Best Siding For Cold Climates Of 2024
Brandon Forder May 4, 2024 9:15 PM
Choosing the right siding for your home depends heavily on the climate and other factors in your area.
Colder climates and areas with harsh winters necessitate different kinds of durable siding materials than those found in tropical areas.
In order to choose the best siding for cold climates and your home, you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various siding options. Learn more about the best types of siding for cold climates, such as those that insulate well and those that can withstand the elements.
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Types
Wood
There is nothing new about wood siding. With one major caveat, it performs well in the winter weather, but only if it is properly maintained throughout the year. To ensure that your siding lasts the winter, it must be properly sealed with an exterior paint or stain because wood absorbs water. This water can cause havoc on your siding.
Wood is an excellent insulator and protector as long as it is properly maintained.
Brick and Stone
Brick and stone are excellent at insulating, protecting your home, and keeping water out of it, despite their higher cost. High winds and heavy snow have little effect on them. In addition, they don't require a lot of upkeep, making them a great option for cold climates. In order to avoid water damage to the masonry, always keep in mind that brick and stone are porous materials.
When it comes to siding, brick and stone are excellent options for cold-weather regions.
Vinyl
With its similar appearance, lower cost, and ease of maintenance, vinyl siding is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional wood siding for residential homes. Vinyl is less likely than wood panels to flake or decay over time because of how little water it absorbs. Vinyl that is less expensive may not hold up as well in strong winds and has a history of cracking in the extreme cold.
Fiber Cement
Blended with cement and sand, fiber cement is one of the most modern composite siding options. It resembles wood siding in appearance and is less expensive than vinyl siding. In the winter, thawing and thawing cycles can cause fiber cement to be damaged, but it isn't an absolute certainty (which can occur if the paint and finish have worn down and not be reapplied).
Stucco
Midwesterners aren't used to seeing stucco on their houses. This is due to the fact that the siding is typically used in dry, arid areas. Because of its ability to absorb water, stucco siding does not perform well when exposed to high levels of moisture, despite its excellent insulation capabilities (which keep heat out in hot climates).
If you decide to go with stucco as a siding material, you'll need to do a lot of ventilation work to ensure that water absorbed by the siding dries quickly.
Masonry
Brick and stone are both water and fire resistant, making them ideal building materials. Strong and weather-resistant, this siding can withstand both hot and cold weather conditions. As a result, it helps keep the temperature in the house at a comfortable level. Both cultured stone (which is man-made but has the appearance of real rock) and real stone veneers can be used in the construction of masonry structures. In addition, masonry shields the home from damaging winds, heavy rain, and hail.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is an alternative to natural wood planks. Because of the wood fibers used in its production, this material can withstand more severe weather conditions. It withstands the heat and humidity well. Engineered wood is a low-maintenance building material. Maintaining it isn't as time-consuming or expensive as it is for wood. This is also more resistant to all types of weather, from hail to the sun's rays.
Metal
Metal siding's long-term usefulness is unquestionably the most compelling argument in favor of installing it. Metal, whether it's aluminum or steel, is an excellent insulator. Metal is an excellent choice for protecting a home from fire because it isn't affected by heat. It's durable in all kinds of weather, from bitterly cold and snowy to steamy and muggy to rainy and windy. Thickness is an important factor to consider when installing metal siding, especially in areas prone to hail.
Things to consider
Get the Most for Your Money
Removing the old siding and starting from scratch is the best way to go about it, even if it means spending more money. This will reveal any damaged sheathing that needs to be repaired. Rich Handel, who oversees CR's siding testing, agrees. A new layer on top of an old one could make your house look odd, he says. "Windows and doors may appear to be recessed." "
If you're planning on replacing your windows in the near future, you might as well do it while you're re-siding. Installing new windows will necessitate removing the siding, unless you intend to use replacement windows. The siding won't be disturbed if you put a frame inside of a frame.
