Pros and Cons of Siding for Cold Weather
If you live in a cold climate, you know how important it is to make sure that your house is up to the task of keeping you and your family warm in the winter. You’re probably familiar with insulation and heating, but there are plenty of parts of the home that will affect how efficient those things are in freezing temperatures. Siding is one part of the home that often gets overlooked in terms of keeping a home warm, but it can actually have a pretty significant impact. Below we have gathered a few important pros and cons of different types of siding for cold weather.
Types of Siding for Cold Weather.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for house siding. It is a manufactured plastic that gained popularity in the 1950s
Pros:
- Durability
- Versatility
- Low maintenance
- Affordability
- Large range of colors
- Resists warping and buckling
Cons:
- Lower quality options can become weak and brittle in cold weather, leading to cracks.
Brick and Stone Siding
Brick and stone are natural materials that work well as siding for homes in cold climates.
Pros:
- Very strong
- Insulating
- Durability
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a waterproof barrier between the home and the siding
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a material made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. The fibers give the siding strength and flexibility.
Pros:
- Great for all climates
- Affordable
- Reliable and functional
- Insulating
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Isn’t the best choice for extremely cold weather.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is most often used in warmer, dry climates, like the American Southwest. It is a porous material, so it tends to absorb moisture in the air.
Pros:
- Insulating
- Great for hot, dry climates
- Affordable
Cons:
- Needs plenty of ventilation to make sure absorbed moisture has the chance to dry out.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is growing in popularity, thanks to its ability to stand up to harsh weather conditions and its long lifespan.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Strong
- Resistant to damage from hail, wind, tree branches, and more
- Won’t rush
- Insulating
- Extremely long lifespan
Cons:
- The initial cost is very high
How to Choose Siding in Winter
When it comes to choosing which siding type is right for you, consider your budget, style, and values. For example, do you care more about the appearance or the cost of the siding? Do you prefer a fully waterproof option?
Asking yourself what you care most about will help you pick the siding option that you’ll love for years to come.
Can’t decide which siding option is best for your home during the winter months? Contact Jancon Exteriors today for expert advice and information. And if you already know what you want, they can help get that professionally installed so you can stay warm this winter.