Choosing new siding for your New England home often takes a lot of thought and care. The truth is that your cladding affects not just the aesthetic appeal of your property, but also its long-term performance. With New England’s ever-changing weather conditions, you’ll find three popular options at the forefront: James Hardie®, vinyl, and traditional wood siding. But what is the best siding for a house in New England?
While each material has its unique benefits, this blog will take a look at the key comparisons among them, focusing on why James Hardie® and vinyl sidings often outperform wood in areas such as maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and resilience. Expect to talk about topics including energy efficiency, fire resistance, pest resistance, and maintenance.
From there, you can make your own decision on the best siding for a house in New England–although we certainly have our favorites!
How to choose the right siding for your home
Are you wondering how to choose the right siding for your home? There are many different considerations to make. After all, knowing how to choose the right siding for your home will allow you to make the best investment possible!
When it comes to choosing siding, keep the following in mind:
Energy savings
Choose siding that prevents heat transfer during the winter. This ensures that your home stays cozy during the coldest days–but it’ll also keep your home comfortable all year long. Keep in mind that outdated siding can lose up to 25% of your homes energy… so choose your new siding wisely!
Styles and profiles
One of the best and most exciting aspects of whole house siding is customizing the appearance. There is a world of James Hardie® siding profiles as well as vinyl profiles, including scallops, vinyl shake shingles and traditional panels. There are also over 30 James Hardie® siding colors to explore along with over a dozen vinyl siding colors.
But how do you choose the right siding for your home? Consider your home’s architecture and the age of your home. You can add architectural character with vinyl siding that looks like wood. Fiber cement siding also gives an organic yet timeless appearance. Coastal homes look great with Hardie® shingle siding or even vinyl shake siding.
If you’re looking to keep your home classic, consider James Hardie® plank siding or vinyl siding planks.
Maintenance
If you’re looking for house siding that doesn’t require much maintenance, there are two great options to consider: James Hardie® fiber cement and vinyl siding. Both are resistant to moisture damage and won’t rot away over the years, unlike wood. Vinyl and fiber cement can both be cleaned of atmospheric dirt with gentle cleaning solutions, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Return on investment
Get more for your investment by considering the return if you decide to sell. Luckily, both fiber cement and vinyl siding both have fantastic ROIs–with Vinyl Siding at 107.9% and Fiber Cement at 101.2%.
Lifespan
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the lifespan of your new house siding. High-quality vinyl siding can last 30 years or longer, with our CraneBoard® vinyl siding warranty lasting the life of the product! Meanwhile, James Hardie® siding can last as long as 50 years.
What is the best siding for a house in New England to save energy?
Drafts and air infiltration can be major enemies of energy efficiency. In fact, up to 30% of a home’s energy can escape through the walls. Here’s how the best siding for a house can help reduce drafts while keeping your home comfortable.
James Hardie®: Exceptional efficiency for New England’s climate
HardieWrap® serves as a continuous barrier against energy loss, insulating down to the wood studs to halt heat transfer in its tracks. This feature is particularly critical for New England homes, where conserving energy is a year-round concern.
Maintaining optimum siding performance throughout New England’s extreme seasonal changes is crucial. Hardie® Plank Lap offers a multifaceted solution to this challenge.
HardieZone System: Experience year-round energy savings
The HardieZone® System conserves energy whether you’re battling New England’s icy winters or hot summers. Paired with HardieWrap® and rigid foam, this system boosts air tightness, ensuring an energy-efficient home year-round.
Fiber Cement: Withstands fluctuating temperates
One of the key advantages of Hardie® siding is its fiber cement composition. It doesn’t experience the same expansion and contraction issues that plague some vinyl siding. Its stability, even in fluctuating temperatures, makes it one of the best sidings for houses in New England’s climate.
Caulking that protects in cold temperatures
James Hardie® offers an approved caulking product that cures in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature ensures that even in the coldest conditions, your siding remains airtight and efficient.
