As homeowners in southeastern Pennsylvania, we’re all too familiar with extreme temperature changes, hot summers, and cold winters. Unfortunately, the combination of rapid temperature swings, unpredictable storms, and relatively high humidity, can be rough on home exteriors. To prevent damage and ensure the longevity of your home’s outer core, it’s crucial to select the right siding material from the beginning. Here’s a walkthrough of the various types of siding materials in Pennsylvania, and which type will last the longest in our climate.
Comparison of Siding Materials in Pennsylvania
Wood siding
Wood siding is a classic and natural option for homes. It offers warmth and a traditional look, but requires regular maintenance such as painting or staining to keep it looking its best.
Pros:
- Looks authentic and rustic, which is a popular look for homes
- Easy to paint and customize
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to repair and maintain
Cons:
- Can be expensive, depending on taste and material prices
- More susceptible to wear and rot
- Must be stained and maintained frequently
Durability in the Pennsylvania climate:
- Pennsylvania is relatively wet, with hot summers and cold winters. The constantly fluctuating temperatures and damp environment could be better for wood, as it will warp, expand, and rot quickly.
Brick siding
Brick siding is a durable and low-maintenance option for homes. It offers a classic and timeless look, while providing good insulation and fire resistance, making it a popular choice among homeowners.
Pros:
- Classic look
- Low maintenance – Maintenance requirements for brick are generally low. At some point, the mortar in joints may become loose and require re-pointing, and individual bricks may need to be replaced during their lifespan.
- Brick siding lasts a very long time and will easily see you through your years in your home. It is also very resistant to weather.
Cons:
- Installation of brick siding is more expensive than other kinds of siding.
- Though there are different color options for brick, there are fewer than vinyl. Brick can be painted, but this paint will have to be maintained regularly to keep a uniform appearance.
Durability in the Pennsylvania climate
- The mortar between bricks can break down from moisture and elements over time. In addition, its poor insulation may not keep you as warm as other options.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is a low-cost and low-maintenance option for homes. It offers a wide range of colors and styles, making it a popular choice for those looking for a versatile and easy-to-care-for siding material.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Low-maintenance
- Hate painting? Vinyl siding may be a dream come true. Most other siding materials require some form of stain or color layer, but vinyl siding is purchased with the color baked-in, making it impossible to scratch or strip off.
Cons:
- Less durable; can fade in the sun or break from hail or freezing snow
- Does not look high quality
- Has a high expansion coefficient, meaning it is constantly moving and flexing. It’s also more prone to leaks, breaks, and cracks
- Not great for insulation
Durability in the Pennsylvania climate:
- The Pennsylvania climate can be rough on cheaper siding materials, especially when seasonal storms and hail come through. Fiber cement siding is a better option if durability is essential.
Stucco siding
Stucco siding’s unique texture and versatility in design make it a popular choice among homeowners, especially in warm climates, where it can help regulate interior temperature.
Pros:
- Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture that stays rigid, even in strong winds. Additionally, stucco is fire- and pest-resistant, making it one of the ideal residential building materials.
- Stucco beautifully transforms a home’s appearance.
Cons:
- Stucco is porous, absorbing moisture, unlike vinyl and other siding materials. The elements can therefore wreak havoc on the siding material, resulting in your home developing unsightly dark spots and structural water damage.
- To begin with, stucco isn’t a large project, so it won’t require much upkeep, right? You’d think so. People commonly believe that stucco is low-maintenance; however, you do have to commit to it.
Durability in the Pennsylvania climate:
- Stucco siding was popular years ago, but now we see it’s caused nothing but damage to homes in our area. Stucco does not mix well with excess moisture, and in Pennsylvania, that’s a huge problem.
Fiber cement siding (James Hardie)
Fiber cement siding is an extremely durable and beautiful siding option for homes. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it offers the look of traditional materials like wood and stucco, but with added weather resistance and longevity.
Pros:
- There are different grades of fiber cement, but all of them have around the same level of durability. This means that even entry-level fiber cement will last many years and never warp, rot, or melt like wood or vinyl.
- Like the wood planks fiber cement is designed to mimic, you can install it vertically or horizontally, and it can even be used as shingles and trimming.
- It’s a better insulator than most other options
- It comes painted and sealed, meaning there’s little to no maintenance needed
Cons:
- Unlike vinyl siding, which is relatively lightweight, 100 square feet of fiber cement weighs around 300 pounds. Lifting requires a lot of manpower. Naturally, that will extend the installation time so that the costs will be higher than other forms of siding.
- James Hardie fiber cement siding may be more expensive up front.
Durability in the Pennsylvania climate:
- James Hardie siding products are ‘Engineered for Climate®’, which means they’re uniquely made for the mid-Atlantic climate. So while other siding materials may experience swelling and edge-checking in response to changes in climatic conditions, James Hardie siding stands up to storms, hail, wind, and extreme temperatures, reducing time and money spent on maintenance.
Advantages of Using Certified James Hardie Siding Installers in Pennsylvania
There are several advantages to using certified James Hardie siding installers in Pennsylvania. One of the main benefits is peace of mind that the siding will be installed correctly. Certified installers go through extensive background and work checks to ensure they are legitimate, taking the guesswork out of the equation for you. By choosing a JH-certified installer, you can trust that James Hardie has already done the necessary vetting. Additionally, certified contractors must have insurance coverage on a job up to $1,000,000, providing strong protection for both the contractor and the homeowner. Furthermore, certified installers are able to offer full warranties on James Hardie products, which DIY installation or rogue contractors cannot match. This added security can provide peace of mind and ensure that the investment in your home is protected.
The Best Siding Materials In Pennsylvania
When embarking on a home siding project, it can be overwhelming to choose from the numerous materials available. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, making the decision even more challenging. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the climate in which you live can significantly impact your decision. In Pennsylvania, the best material for the job is James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding. With its low maintenance requirements, customizable options, and exceptional durability, it stands out as the ideal choice for homeowners in the area. Not only will it look beautiful and withstand the elements, but it will also provide peace of mind and ensure that your investment in your home lasts for years to come.
Schedule a Consultation With the Best Siding Contractors in Downingtown, PA
It can feel like a big to-do when it’s time to remodel, especially when it comes to selecting the right siding materials in Pennsylvania. At Precision Contracting Services in Downingtown, PA, we’re dedicated to helping you choose the right materials for your home, which will essentially help you avoid future costs and damages down the road. In addition, we guarantee 100% impenetrable exterior and exquisite design and execution down to the last nail. As James Hardie certified installers, we know what’s best when it comes to home siding in our area, and we will ensure that your home will be up to top standards for years to come.
Call us at 610-225-0112 or request a free consultation with our team of James Hardie installers. We’re looking forward to hearing about your project!
Want to learn more about the best siding materials for your home renovation project? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Remodeling Your Luxury Home.