How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home’s Climate
The siding on your home is far more than an aesthetic decision—it is your home’s first layer of protection against the elements. The right siding can keep your home protected, energy-efficient, and looking great throughout the year, from hot, sweltering summers to freezing cold winters.
But with so many types of siding out there, how do you know which one will best protect your home? After all, not all siding is created equal, nor is every type suited to every application. Generally speaking, it comes down to your local climate.
Best Siding for Hot Climates
If you live in a hot climate, you’ll need siding that can deal with the intense heat and incessant sunlight without fading, warping, or cracking. Some of the best types of siding that handle these conditions well include:
- Stucco: This is a classic for arid reasons, chosen for its ability to reflect heat while insulating your home to help it stay cool. It’s tough and resistant and can be finished in multiple colors to match your home.
- Fiber cement: This material is heat- and fire-resistant, holding up well under the unrelenting heat of hot climates. It looks like wood or stone but without the maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand with extreme temperature swings.
- Metal siding: Both aluminum and steel siding are durable options for hot climates. Neither warps or is susceptible to UV damage, making both perfect for homes in sweltering sunny regions.
In these regions, you want to choose a siding that offers UV protection and reflects light to ensure superior energy efficiency (thanks to reduced cooling costs).
Best Siding Options for Cold Weather
Houses in regions that experience bitter cold need siding that can withstand freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. In these situations, durability and insulation are most important. There are a few options that fit the bill, including:
- Vinyl siding: The modern version of vinyl is surprisingly durable and able to weather extremely low temperatures without cracking or becoming brittle. It requires little maintenance and comes in insulated versions that boost your home’s energy efficiency.
- Engineered wood: This siding boasts the charming appearance of genuine wood but with the added benefit of extra durability and resistance to moisture and cold. It’s treated to prevent warping, which is a must in freezing climates.
- Brick or stone veneer: Both brick and stone have excellent insulating properties and can generally manage the freeze-thaw cycles of cold weather without excessive wear.
If you live in a cold climate, focus on siding materials that provide an excellent wind barrier and retain heat effectively to reduce energy costs.
How to Pick Siding for Coastal Climates
Homes in coastal climates have their own share of challenges, from the salty air to the high humidity and storms that can strike at any point. Siding for these homes needs to be strong and resistant to moisture, so popular options include:
- Fiber cement: This option is tough, standing out as a top contender for its ability to endure salty air, high humidity, and strong winds. It doesn’t rot and is pest-resistant, making it a smart choice for seaside homes.
- Vinyl siding: Look for vinyl siding designed specifically for coastal climates. This option is incredibly resistant to moisture and salt exposure. It’s available in various different style options and is relatively inexpensive, too.
- Cedar shingles: Aesthetically beautiful and strong, cedar shingles are a classic choice for coastal homes. They’re naturally rot-resistant and can be treated for additional moisture resistance.
With homes in coastal regions, it’s important that you carefully install the siding with weather-resistant barriers to prevent salt and moisture from seeping in and wreaking havoc.
Suitable Siding Materials for Humid Climates
Homes in humid regions require siding that can bear the brunt of persistent moisture. If you don’t choose the right siding, you might end up dealing with mold, mildew, and moisture damage. Popular options for these applications include:
- Fiber cement: This material is incredibly resistant to moist conditions, making it a great pick for humid climates. It doesn’t buckle or rot in the humid air and is fairly easy to maintain.
- Vinyl siding: Modern vinyl siding is designed with superior moisture resistance that makes it an inhospitable environment for mold and mildew growth.
- Engineered wood: When sealed properly, engineered wood can be a beautiful and durable option for homes in humid climates. Treatments can help with moisture and pest resistance to ensure long-lasting protection.
What is the Best Siding for a Rainy Climate?
If you live in a rainy climate, you need siding that can resist constant moisture without losing structural integrity. A few solid picks include:
- Fiber cement: This one is a popular choice for many regions, including rainy ones. It’s essentially impervious to water damage, offering remarkable durability while requiring little maintenance.
- Vinyl siding: Vinyl doesn’t absorb water, making it a great choice for rainy conditions. Of course, proper installation is essential to avoid water leakage behind the panels.
- Stone veneer: This material is resistant to water and holds up well, even under heavy rain. Pair it with a good drainage system for optimal performance.
Siding for Homes in Snowy Regions
If you reside in a climate known for heavy snowfall, it’s important to choose a siding that can manage the snow and ice that accompany the freeze-thaw cycles. Durability and insulation are the key factors to look for here. Popular picks include:
- Vinyl siding: Insulated vinyl siding does well in snow and ice thanks to its moisture resistance. Look for an insulated option for an extra layer that helps keep your home warm.
- Fiber cement: This material can survive the snow and ice with ease. Plus, since it’s fire-resistant, it’s a great choice for homes with wood-burning stoves.
- Wood siding: Sealed wood siding performs well in the snow. It does require a bit more maintenance than other options, given that you’ll need to seal it regularly to avoid issues with moisture.
Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home’s Weather Conditions
There’s not a one-type-fits-all siding. While some options, like fiber cement, perform well in many climates, not all homeowners will love the look of it. So, ultimately, the best siding for your home comes down to your local climate and preferences. Here’s how to choose the right fit:
- Understand your climate: Think about the kinds of weather conditions your home faces. Do you live in a hot climate? Is your climate humid or known for salty air? What about precipitation and moisture?
- Consider maintenance needs: The maintenance requirements of certain materials, such as vinyl or fiber cement, tend to be far more manageable than materials like wood or stucco. There’s no wrong answer here, but if you want something that doesn’t require lots of maintenance, options like vinyl or fiber cement might be better fits.
- Evaluate durability: Durability is a big factor to consider when shopping for siding. Choose an option that can resist your area’s weather without requiring repeated repairs or replacement.
- Consider energy efficiency: Insulated siding can make a huge difference during extreme weather conditions, especially when it comes to your energy bills. Good insulation helps keep cooled air in during the summer and warmed air in during the winter.
- Enlist a professional’s help: If you’re unsure what type of siding will best suit your home’s climate and your aesthetic preferences, chat with a professional. This way, you can get input based on your situation and preferences.
Protect Your Home Today With the Right Siding
Choosing the right siding is an investment in your home’s longevity, comfort, and curb appeal. Proper siding can make all the difference whether you live in a place with scorching summers, bitterly cold winters, or salty coastal storms.
Not sure where to start? Our team at Glick’s Exteriors can help. We have years of experience in exterior services and have helped many Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland residents find the perfect siding for their homes. Contact us today for help choosing the right siding for your home.
Filed under: Blog