how they'll handle joints and butt ends. Fiber cement typically needs repainting on a schedule; ask what to expect.
Material choices
Vinyl is affordable and needs little upkeep, but it can warp near grills or reflective windows. Fiber cement is durable and fire-resistant; it's heavy and needs proper installation. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to work with; ask about edge sealing and the warranty. Whatever you choose, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, because warranties depend on them.
Alabama's license rule
In Alabama, residential improvement work costing more than $10,000 needs a Home Builders Licensure Board license. A full siding replacement usually crosses that line. A limited license, which needs no exam, covers only a single-trade job contracted directly with the homeowner that doesn't affect the structure. Ask which license the contractor holds and check it with the board.
Comparing bids
Ask for bids with the same scope: removal of old siding, sheathing repair, house wrap, flashing, trim, siding material and line, caulk and paint, and disposal. Ask how they'll price rotten sheathing found during removal. Get the warranty in writing, both manufacturer and workmanship.