Foam-backed vinyl siding boosts R-value
Insulated vinyl siding offers a solution to air infiltration by increasing the R-Value by up to 80%. A higher R-Value signifies better insulation and less heat loss. HouseWrap also acts as a moisture barrier, which is essential for wet winter conditions.
Reduces thermal bridging (and energy loss)
Insulated vinyl siding significantly reduces thermal bridging, making your home feel warmer during those New England winters.
For example, Crane Board Solid Core Siding offers exceptional performance benefits during winter weather with:
- Highest R-value cladding
- Insulates over wall studs, reducing thermal bridging
- Impervious to moisture, including snow
- Offers a protective layer over the wood studs. It blocks heat transfer from occurring, ensuring that heat does not escape through the exterior cladding.
Wood: A natural insulator with limits
While wood has natural insulating properties, its effectiveness diminishes over time, especially when the wood becomes brittle and worn from exposure to harsh weather. Compared to Hardie® and vinyl, wood lags behind in long-term energy efficiency.
What is the best siding for a house in New England for fire resistance?
When it comes to safeguarding your home against fires, selecting the best siding for a house becomes more than just an aesthetic decision; it’s a matter of safety.
In regions prone to wildfires or for homeowners who are particularly cautious, the fire resistance of your siding can’t be overlooked. There are stark differences between the fire resistance properties of James Hardie®, vinyl, and wood siding.
James Hardie®: Protecting your home from fire and flames
Fire resistance is an essential factor to consider when choosing siding, especially for homes in fire-prone areas. Let’s break down why James Hardie® siding stands out in this regard.
Non-combustible nature
James Hardie® products will not ignite when exposed to direct flame nor will they contribute fuel to a fire. While they are not 1-hour fire-rated, they qualify for use in certain 1-hour fire-rated Warnock Hersey and UL assemblies.
Resists burning for up to 1 hour
Think of James Hardie® products like a cooking pan. They can be exposed to direct flame and not burn, just as food in a pan will cook over time without the pan itself catching fire. Paired with an interior wallboard that resists burning for an hour, this feature can buy critical time for homeowners and fire professionals.
Vinyl comes with a Class-A fire rating
While James Hardie® offers commendable fire-resistant features, vinyl can take the heat as well. But how do the fire resistant properties work, especially stacked up against Hardie®?
High temperature tolerance
Vinyl siding won’t ignite until it reaches a temperature of 750 degrees Fahrenheit, which is significantly higher than the ignition point of framing lumber, at 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stops the rapid spread of flames
The material polyvinyl chloride, found in vinyl siding, is notable for not releasing a lot of energy when it catches fire. This characteristic is advantageous because it minimizes the rapid spread of flames, enhancing fire safety.
Wood: The risky option for fire-resistant siding
Wood siding may offer a rustic and traditional appeal, but when it comes to fire resistance, it’s far from the best option.
High susceptibility to fire outbreak
Wood is an organic material, making it incredibly susceptible to fire. Cedar shakes or organic panels can easily catch fire and exacerbate the situation, causing the flames to spread rapidly. Its organic nature is a liability in terms of fire safety.
If you want peace of mind in terms of fire prevention, consider vinyl or James Hardie® fiber cement instead.
What is the best siding for a house in New England for pest resistance?
Pest control can be a big problem for some New England homeowners. The truth is that wood-boring pests, specifically termites,
James Hardie®: Protect your home against pests
When it comes to choosing a siding that is highly resistant to pests, James Hardie® siding offers robust features. It’s no secret that Hardie® has exceptional pest-resistant properties. But what makes it such a wonderful cladding for termite control?
Pests don’t like the taste of fiber cement
James Hardie® siding is crafted from a strong blend of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. Unlike wood, it offers no food value to termites and beetles. Meanwhile, it also doesn’t attract woodpeckers and birds looking for a meal.
The very nature of fiber cement siding means that pests can’t digest it. This simple but crucial feature acts as a strong deterrent, effectively keeping a range of pests at bay.
