In Columbus, Ohio, the weather can range from extremely cold in the winter to unbearably hot in the summer. These constant fluctuations in temperature can do some serious damage to your home’s siding. If your siding has started to warp or crack it might be time for a replacement. To avoid those situations in the future, it’s important to pick the right siding material to protect your home from the cold. Some good siding choices are vinyl, concrete fiber, and cedar siding.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners. It’s a durable material and can last for years when treated properly. It goes well with many homes, and it’s an inexpensive choice. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, so you don’t have to paint it or worry about it peeling or chipping down the line. It’s also easy to clean with soap and water and is an overall low-maintenance product.
Unfortunately, vinyl siding warps if it’s not installed correctly, and it will crack upon impact in cold weather. Replacing damaged siding requires removing entire sections of it, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Concrete Fiber Siding
Concrete fiber siding strong, durable, and looks like real wood. It’s resistant to insects, fire, and water. It does withstand cold weather well and is a good source of insulation for homes during the winter. When pre-painted, it doesn’t need repainting for years.
Concrete fiber siding is a little more expensive than vinyl siding is. It’s also quite heavy, making it more difficult to install than vinyl or wood.
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is a beautiful choice if you want a more natural look for your home. It’s a lightweight material and can be quickly and easily installed by professionals. Wood siding is the most environmentally friendly choice because it’s organic and it can receive paint and stains easily. Cedar has natural chemicals that make it moisture-resistant and it’s another good insulation choice.
The downside to cedar siding is that it’s not fire or insect-resistant. This means you will need to replace it more often than you would vinyl or concrete fiber siding. In addition, to keep the color or stain vibrant and strong, it will need repainting or re-staining every few years, making this material the most high-maintenance of the three.
When to Replace Your Siding
You should replace your siding when you notice signs of damage, such as loose pieces, warping, cracking, and holes. Some materials may also begin to rot. If you notice the siding begin to fade, this signals age and that it’s time to replace it soon.
How to Choose Your Siding
Your budget, your sense of aesthetics, and the amount of effort you want to put into maintenance are the factors you should consider. Once you figure out your answers to those questions, you’ll be able to pick a siding material that will suit your home.
For Columbus’s weather, siding will have to withstand colder temperatures while not cracking or warping and be a good source of insulation. Some materials work better than others, and Able Roofing can help you make the decision that will work best for your home and your budget.
