What’s the Best Kind of Siding for Different Climates?

By: Marshall Highet
10/26/2021

Your climate typically determines the type of siding that will work best with your home. Although other considerations, like budget and house style, also come into play, you will regret it if you pick the wrong siding for the lcal weather.

Climate Considerations

The two main elements that will make or break your new siding are temperature and moisture. In a climate in which temperatures fluctuate drastically, your siding can expand or contract according to the temp.

If you want to use metal siding for a modern look, you need to have an expert install it to avoid falling victim to the dreaded tin can effect. Conversely, in hyper-hot areas like Texas, certain siding materials like vinyl siding can blister or warp in sweltering temperatures.

The humidity in the air can also affect your siding, and it’s not just that it ages more rapidly; with moisture, there is a potential for rot or mold. Materials like wood don’t do well in humid areas, especially in coastal areas with salt in the damp air.

Here are some of the most popular siding choices and how they fare in particular climates.

Vinyl Siding

A favorite due to its low cost, versatility, and durability, vinyl siding doesn’t do too well in overly warm areas. If the temps get too hot, the vinyl is susceptible to warping, dimpling or melting. On the other hand, frigid climes, it can crack or buckle.

Vinyl is excellent for moist areas as it does not readily absorb moisture and repels rot, mold and other types of humidity-induced issues.

Good to Know

Vinyl is excellent for moist areas as it does not readily absorb moisture and repels rot, mold and other types of humidity-induced issues.

Wooden Siding

Cedar shake or clapboard looks naturally beautiful and has been an excellent choice for centuries. However, out of the more contemporary, artificial sidings, it is the least resistant to humidity or high temperatures.

Multiple shingles mean that moisture can sneak in behind each one and cause mildew, rot or mold. If you live near the ocean, the sea air will dry out the wood even as it absorbs moisture.

Fiber Cement Siding

An excellent combination of Portland cement, sand and wood pulp, fiber cement is highly resistant to temperature changes, moisture damage, and fire. Insects and UV are also no match for this siding, which can be molded to resemble a wide variety of materials like wood or stone.

Steel Siding

When installed correctly, metal siding is ideal for buildings in locations susceptible to wild weather extremes. Steel siding, in particular, is so successful in extreme weather locations that it is often the top choice in both areas of extreme heat and those with intense cold spells.

The Last Thing

There’s a lot to navigate when choosing which siding will be the best fit for the climate in which you live. Take stock of your environment. Is it typically arid? Humid? Stormy? Icy? These characteristics will make or break your siding decisions in the long run.

A siding expert can help you understand how the environment you live in can affect how your siding behaves over the years. Installing new siding ups your home’s curb appeal, heightens its energy efficiency, and protects you and your loved ones from the hazards outside your walls.

When you’re ready, call At Home Pros, whose experts will help guide you to the best choice for your area, budget, and style.

What’s the Best Kind of Siding for Different Climates?

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