Siding is a great addition to many homes. And not just for aesthetic reasons either. Siding can help you extend the lifespan of your home and ensure it’s in good condition for longer.
However, that is only true if you get it right. The right siding for your home needs to be picked with climate, budget, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do in mind, among other factors.
Let’s take a look at these factors in a bit more detail so you can pick the right siding for your home.
Your Climate
Climate is the first filter every siding decision should run through.
If you live in the Northeast, your siding is going to need to deal with freeze-thaw cycles that will constantly expand and contract the materials. If you choose vinyl siding, this can warp and crack under pressure, but fiber cement holds its shape and does not absorb moisture. If you live in a coastal region, then your siding needs to hold up against salt air, which can accelerate corrosion, meaning decisions should move toward fiber cement or engineered wood. But the hot, humid climate in the South can create conditions where moisture, in addition to mold, is a risk, meaning untreated wood siding is out, and you need materials with built-in moisture resistance.
If you’re unsure, you can talk to a local siding contractor who will have experience in selecting the right materials for your specific climate for the best results.
Durability
You need to choose a material that is durable to protect your home. Vinyl is the number one material chosen for siding in the US. It’s affordable and low maintenance, it’s not the most durable of materials for siding. It can dent, crack, and fade over time.
Fiber cement siding, however, is significantly more durable, with resistance to rot, pests, fires, and impact, and generally comes with long manufacturers’ warranties. Engineered wood, on the other hand, is more of a middle ground, but it’s not suitable for some climates. The same applies to steel siding, which offers fire resistance and strong impact protection, but needs quality coating to prevent rust in wet climates.
Maintenance Requirements
Some siding requires more upkeep and care than others. And how much time and money you’re willing to put into this will influence your final decision. If you don’t think you can manage the ongoing upkeep, it’s worth considering different options. Natural wood siding might look amazing, but it needs repainting or restaining every few years, so you’ll need to have it inspected regularly for pest damage and rot.
Vinyl is essential maintenance-free, but it cannot be repaired, so when the color fades, you either replace it entirely or you live with it. Fibre cement siding can be painted and tends to hold paint well, but it will need attention every 15 years or so. If you’re having trouble making your decisions, look at the upkeep costs over a 20-year period, not just the initial costs. The cheapest material cost upfront is rarely the cheapest over the life of the home.
