Southfield · Oakland County
Siding Contractor in Southfield, MI
Southfield’s brick ranches and mid-century homes often carry original aluminum on the gables and trim. Here’s what local siding contractors replace, what to watch for, and how to get an estimate.
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Siding contractors in Southfield, MI commonly replace aluminum siding on 1950s and 1960s brick ranches and colonials, re-side gables, dormers and garages, wrap old wood trim, fascia and soffits in aluminum, and repair storm damage. Many projects pair new vinyl siding with new gutters and trim for a complete exterior update.
Postwar Brick, Aluminum Gables and Tired Trim
Southfield filled in quickly after World War II, as families moved north across Eight Mile Road. Its neighborhoods between Telegraph, Evergreen, Southfield Road and Greenfield are lined with brick ranches, colonials and some striking mid-century modern homes. Brick covers the lower walls of many of them, but the gables, dormers, garage walls and upper stories are often aluminum siding installed decades ago, sometimes over the original wood.
Aluminum doesn’t crack in the cold like vinyl, but it has its own problems. The factory finish chalks and fades, so it comes off white on your hand. It dents from hail, ladders and balls. And the wood trim and fascia around it often haven’t been painted in years, so they’re peeling or soft. Replacing the aluminum, wrapping the trim and putting on new gutters can make a 1960 Southfield ranch look current without touching the brick.
Southfield’s office towers and the Southfield Town Center skyline get the attention, but most of the city is quiet residential streets, and those homes are reaching the age when exterior work can’t wait much longer. Older homes here may also have lead paint on original wood trim, so ask any contractor how they handle lead-safe work on pre-1978 houses.
What contractors see
Southfield Homes and Their Siding
Typical Southfield siding projects by home type.
| Home type | Where you’ll find it | Siding issues to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s–60s brick ranches | Neighborhoods between Telegraph and Greenfield | Aluminum gables, chalky finish, wood trim rot |
| Mid-century modern homes | Scattered neighborhoods across the city | Original wood or vertical siding, special profiles |
| 1960s–70s colonials and split-levels | North of Ten Mile | Aluminum or early vinyl on upper floors |
| Condos and apartments | Near Northwestern Highway and the Lodge | Association-managed re-siding |
| Detached garages | Throughout older neighborhoods | Bare or patched siding, rot at the bottom |
Planning a project
Before You Re-Side
Replacing aluminum
Most Southfield aluminum gets replaced with premium or insulated vinyl siding, which won’t chalk and doesn’t need paint. Tear-off lets the contractor check the old wood siding or sheathing underneath and add house wrap. If you only need a few dented panels fixed, see siding repair.
Lead-safe work
Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint on original siding and trim. Federal rules require lead-safe practices when that paint is disturbed. Ask your contractor about certification and how they’ll contain dust and debris.
Trim, soffit and gutters
On brick homes, the siding is only part of the picture. Wrapping wood trim and fascia in aluminum, replacing soffits with vented vinyl and adding new gutters often make the biggest visual difference. Ask contractors to quote the whole exterior so you can decide what to include. Our siding replacement guide explains what a full job includes.
If your home has an unusual profile or vertical siding, ask to see samples that suit the architecture rather than standard lap siding.
Local checklist
Southfield Siding Checklist
Quick checks for brick-and-siding homes.
- Rub the aluminum: white chalk means the finish is gone.
- Check wood trim and fascia for peeling paint and soft spots.
- Look for dents on the side facing past hailstorms.
- Make sure gutters drain away from the brick and siding.
- Ask about lead-safe practices on pre-1978 homes.
- Get written estimates that list trim, soffit and gutter work separately.
Nearby
Nearby Areas We Connect Callers In
We also connect callers in Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Beverly Hills, Farmington Hills and Royal Oak, plus the rest of Oakland County, MI. Coverage depends on each contractor.
Local insight
Mid-Century Details Worth Keeping
Some of Southfield’s most distinctive homes are mid-century modern designs with low rooflines, clerestory windows and vertical or board siding. Re-siding those houses with standard horizontal vinyl can erase what makes them special. Ask contractors about vertical vinyl, board-and-batten, engineered wood or fiber cement panels that suit the architecture, and about keeping original details like wide fascia boards. If the original wood siding is sound, careful repair and repainting may be the better choice.
FAQ
Southfield Siding Questions
Should I replace aluminum siding on my Southfield home?
If it’s chalking, dented or faded on several walls, replacement usually makes sense. New vinyl or insulated vinyl won’t need paint, and tear-off lets the contractor fix what’s underneath.
Can aluminum siding be painted instead?
Yes, aluminum can be cleaned, primed and painted, which can buy several years. Dents and loose pieces still need repair.
Is lead paint a concern on Southfield homes?
On homes built before 1978, original wood siding and trim may have lead paint. Contractors disturbing it should follow lead-safe practices.
Can you side just the gables and garage?
Yes. On brick homes, re-siding the gables, dormers and garage is a common project, often with trim and gutters.
Do I need a permit in Southfield?
Many re-siding projects need a permit. Ask your contractor to check with the City of Southfield and pull it.
What siding suits a mid-century Southfield home?
Vertical siding, board-and-batten, engineered wood or fiber cement panels often suit mid-century designs better than standard lap.
Can you replace siding on a Southfield garage only?
Yes. Detached and attached garages are common standalone siding projects, especially where the house is brick.
How do I know if my aluminum siding is worth saving?
If it’s solid, with only a few dents and some chalking, cleaning and painting may work. Widespread dents, loose pieces or rot underneath point to replacement.
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