Whether you live in Caribou, Maine, Truckee, California, or even Little Rock, Arkansas, you understand the importance of winter-proofing your home before the first Arctic blast slams into the United States. Although the roof takes the most abuse from Old Man Winter, the siding you install also makes a difference when keeping sleet, heavy snow, and cold temperatures from turning your home into an uncomfortable place to live.
Our team of siding contractors recommends siding materials that withstand the annual onslaught of winter. Let’s review the candidates for the title of the best siding for cold weather.
Wood
Wood siding does well in winter weather conditions if you properly treat and maintain the siding material throughout the year. Properly treated and maintained wood siding is an effective strategy for winter proofing, as well as an effective tool to increase the energy efficiency of your house. You should seal wood siding with exterior paint or stain to provide the ultimate in siding protection.
Stone
Although stone is more expensive than other types of siding, the tough material provides the best insulation of any other type of material used to install siding. High winds and heavy snow have a difficult time diminishing the super-tough composition of brick and stone. You do not have to perform much maintenance, but you do have to install brick siding between the masonry and your home to prevent water damage.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement ranks in the middle of the list of the best siding for cold weather. The mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers performs well as insulation and it repels moisture. However, it is vulnerable to the damage caused by high winds, such as the winds that blow in during a blizzard. If you live in a climate that experiences a short-lived winter season, fiber cement might be the right type of siding for your home.
Metal
Because of durability and its visual appeal, metal siding remains one of the most popular materials used for siding in the United States. The super-strong material resists the damage caused by hail and high winds, as well as the moisture that melts from long-standing ice and snow. Metal siding also does a great job of insulating your home during winter. Because of its incredibly long lifespan, metal is the ideal type of siding for property owners that experience each of the four seasons.
The Non-Contenders
You see stucco siding in arid climates such as the deserts of the Southwestern United States. Although stucco is an effective insulator, it does not repel water effectively, which can lead to rot and mold issues when the frozen precipitation melts during early spring.
Vinyl is one of the most popular types of siding, just not for property owners that live in cold climates. Vinyl is susceptible to the warping, cracking, and buckling caused by cold temperatures.
The Verdict
Because of the ability to insulate, repel moisture, and remain in mint condition despite heavy winds, steel and stone represent the two best siding materials for people that live in cold weather climates. Learn more about siding by visiting our frequently asked questions page.
Mares & Dow
Contact your local skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.
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