Whenever choosing materials for your home, you should not forget some essential factors. Indeed, it makes a huge difference if you prioritize style and functionality. Deciding for your siding, however, requires taking climate into account too.
Like any other element in your home exterior, your siding is designed to shield your home from harsh outdoor elements like sunlight, wind and rain. It guarantees your family’s safety and ensures your belongings are secure. But despite maintenance and routine inspections, it will eventually need to be replaced.
In this post, Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. discusses how your local climate plays a significant role in picking the best siding for your home.
How Climate Affects Your Siding
Your siding wraps around walls, protecting your home from various elements all year round. Upon siding installation, the material is exposed to the climate, which can wear down the siding over time. How quickly your siding will deteriorate and how much wear it will suffer depends on the weather conditions in your area and other variables. A warm climate will affect your siding differently than a cold climate.
Temperature is crucial to your siding health. Some siding materials expand and contract in response to temperature fluctuations. You may end up with cracked or warped siding during spring or fall when temperatures vary greatly throughout the day. Meanwhile, other materials melt, fade or peel in extremely hot weather.
It’s also important to consider the humidity of a specific climate. Siding installers often warn against moist, humid conditions because these encourage mold, mildew, algae and rot to develop. Excess humidity can also cause swelling and warping in some siding materials. This is common in both warm and cold, snowy climates. During winter, snowmelt can get into your siding and potentially penetrate your interior walls if the siding is damaged.
The Best Siding Material for Humid Places
Consider fiber cement siding if you live in a coastal area where humidity is an issue. It’s made of cement, sand and cellulose fibers, so it can withstand humidity better than other materials. Even if you don’t live near a body of water, you should consider this material. It is also resistant to fire, heat, warping and rotting, making it an ideal choice for hurricane- and wildfire-prone areas.
You might also be interested to know that fiber cement is a sustainable material. Plus, with its natural looks and advanced manufacturing methods, you have plenty of design options to choose from. Moreover, it’s one of the most competitively priced siding options on the market today.
The Best Siding Option for Colder Regions
People who live in cold climates will benefit from siding that is strong enough to handle heavy snow and high winds. This is why vinyl siding is popular in colder climates. Vinyl siding is well-known for its durability, versatility and affordability. It will protect your property for many years if properly maintained.
Vinyl siding is cost-effective and long-lasting. It makes a beautiful statement while requiring minimal upkeep. Vinyl siding is practically maintenance-free compared to wood siding — which means more money in your pocket because you’re not required to repaint it or frequently replace its panels.
Furthermore, depending on its R-value and quality of installation, vinyl siding can reduce your heating and cooling costs. To cut down your energy bills even more, combine your vinyl siding with energy-efficient doors, windows and roofing as well as excellent insulation and ventilation.
The Best Siding for Warmer Climates
For homeowners in warmer climates, siding installation experts frequently recommend stucco siding. Sand, cement, water and lime are used to create this material. If your contractor installs it correctly, it provides excellent insulation for your home. However, it is prone to moisture-related issues, making it unsuitable for areas where it often rains or snows.
Stucco houses have a lot of curb appeal. Because of its versatility, stucco can be used to create an eye-catching exterior that will last for years. Additionally, the options are nearly limitless when it comes to customizing stucco. Texture and color alternatives are numerous as well.
Taking Care of Your Siding
Your siding is vital when t comes to protecting your property from various elements. Given that it reacts differently to weather conditions, it requires proper maintenance for a longer lifespan. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep siding materials like vinyl and fiber cement in excellent shape.
Here are some siding maintenance tips to help you get started:
- Preserve Your Gutters. Keeping your gutters in good condition will help extend the life of your siding. For instance, rainwater can overflow due to clogged drains, causing water damage to your siding and the rest of your home’s exterior. You can avoid this by performing regular gutter maintenance and cleaning.
- Wash and Clean Your Siding Routinely. Clean your siding by removing dirt, mildew and other debris that could damage it. Doing so will ensure it remains functional for several years.
- Avoid Heat Damage. Grills and torches should not be used near the side of your house. A good rule of thumb is to keep them at least 10 feet away from your home, especially if you have vinyl siding.
- Use the Right Kind of Paint. When painting your siding, ensure you get the right product for the job. Other materials, such as vinyl and fiber cement, are color-treated during manufacturing, removing the need for repainting.
- Conduct Regular Inspections. Having your general contractor inspect your siding extends the life of your system. According to experts, a professional siding inspection should be performed at least once or twice a year. This will allow you to identify minor issues before they cause significant damage. Choose experienced contractors with a good reputation.
Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. has a team of professionals who are ready to help you build the home of your dreams. Regardless of the exterior siding you choose, our skilled experts will ensure that your property looks beautiful and is well-protected against various elements. Rest assured that when you work with us, we will thoroughly and accurately assess your specific needs, make expert recommendations and always use quality products like James Hardie. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule a consultation.