Every source the deck and siding guides cite — codes, manufacturer and industry standards, and trade associations. The references are listed here so the numbers can be checked against their origin.
[1] JLC / Zonda — 2025 Cost vs Value Report (national averages): fiber-cement siding replacement, 1,250 sq ft, job cost $21,485, resale value $24,420, 113.7% recouped. jlconline.com/cost-vs-value/2025/national
[2] James Hardie — How Siding Affects Home Value: summarizes the 2025 Cost vs Value fiber-cement figures (1,250 sq ft of pre-primed and painted siding; 113.7% return). jameshardie.com
[3] HomeAdvisor — Siding Installation Cost: installed cost per sq ft by material (vinyl $3–$12, fiber cement $5–$14); labor $40–$75 per hour; permits $150–$1,500. homeadvisor.com
[5] This Old House — Soffit Replacement Cost (updated April 2026): $6–$30 per linear foot, average about $17; aluminum $8–$20, vinyl $5–$9. thisoldhouse.com
[6] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Typical Residential Projects (March 2026): "Replace exterior siding" requires a permit but not plan review. columbus.gov
[7] U.S. EPA — Lead RRP Program for Contractors: paid work disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing requires certification; minor repair exemption is 20 sq ft or less on the exterior. epa.gov
[8] U.S. EPA — Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos: leave undamaged asbestos-containing material alone; have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. epa.gov
[9] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #09: Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: weathering "Severe," frost line depth 32 in., ground snow load 20 psf. columbus.gov
[10] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 7: Wall Covering (the basis of the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio): Section 703.2 water-resistive barrier, Section 703.4 flashing. codes.iccsafe.org
[11] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #11: Minimum Construction Document Standards for Roofing/Window/Door Permit Applications and Inspection Requirements (revised April 3, 2026): all residential roofing, window/door replacement and siding replacement require a building permit and one exterior inspection at the end of the project; the siding inspection checks that fixtures, panels and meters are fastened to the structure rather than the new siding, that penetrations are caulked, that any Certificate of Appropriateness was followed, and that the manufacturer's specifications were met. columbus.gov
Standard — Residential Code of Ohio (2019 edition, based on the 2018 IRC), enforced locally by Columbus Building and Zoning Services and suburban building departments. Confirm the current edition and local amendments with the department that issues the permit.
[1] Polymeric Exteriors Institute (formerly the Vinyl Siding Institute) — How to Install Horizontal Vinyl Siding: leave about 1/32 in. between fastener head and panel; 1/4 in. gap at corner posts and channels, 3/8 in. below 40°F; overlap about 1 in. polymericexteriors.org
[2] James Hardie — The Hardie Zone System: HZ5 products are designed for climates with freezing temperatures, extreme seasonal temperature variations, and snow and ice. jameshardie.com
[3] JLC / Zonda — 2025 Cost vs Value Report (national averages): fiber-cement siding replacement recouped 113.7% of job cost. jlconline.com/cost-vs-value/2025/national
[4] LP Building Solutions — LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Siding & Trim: products treated to the core through the LP SmartGuard manufacturing process. lpcorp.com/SmartSide
[5] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #09: Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: weathering "Severe"; termite "Moderate to Heavy"; decay "Slight to Moderate"; frost line depth 32 in. columbus.gov
[6] Western Red Cedar Lumber Association — How to Finish Western Red Cedar Siding: finish types, surface preparation, refinish when the coating has worn thin, uneven weathering of uncoated cedar. realcedar.com
[7] German Village Society — Resident FAQs: a Certificate of Appropriateness is necessary for any exterior change in the German Village Historic District; siding is among the staff-approvable categories. germanvillage.com
[8] City of Columbus — Historic Preservation & Design Review: Boards, Commissions & Panels: the commissions that review exterior alterations in the city's historic districts and review areas, with district guidelines. columbus.gov
Standard — Manufacturer installation instructions: siding warranties and code compliance both depend on installing the product as its manufacturer specifies, including clearances, fastening and flashing. Read the current instructions and limited warranty for the exact product line.
