When deciding on an appropriate siding material for your New England home, you may wonder: which one will stand up best to our cold winters, hot summers and everything in between? Making the right decision will keep you more comfortable through all seasons.

Vinyl siding is an obvious choice due to its versatility, durability and affordability. But there are other options as well, such as fiber cement siding, composite, and wood. Let’s dive in a little deeper.

James Hardie® Fiber Cement

This is a great option in New England due to its rugged surface, technologically advanced material, and optimal color durability. Here are some more reasons why fiber cement stands out as a winner for our climate:

  • Durability
  • Wide selection of colors and designs
  • Adds value and beauty
  • Traditional look of natural wood siding without the rot and maintenance issues
  • No fading or flaking
  • Wide variety of trim and accessories
  • Resists rain, fire, wind, and insects
  • Environmentally-friendly

While fiber cement siding is recommended for all climates, it does best in hot, humid regions. It can also stand up to harsh cold, snow and sleet in the winters. Moisture is not a concern for fiber cement, as it can get as wet as possible and still not rot. Termites can’t get in due to the composition of cement and sand rather than wood. And if you live in a coastal town, fiber cement is a good choice due to its resistance to salt air and high humidity.

Vinyl

Another great option for New England is vinyl, with its durable and affordable nature. It’s fade-and rot-resistant, low in maintenance, and high in insulation, which lowers your energy bills in all seasons. It’s easy to install because of its lightweight material, and comes in a wide range of styles, colors and other options. Vinyl does well at the coast, as it offers a durable moisture barrier that acts as a waterproof layer.

Vinyl happens to be the most popular siding option in this country, featured on a third of American homes. If you don’t want limits on design or if you have a set budget, vinyl siding is a great choice.

Composite Siding 

Composite siding, AKA engineered wood such as LP SmartSide, is nice for homeowners who wish to achieve the aesthetic of wood, without any of the maintenance that comes with the real thing. Made of scrap wood and resin, composite wood costs more than fiber cement and vinyl, but boasts excellent insulation and a fairly long life span. However, Because colors fade easily, you’ll have to paint it every 10 years or so.

Natural Wood

Natural wood or cedar siding is a staple of New England homes, and has been since Colonial times. It’s seen quite often on homes along coastal areas, such as Cape Cod, Boston, and Martha’s Vineyard. Looking for natural and beautiful materials for your exterior? This could be a good choice, as you can paint it different colors over its lifespan. However, wood siding is expensive and requires regular maintenance.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows & Siding for Quality Siding Choices

We are proud to be the premier siding contractors in New England, where we are a factory-certified James Hardie siding contractor, all backed by a 30-year product warranty. We also install vinyl, insulated vinyl, cedar shake, and clapboard siding. No matter which type of siding you choose, we can give you a free quote and schedule an in-home consultation. Give us a call today at 800-851-0900.