Depending on the maintenance you want to undertake and your budget, there’s a material on the market for you. Whether it’s vinyl, fiber cement, cedar or engineered wood, there is a siding material available that meets the unique needs of your New England home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride resin and is one of the most widely used siding materials in the United States and Canada with major engineering advancements made over the past decade. Compared to products from decades ago, vinyl siding is now much more durable and versatile.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is one of the most affordable options for siding in New England.
Along with its lower upfront cost, it is often low maintenance, which is a huge win for homeowners. You won’t need to paint or stain it, but if it becomes damaged in a storm, you’ll want to replace the entire plank to ensure it doesn’t let water leak through to the home’s foundation.
Vinyl is also durable, so you can rest assured that your siding will withstand hail, wind, rain and the sun. Depending on the brand, many manufacturers offer warranties on vinyl siding for up to 35 years, which is important when adding siding to a New England home due to the region’s unpredictable weather.
Finally, no matter what design or aesthetic you want, vinyl siding comes in multiple colors, shapes and textures. Its versatility makes it ideal for homeowners looking to build their dream home exterior.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding
While vinyl has many benefits, it does have some downfalls. During extreme weather, it can be prone to warping and denting. It can also be clunky and noisy during hail storms and heavy rain.
By itself, vinyl is also not very energy efficient. Many homeowners add contoured insulation behind their vinyl siding to create energy savings. Compared to other materials, this is an extra step homeowners have to take to save on energy bills.
Vinyl siding won’t rot in wet conditions per se, but any cracks, holes or gaps in the siding can allow water to seep through underneath into the wood. This moisture can damage the wood, leading to rot and potential mold issues.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is made of cement and sand and is reinforced with cellulose fibers. To save time, fiber cement siding can come pre-stained or pre-painted. Or, you can install the siding bare and stain or paint it afterward for full customization.
Benefits of Fiber Cement
There are multiple benefits to fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is your go-to pick if you want to enjoy the look of wood without all the extra maintenance. Plus, it comes in various colors, shapes and sizes to match the exact look you want.
Fiber cement is also an extremely resilient material, holding up against rain, hail, winds, storms, snow, ice, humidity and extreme temperature changes, which is essential for New England homes.
Additionally, compared to materials like vinyl, it gives you the benefit of energy efficiency — it keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter without an extra layer of insulation needed.
The siding itself is resistant to warping and cracking, and warranties for fiber cement siding range between 30 and 50 years, giving homeowners peace of mind that their siding will last for years to come.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of fiber cement is its fire resistance. It has a Class 1A fire rating — meaning it slows the spread of fire and is non-combustible — which is the highest rating possible for fire-resistant building materials.
Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding
While fiber cement siding is highly durable and fire resistant, it’s more expensive than other materials. Fiber cement is also a very heavy product and often requires at least two people to carry and install, increasing labor costs and potentially elongating timelines.
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding, a natural siding option, offers a beautiful, traditional look that is perfect for New England homes. Popular patterns include bevel, board and batten, tongue and groove or shingles and shakes — these are all great styles that add aesthetic appeal to exteriors.
Benefits of Cedar Siding
If you want real wood and all the aesthetic charm that comes with it, cedar siding is a great choice. It provides a timeless look for homeowners looking to add curb appeal to their property. It can be painted or stained, making it a versatile option.
Cedar siding, with the right maintenance, is durable and long-lasting. It is resistant to rain and snow, perfect for New England. However, if you live in an area with heavy rain, we recommend adding a protective coating.
Like fiber cement, cedar siding is also energy efficient with great insulating properties to deliver ultimate comfort with cool summers and warm winters. However, unlike fiber cement siding, it is lightweight, making the installation process much smoother.
Lastly, because cedar siding is made of wood, a natural resource that decomposes, it produces less pollution and greenhouse gasses. If you want the most sustainable choice, cedar siding is the way to go.
Disadvantages of Cedar Siding
While cedar siding is gorgeous, environmentally-friendly and weather-resistant, it requires a lot of upkeep, maintenance and associated costs compared to alternative sidings.
After the initial cleaning, we recommend cleaning your siding at least once per year, depending on local conditions. In terms of sun damage, the south/southwest faces of your home may require more regular refinishing as they encounter more direct sunlight compared to the north/northeast faces.
Compared to other siding materials, it is more susceptible to rot, mold, mildew and woodpecker damage. In addition, cedar siding doesn’t have fire-resistant qualities — to enhance safety, fire-retardant treatments are suggested in areas where wildfires are prevalent.
Engineered Wood Siding
This siding option is often picked as an alternative to real wood siding. Engineered wood is available in a wide array of colors, textures and finishes to mimic the aesthetics of traditional cedar or redwood siding.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood is stronger and lasts longer than natural wood (often between 20 and 30 years). Unlike its natural counterpart, it is resistant to moisture, rot and pests and requires much less maintenance. This siding is pre-primed and doesn’t peel or chip so you get the look of real wood without the heavy maintenance and higher cost.
Installation is also simpler than other materials like fiber cement because it is more lightweight and doesn’t require special tools. Engineered wood siding can be cut with standard woodworking tools, like jigsaws, miter saws and handsaws.
Depending on the manufacturer, engineered wood can even be made from recycled material. Following natural wood, it’s a highly sustainable choice if you want a more eco-friendly material.
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood is generally less expensive to purchase and maintain than traditional wood siding, but it is still more expensive than vinyl.
It is also susceptible to woodpecker damage, moisture damage and color fading from the sun.
How Koopman Lumber Can Help
All four of these siding options have their own benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these options — just remember to establish the look and functional benefits you want and pick accordingly to ensure the best fit for your home.
No matter which siding option you choose in New England, Koopman Lumber can help. Koopman Lumber has high-quality siding materials from various trusted brands and can help you find the perfect solution that will work best for your new siding.
Check out Koopman Lumber’s siding now to learn more.
