Best Siding Companies in Des Moines, Iowa: How to Choose

The best siding companies in Des Moines, Iowa treat siding as a core service with their own trained crews, take off the old siding before installing new, and get the house wrap, flashing and window tape right underneath, because that hidden layer decides whether the wall stays dry. That is the standard Ryan Johnson, owner, CEO and president of Right Roofing and Siding, set out with host Mike Downer on Episode 13 of Right at Home, which aired October 5, 2026.

Right Roofing & Siding is a roofing and siding contractor based in Urbandale, just northwest of Des Moines, and it handles siding installation and repair across the Des Moines metro, including Johnston, Ankeny and West Des Moines.

Why Should Siding Be a Specialized Service?

Siding should be a specialized service because the weatherproofing details that decide how it performs are hidden once the panels go on. Ryan emphasizes that siding is a core service at Right Roofing and Siding, not an add-on to roofing work. The company uses dedicated siding crews and manufacturer-backed materials.

Ryan points to house wrap, flashing, window tape and penetrations around doors, windows and mounts as areas that require careful work. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Science Education program explains that a water-resistant barrier behind cladding helps drain moisture that gets past siding and should integrate correctly with flashing.

How Should You Choose a Siding Material?

Choose a siding material by budget, maintenance and how often you want to change colors, Ryan says, and his crews install steel, LP siding, prefinished LP products, Hardie siding and vinyl, including CraneBoard insulated vinyl.

The larger goal, Ryan says, is keeping moisture out. Even a premium siding product cannot make up for poor preparation or installation.

Why Does Installation Matter More Than the Siding Material?

Installation matters more than the material because no siding is completely watertight, so the drainage and flashing system underneath has to handle the wind-driven rain that gets behind it. Ryan noted that Iowa gets hard-driving rains and that every type of siding lets some moisture through.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that windows and doors interrupt a wall’s drainage plane, creating vulnerable areas when flashing is not correctly installed.

Ryan puts it simply: “Most siding failures are not bad material. They are bad installation.”

He estimates that about 75% of the leaks people think are roofing leaks have more to do with house wrap and window tape. Caulk may appear to help temporarily, but it does not fix an improperly built water-management system behind the siding.

What Does Siding Replacement Cost in Des Moines?

At Right Roofing and Siding, the average siding project runs about $25,000 to $75,000, and basic vinyl siding on a smaller home is roughly $25,000 to $30,000, Ryan says, depending on materials and decorative features.

Timelines vary with square footage as well: a smaller home may take about a week, while larger projects can take seven to 10 working days. Our full guide to siding replacement cost explains what moves the price.

These are company examples, not universal market prices. The Iowa Attorney General recommends comparing written estimates and making sure contracts clearly identify materials, price, timelines and project responsibilities.

Does Bundling Siding With Windows or Gutters Save Money?

Yes, and Ryan says doing windows and siding together is the biggest saver, because adding a window while crews are set up for the siding cuts the labor on that window by about 50%, a saving of $2,500 to $10,000.

Siding can also overlap with roofing, gutters, soffit and fascia. Coordinating these projects can prevent homeowners from paying repeatedly for removal, setup and reinstallation while also improving flashing transitions between components.

Should You Choose the Lowest Siding Bid?

No, Ryan warns against choosing a siding contractor only because of the lowest bid. Some companies install new siding over old material, which can hide damage and prevent inspection of the wall beneath it, while his crews always remove the old siding first.

His advice is memorable: “Price is what you pay now. Cost is what you pay later.”

Before hiring, homeowners should ask whether old siding will be removed, how flashing and house wrap are handled, who performs the installation, and what warranties apply.

Where Can You Watch the Full Episode?

You can watch Episode 13 of Right at Home, “Best Siding Companies in Des Moines, Iowa,” on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, where Mike Downer and Ryan Johnson cover materials, installation, warranties, costs and the questions to ask before choosing a contractor.

FAQs

Who are the best siding companies in Des Moines, Iowa?

The best siding companies in Des Moines, Iowa treat siding as a core service, remove the old siding, and install house wrap, flashing and window tape correctly. Right Roofing and Siding, based in Urbandale, says it works that way, with crews that install only siding and manufacturer-backed materials.

How long does siding replacement take?

Ryan says smaller homes may take about one week, while larger projects can require seven to 10 working days.

What siding materials does Right Roofing and Siding install?

The company installs vinyl, including CraneBoard insulated vinyl, LP siding, prefinished LP products, Hardie siding and steel siding.

Is siding waterproof?

Not completely. Moisture can get behind siding, which is why house wrap, flashing and drainage details are important.

Can replacing windows and siding together save money?

Yes. Coordinating both projects can reduce duplicate labor because crews already have access to the exterior wall system.

What is a common siding installation mistake?

Poorly installed house wrap, flashing and window tape are among the problems Ryan says his team frequently encounters.

Should homeowners choose the lowest siding bid?

Not automatically. Compare materials, preparation, installation methods, warranty coverage and written scope.

Why remove old siding first?

Removing it lets the contractor inspect the wall for damage and correct weatherproofing problems before installing new siding.