[2] JLC / Zonda — Cost vs Value: Deck Addition (Composite) project description: 16-by-20-foot deck on pressure-treated joists and concrete footings, with built-in bench, planter and complete railing system. jlconline.com
[3] Fixr — Cost vs Value 2025: wood deck addition 94.9% ROI, composite deck addition 88.5% ROI. fixr.com
[4] HomeAdvisor — Cost to Build a Deck (updated June 2026): typical project $4,339–$12,652; labor $15–$35 per sq ft; railings $35–$210 per linear ft; demolition $5–$15 per sq ft; permits $230–$500; second-storey labor about $45 per sq ft vs about $15 at ground level. homeadvisor.com
[5] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #23: 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwelling Decks and Exterior Egress Components (revised April 2026): permit and plan approval required; exemption criteria; zoning approval for decks over 169 sq ft; 36-in. guard where grade is more than 30 in. below the deck surface measured 3 ft out; handrail with 4 or more risers. columbus.gov
[6] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #09: Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: frost line depth 32 in.; termite hazard "Moderate to Heavy." columbus.gov
[7] Franklin County Building Department — Guide to Deck Permits: post holes 38 in. deep, post bearing on at least 6 in. of concrete, footing size per Table 507.3.1 of the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio; footing, framing and final inspections. franklincountyohio.gov
[8] YellaWood — AWPA Compliance: ground-contact treatment for framing that is difficult to maintain, repair or replace and critical to the structure (joists, beams, ledger boards). yellawood.com
[9] Simpson Strong-Tie — ZMAX and Hot-Dip Galvanized Connectors: coatings for exterior and treated-wood applications such as decks; stainless steel for higher exposure. strongtie.com
[10] North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) — Check Your Deck (May 2023): an estimated 30 million of 60 million U.S. decks have exceeded their useful life. nadra.org
[11] Trex — How to Install Deck Joists: joists no more than 16 in. on center for standard applications; 12 in. for diagonal decking. trex.com
[1] YellaWood — AWPA Compliance: since the 2016 AWPA revision, framing that is difficult to maintain, repair or replace and critical to the structure (joists, beams, ledger boards) requires ground-contact treatment. yellawood.com
[2] Simpson Strong-Tie — ZMAX and Hot-Dip Galvanized Connectors and Materials and Coatings for Fasteners: corrosion-resistant coatings for decks and treated wood; match fastener coating to connector coating; stainless steel for higher exposure. strongtie.com
[3] North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) — Check Your Deck: the 10-point consumer checklist covers corroding fasteners, decaying materials, loose railings and lighting; not a substitute for a professional inspection. nadra.org
[4] YellaWood — Staining Pressure Treated Wood: stain within about six weeks of construction once the wood is dry; use the sprinkle test. yellawood.com
[5] TimberTech — Composite Decking Comparison: capped composite (wood and recycled plastics) vs. capped polymer AZEK (100% polymers, no wood in core or cap); 30-year (PRO) and 50-year (AZEK) limited fade and stain warranties. timbertech.com
[6] Trex — How to Install Deck Joists: joists no more than 16 in. on center for standard applications; 12 in. for diagonal decking. trex.com
[7] HomeAdvisor — Cost to Build a Deck (updated June 2026): railings $35–$210 per linear foot installed. homeadvisor.com
[8] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #23: Decks and Exterior Egress Components (revised April 2026): door step, stair riser and tread, handrail and guardrail provisions of the Residential Code of Ohio. columbus.gov
[9] Franklin County Building Department — Guide to Deck Permits: 4-in. sphere rule for guards, riser variation no more than 3/8 in., handrail graspable width 1¼–2¾ in. with returned ends. franklincountyohio.gov
[10] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 3: Building Planning (basis of the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio): Table R301.5, guards and handrails designed for a 200-pound concentrated load. codes.iccsafe.org
[1] International Code Council — 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (free online edition): Ohio's residential code, based on the 2018 International Residential Code with Ohio amendments, effective July 1, 2019. codes.iccsafe.org
[2] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Typical Residential Projects (March 2026): building a deck requires a permit and plan review; replacing exterior siding requires a permit but not plan review; special zoning, area commission and historic districts may need additional approvals. columbus.gov
[3] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #23: 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwelling Decks and Exterior Egress Components (revised April 2026): permit exemption criteria; zoning approval for decks over 169 sq ft; minor limited-scope permits; Sections 311.3.1, 311.7.4, 311.7.7, 312.1, 502.2.2 and 703.8 of the Residential Code of Ohio. columbus.gov
[4] Franklin County Building Department — Guide to Deck Permits: plan requirements, 38-in. post holes with at least 6 in. of concrete under the post, Table 507.3.1 footing sizes, Table 507.9.1.3(1) ledger fastener spacing, ledger flashing, guard and stair details, footing/framing/final inspections. franklincountyohio.gov
[5] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #09: Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: frost line depth 32 in. per Table R301.2(1). columbus.gov
