Choosing the right siding for your home involves taking many factors into consideration, among which is the local climate. In this post, residential roofing and siding company Masters Roofing explores how climate impacts siding materials.
Climate and Siding Materials
Siding can be made from various materials. Some of them are suitable for cold climates, others for warm climates. Others still are suitable for both, or can be manufactured differently depending on where it will be installed.
- Vinyl siding is perhaps the most popular and affordable option, and works in climates with mid-range temperatures. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight can result in warping, while it can become brittle in extreme cold. Some vinyl siding manufacturers offer options with enhanced resistance to temperature extremes.
- Fiber cement siding is made of Portland cement, silica from sand and cellulose fibers. It’s as durable as concrete and as flexible as wood. Manufacturer James Hardie® offers fiber cement siding options that are formulated for the local climate.
- Wood siding is durable but has high maintenance requirements. One has to use treated wood to keep it resistant to warping brought about by high heat and humidity levels. It needs to be sealed or painted regularly to protect it from rot and mold growth.
- Metal siding is typically made from aluminum or stainless steel, often cladded with other materials like vinyl. Performance varies depending on temperature levels — due to its conductive nature, it’s not suitable for use in hot climates unless compensated for with insulation. In coastal regions, corrosion-resistant coatings are necessary to protect against salt air.
Climatic Considerations
Local siding contractors are more knowledgeable with climatic factors, and are more likely to offer materials that are tried and tested for the local climate. You may have noticed that maintenance is frequently mentioned above — this is because well-maintained siding is not as affected by changes in the climate. Therefore, you need to consider how much maintenance work you are willing to put in. For example, if you choose wood siding, you must be prepared to regularly inspect it, as well as reseal or repaint, when needed. Choose vinyl siding and all you need to do is wash it with a garden hose and dish detergent every once in a while.
There is no one solution to choosing siding materials. The key to choosing the right one is weighing their pros and cons, from maintenance requirements, to resilience to weather conditions, to aesthetic benefits.
Our consultants at Masters Roofing can help you pick the right kind of siding for your home. Give us a call at (901) 871-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Memphis, TN.