However, if you keep your siding options simple, you can save money. Traditional straight-edged panels can be more expensive if they include details like scalloped edges, cedarlike shake, and barnlike board and batten. In addition to costing more, combining different patterns can necessitate additional labor.
Have It Installed Right
A house's appearance can be refreshed by installing new siding, but it can also be an eyesore if it buckles or warps due to improper installation. Worse yet, a sloppy installation could allow moisture to seep into the structure of the house, resulting in mold growth or structural damage.
Because of this, we recommend hiring a professional to do the job. When looking for a siding contractor, make sure they've been working in your area for at least five years and check their references to make sure they'll be able to handle any issues that may arise.
A list of Vinyl Siding Institute-certified contractors can be found on the VSI website. These contractors have undergone extensive training in proper installation techniques. There are search engines on the websites of some vinyl siding manufacturers that can assist you in finding reputable local installers in your region. Check for local and state licenses, BBB ratings, and insurance certificates with any contractor you hire.
Be a Smart Shopper
Consult at least three contractors and ask for complete cost estimates when conducting interviews; CR suggests doing so with at least that many. There are a number of factors to consider when comparing prices, including material costs and installation and removal costs.
A siding company may offer an upgrade or other incentives, such as free gutters and leaders, even if the installation price is set. In addition, don't assume that a contractor or a retailer will offer the best financing. Credit unions and banks are likely to offer more favorable terms.
Ask the installers about the company's workmanship warranty as well. From a single year to "lifetime," the examples we've found on the internet don't always explain exactly what they cover. Siding warranties typically cover the first owner's lifetime, but a second owner's warranty is typically 50 years prorated from when the siding was installed.
Make It Last
Simple repairs and maintenance can extend the useful life of your siding. Adding caulk to the butt joints, corner joints, and areas around windows and doors can save you thousands of dollars in structural repairs in the long run. A sign of ice damming on your siding under the eaves may appear if you live in a cold climate. You may be able to prevent future damming by insulating your attic and sealing any gaps around pipes and ducts that enter the attic.
Subsurface water should be able to drain and the underlying sheathing or framing should dry when siding is properly installed. However, pressure washing may leave water behind the siding, and wet surfaces can rot or grow mold. In order to avoid this, CR advises not to spray directly into gaps. You can also use a soft-bristle brush and soapy water on a pole to clean siding, and then use a gentle spray to rinse the surface clean.
Which Type of Siding is Best in Cold Weather?
When it comes to homes in the northeast, some contractors prefer the water resistance and low maintenance of composite siding options (such as fiber cement). Because fiber cement is watertight and doesn't expand or contract during the thaw-freee cycle of winter, it doesn't require a lot of maintenance throughout the year.
Thinner vinyl panels are more likely to warp or crack if you live in an area with frequent gusts of wind, especially in the winter. If you live in an area with cold winters, it's a good idea to go with thicker, higher-quality vinyl siding panels.
Will Vinyl Crack in Cold Weather?
Vinyl siding and extreme temperatures don't always go together. Due to the fact that vinyl is a plastic product, it is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
It is, however, not a given that your siding will be completely ruined by the onset of winter. No, this does not imply that your money is being wasted. There is only one drawback: if it is placed incorrectly or is made of thin material, it could shatter and ruin the room.
But don't be alarmed! You might not have a problem if you're sure that your siding is properly installed and made of high-quality materials.
What type of siding lasts the longest?
Maintenance is a major factor in determining the lifespan of various types of siding.
Aluminum siding and wood siding have a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years when properly maintained. However, external factors play a significant role as well. Humidity, temperature, and other factors specific to your area all play a role.
After vinyl siding is installed, you can forget about it. With proper care, it can last up to 100 years. Vinyl is here to stay!
House siding made of modified wood can't be beat for coastal areas and areas that receive a lot of rain. Modified wood is the best option if you want a real wood exterior but don't want to spend a lot of money.
