“Will this be covered… or will I be stuck with the bill?”
It’s a question almost every homeowner asks when something goes wrong with their siding. The truth is, siding warranties can be confusing—full of industry terms, exclusions, and fine print that’s easy to miss until it’s too late.
Your siding is protected by two warranties—a manufacturer’s warranty covering material defects (20–50 years) and a workmanship warranty from your installer covering installation issues (1–10 years). Both must be active and valid to fully protect your investment.
At Xtreme Exteriors, we make sure our clients understand their siding warranty before installation begins. As a licensed siding contractor, we guide you through your product and workmanship coverage so you know exactly where you stand, now and years down the road.
Two Types of Warranties You Need to Understand
When you purchase new siding, you’re actually getting two separate warranties—each protecting a different part of your investment. Both matter, and both should be understood before you sign any contract.
Manufacturer Warranty
This is provided by the siding brand itself, such as the James Hardie warranty, LP SmartSide, or Alside. It covers the siding material against defects like cracking, warping, or excessive fading under normal conditions. These warranties typically last 20–50 years, depending on the product, and may also include coverage for hail resistance. However, they can be voided if the siding isn’t installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Workmanship or Installation Warranty
This is provided by the contractor who installs your siding. It addresses issues that arise from the installation of the siding—such as loose panels, improper sealing, or alignment problems. Workmanship warranties typically last anywhere from 1–10 years, depending on the contractor. The strength of this warranty depends entirely on the company’s skill, standards, and willingness to stand behind their work.
Without proper installation, even the best manufacturer’s warranty won’t protect you—so both types are equally important.
What’s Typically Covered Under a Manufacturer’s Warranty?
Most leading siding brands offer robust coverage when installed correctly:
- Color fade resistance — Your siding should retain its color for the specified time period without excessive fading.
- Material defects — Protection against warping, cracking, splitting, or blistering that occurs under normal use.
- Hail resistance — Some brands offer limited protection against hail damage.
James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and Alside each have unique coverage periods and limitations—knowing these upfront helps you choose the right material. Check out the James Hardie warranty guidelines.
Common Siding Warranty Exclusions Every Homeowner Should Know
Here’s where the fine print matters. Most manufacturer warranties exclude:
- Improper installation — If your contractor cuts corners, your siding warranty can be voided entirely.
- Acts of God — Storms, floods, fires, or earthquakes are usually excluded.
- Normal wear and tear — Minor scratches, dents, or dirt accumulation.
- Neglect-related issues — Mold, pest damage, or water infiltration caused by lack of maintenance.
Tip: Always read the full warranty document—don’t rely solely on the brochure.
How Installation Affects Your Warranty Validity
Even the strongest siding warranty won’t help if your installation was subpar. Manufacturers like James Hardie clearly state that improper installation can void coverage. That’s why hiring a certified siding contractor matters.
Our crews follow manufacturer guidelines to the letter, ensuring your siding looks great and keeps its warranty protection.
How to Register and Maintain Your Warranty
Many brands require you to register your siding warranty within 30–60 days of installation.
Best practices include:
- Completing registration immediately after installation.
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your warranty certificate.
- Documenting maintenance with photos and dates.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and upkeep recommendations.
Key Warranty Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Contract
Before signing a contract, ask:
- How long is your workmanship warranty?
- Are you certified to install my chosen brand?
- Do you handle warranty claims if there’s an issue?
- What’s excluded from both warranties?
- Will you provide proof of registration?
Asking the right questions upfront ensures you work with a contractor who prioritizes warranty protection—not just a quick install.
Professional Installation Protects Your Siding Warranty Investment
A contractor’s reputation depends on standing behind their work. That’s why we offer strong workmanship warranties and guide you through manufacturer coverage—ensuring you understand every layer of protection your home receives. As an Elite Preferred James Hardie installer, our installations meet the strict manufacturer’s standards, protecting your investment and warranty.
Schedule a Siding Estimate — With Warranty Details Explained
When you choose Xtreme Exteriors, we’ll walk you through your siding options and your siding warranty coverage in plain language—no surprises later.
We proudly serve homeowners in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee, including Shawnee, Sikeston, Springdale, Nixa, Goodlettsville, Pittsburg, and beyond.
Call us today at (877)731-1193 or fill out our online contact form to get started. We’ll help you choose the right siding and the right warranty for lasting peace of mind.
