Various weather and environmental conditions can affect the durability, maintenance needs, and overall performance of home siding materials. So when you’re in the market for new siding, understand how the material you are considering will stand up to your area’s weather patterns and extremes.
Fiber cement, vinyl, and wood are three popular siding material options. Let’s explore how the Philadelphia area’s weather can impact them over time so you can gain the knowledge you need to make a good long-term decision on your replacement siding material choice.
Understand That a Chilly Climate Impacts Your Siding
When choosing your siding material, consider its ability to resist water penetration, extreme temperatures, the freeze-thaw cycle, rain, snow, hail, high winds, and more.
The freeze-thaw cycle occurs when water freezes and expands, creating pressure on your siding. Next, the water thaws and pressure releases, which causes some siding materials to age quicker over the years.
How Popular Siding Materials Measure Up Against the Elements
Durability is vital to your siding material choice. Extreme weather can lead to siding issues like cracking, warping, and more. A chilly climate like ours requires siding material that can stand up to it over the years.
Fiber Cement
James Hardie, the leader in fiber cement, covers over 10 million homes today—and for good reason. Its outstanding ability to resist rot, pests, and water intrusion make it a smart selection for homes in cold regions of the country—like Pennsylvania.
- Durability – Known to last up to 50 years when it is installed properly and cared for over the years, this durable material is a win when it comes to longevity in cold climates. Its 30-year warranty is evidence that the manufacturer stands behind their strong, well-engineered siding material.
- Performance – Hardie siding and trim perform well in extreme temperatures and in severe weather. Their product was engineered for climate, and was made specifically to stand up to our region’s weather. The HardieZone system ensures we get the added protection we need for our area. It is resistant to freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, pests, moisture intrusion, and more, making it an ideal choice for our climate.
- Maintenance Needs – Hardie siding mimics the look of wood, but comes without wood’s high maintenance needs. Made of cement, sand, and cellulose, Hardie siding and trim require almost no maintenance, making it a great option for busy homeowners. It only needs cleaning once or twice a year, along with caulking replacement occasionally over the years.
Vinyl Siding
- Durability – Vinyl siding can become brittle during cold, winter months, making it prone to cracking. When siding cracks, it compromises your home’s protective layer, making it vulnerable to damaging moisture and pest intrusion. Vinyl siding lasts up to 20 years, but can show signs of aging as early as 10 years. Our chilly climate, how well the siding was installed, and how well you maintain it will all impact its longevity.
- Performance – While vinyl performs well under a lot of conditions, it’s not the most ideal choice in places that get as cold as Pennsylvania. Why? Because it is prone to contract in cold weather and expand in warmer temperatures, which can cause issues. Vinyl siding can be installed traditionally or with added insulation. Insulated vinyl offers greater energy efficiency and indoor comfort throughout the year, saving you on utilities.
- Maintenance Needs – Vinyl siding is often chosen because it is cost-effective and traditionally only requires minimal upkeep. However, if vinyl gets dented due to hail or high winds, or if it cracks due to freezing temperatures, it becomes vulnerable to its worst enemy—moisture. When water penetrates vinyl, it can cause the need for costly maintenance and repairs.
Wood Siding
- Durability – Wood siding is often chosen for its classic beauty. It is known to last 20-40 years, depending on the type of wood, the climate it is in, and how well it is cared for over the years. Extreme temperatures can shorten the lifespan of wood siding. Wood is susceptible to pest infestation, and can fuel a fire in the unlikely event that one breaks out in your home or neighborhood. Moisture is wood’s enemy and can cause it to rot, mold, deteriorate, and—if left unaddressed—can make your home more vulnerable to additional damage.
- Performance – Wood is a good insulator, delivering energy efficiency to your home throughout the year, and contributing to lower utility bills. Wood siding will ensure your interior is comfy and cozy throughout the year with its insulating capacity.
- Maintenance Needs – Wood is a high maintenance siding choice because it needs painting, staining, or refinishing every few years to seal it against moisture damage. While its beauty is exceptional, if you don’t provide its tedious maintenance over the years, you’re in for costly repairs and early siding replacement.
Our Top Siding Material Recommendation for the Philadelphia Area—James Hardie
You simply can’t go wrong with durable, long-lasting Hardie siding and trim. It stands up to the elements with ease, giving you the high performance you deserve in siding replacement. Its initial investment is well worth it since it lasts up to five decades with minimal maintenance, non-combustible makeup, and exceptional longevity. No wonder it’s America’s favorite siding material!
Get Gorgeous New Siding for Your Philadelphia Area Home
Don’t settle for faulty siding that puts your home at risk of damage due to wear, tear, pest infestation, or moisture intrusion. Get the premium new siding you need, installed by our experienced team of craftsmen.
At Porter Family Exteriors, we are a James Hardie Preferred Contractor. That means we have been selected by the manufacturer themselves and meet their strict criteria consistently, ensuring you get the optimal siding installation for your house, and your warranty is in position to be honored should you need it in the next 30 years. Learn more about how our siding services can enhance your home’s protection from the elements while increasing its value.