[6] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 4 (Section R403.1.4.1, frost protection; footings not to bear on frozen soil) and Chapter 7 (Section R703.2 water-resistive barrier; Section R703.4 flashing). codes.iccsafe.org
[7] American Wood Council — DCA 6: Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide: ledger attachment, lateral load connection, footing and guard post details; ledgers not attached to masonry veneer. awc.org
[8] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 3: Building Planning: Table R301.5, guards and handrails designed for a 200-pound concentrated load. codes.iccsafe.org
[9] City of Upper Arlington — Building FAQs: a building permit is required to construct a deck, and when roof decking, exterior sheathing or framing is replaced along with shingles or siding. upperarlingtonoh.gov
[10] City of Hilliard — Building Standards Division: deck and siding listed among projects that require a permit. hilliardohio.gov
[11] City of Westerville Planning & Development — Residential Deck Permit Requirements: construction plans, survey-based plot plan with distances to property lines; Certificate of Appropriateness in the Architectural Review District. westerville.org
[12] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies: Section R903.2.1, flashing to divert water where the eave of a sloped roof intersects a vertical sidewall. codes.iccsafe.org
[13] German Village Society — Resident FAQs: a Certificate of Appropriateness is necessary for any exterior change in the district; siding is staff-approvable. germanvillage.com
[14] City of Columbus — Historic Preservation & Design Review: Boards, Commissions & Panels. columbus.gov
[15] WOSU Public Media — Columbus City Council votes to strip power from German Village, other historic districts (December 16, 2025): the change exempts city work in rights-of-way; private owners still need certificates. wosu.org
[16] Ohio EPA — Asbestos Hazard Abatement Contractor License: businesses performing asbestos hazard abatement projects must be licensed; certified specialists supervise on site. epa.ohio.gov
[17] U.S. EPA — Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos: leave undamaged material alone; removal by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. epa.gov
[18] U.S. EPA — Lead RRP Program for Contractors: certification for paid work disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing; exterior minor-repair exemption is 20 sq ft or less. epa.gov
[19] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #11: Minimum Construction Document Standards for Roofing/Window/Door Permit Applications and Inspection Requirements (revised April 3, 2026): all residential roofing, window/door replacement and siding replacement require a building permit and one exterior inspection at the end of the project; the siding inspection checks that fixtures, panels and meters are fastened to the structure rather than the new siding, that penetrations are caulked, that any Certificate of Appropriateness was followed, and that the manufacturer's specifications were met. columbus.gov
[1] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Typical Residential Projects (March 2026): building a deck requires a permit and plan review; replacing exterior siding requires a permit but not plan review. columbus.gov
[2] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #09: Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: frost line depth 32 in. columbus.gov
[3] International Code Council — 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 4: Foundations (basis of the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio): Section R403.1.4.1, frost protection; footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless the frozen condition is permanent. codes.iccsafe.org
[4] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #23: Decks and Exterior Egress Components (revised April 2026): plan approval and permits for decks; zoning approval for decks over 169 sq ft. columbus.gov
[5] Franklin County Building Department — Guide to Deck Permits: footing inspection before concrete, framing inspection, final inspection. franklincountyohio.gov
[6] Polymeric Exteriors Institute (formerly the Vinyl Siding Institute) — How to Install Horizontal Vinyl Siding: 1/4 in. clearance at corner posts and channels, 3/8 in. when installing below 40°F. polymericexteriors.org
[7] YellaWood — Staining Pressure Treated Wood: stain within about six weeks once the wood is dry; sprinkle test. yellawood.com
[8] Western Red Cedar Lumber Association — How to Finish Western Red Cedar Siding: finish clean, dry cedar with moisture content below 20%. realcedar.com
[9] HomeAdvisor — Siding Installation Cost: removal and replacement typically takes seven to 14 days. homeadvisor.com
[10] U.S. EPA — Lead RRP Program for Contractors: lead-safe work practices for paid work disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing. epa.gov
[11] North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) — Check Your Deck: May is Deck Safety Month; 10-point consumer checklist; professional inspection recommended. nadra.org
[12] City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services — Construction Industry Communication #11: Minimum Construction Document Standards for Roofing/Window/Door Permit Applications and Inspection Requirements (revised April 3, 2026): all residential roofing, window/door replacement and siding replacement require a building permit and one exterior inspection at the end of the project; the siding inspection checks that fixtures, panels and meters are fastened to the structure rather than the new siding, that penetrations are caulked, that any Certificate of Appropriateness was followed, and that the manufacturer's specifications were met. columbus.gov