Vinyl siding is perfect for pest management
Vinyl siding also brings strong credentials to the table when discussing pest resistance. Here’s why this material makes for a sound choice.
Not an organic source of pest food
Made from synthetic materials, vinyl siding is not organic, which means it offers nothing for pests to consume. It doesn’t attract termites or any other wood-boring insects.
Acts as a pest barrier
Because it can’t be consumed by pests, vinyl siding acts as a virtually permanent barrier, safeguarding your home against various forms of critter damage.
Wood: The pest magnet
Though it brings natural charm and traditional beauty to any home, wood siding comes with significant drawbacks in the pest-resistance department.
Wood siding is not just susceptible to termite infestations–it’s practically an open invitation. Termites and other wood-boring insects find this natural material irresistible.
Once wood siding becomes infested, it continues to deteriorate. It’s best to install James Hardie® fiber cement or foam-back vinyl siding to prevent these problems.
What siding can you paint?
When it comes to the exterior of your home, you might wonder about aestehtic flexibility. One of the key factors to consider is whether your siding can be easily painted to match your ever-changing tastes or repair wear and tear. Let’s see what types of siding is easy to paint and what siding you should leave alone.
James Hardie®: A canvas of possibilities
James Hardie® provides homeowners with an impressive blend of durability and aesthetic flexibility, especially when it comes to painting. Let’s dissect what makes it a standout choice.
A Plethora of Color Choices
The Dream Statement Collection from James Hardie® offers over 700 color options, making it easy to find the perfect hue for your home. But if you prefer something different, you can also easily paint over it.
Longevity and Consistency with ColorPlus® Technology
James Hardie®’s proprietary ColorPlus® Technology applies a multi-coat, baked-on finish that resists UV rays, chipping, peeling, and cracking. This extends the life of your paint job and eliminates the maintenance hassle.
Furthermore, the factory-controlled application coats the boards and edges thoroughly, giving a uniform finish that stands the test of time.
ColorPlus® technology offers bold, long-lasting color
While stripping and repainting can be expensive and labor-intensive, investing in James Hardie® siding and trim with ColorPlus Technology offers long-lasting color that ultimately saves time and money.
Vinyl is a no-go for painting
Vinyl siding is popular for its low-maintenance needs but falls short when it comes to painting. Here’s why painting vinyl siding is a bad idea.
Warranty woes from painting vinyl siding
Painting your vinyl siding will void your manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you unprotected against future issues.
Paint can deform your siding
Choosing the wrong type of paint can result in warping of the vinyl siding, shortening its lifespan considerably.
Unpredictable outcomes
Layering paint over the existing color on vinyl siding leads to unpredictable results. You may end up with a look you hadn’t intended, and once you’ve gone down that road, there’s no turning back.
Color protection with ChromaTrue® technology
Color fading is a concern with vinyl siding, but not when you choose a premium option with a color warranty. For example, the vinyl siding from Coastal Windows & Exteriors comes equipped with ChromaTrue® for a fade-resistant siding. It creates a strong exterior layer of protection against fading from the sun and wear from harsh elements like our New England weather.
Meanwhile, be sure to read our blog about how to keep your siding from fading in the sun.
Wood: A labor of love
Wood siding offers the traditional charm many seek but comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to painting.
Frequent upkeep
Wood siding requires a new paint job every few years. While this allows for color changes, it becomes a recurring expense and labor-intensive task.
Consider the cost
The constant need for repainting not only eats up your weekends but also turns into a significant long-term investment. The beauty of wood comes at a cost, both financially and in terms of effort.
What is the best siding for a house when you want something easy to maintain?
Many of us are busy. If you have a lot going on in life, you likely don’t want to be bogged down with endless maintenance for your home’s cladding. The good news is that there are several options when it comes to a low-maintenance exterior.
James Hardie® Offers Easy Maintenance for a Lifetime of Enjoyment
Fiber cement isn’t exactly maintenance-free. However, it is easy to maintain and won’t cost a ton of money to do so. But what is involved when it comes to maintaining James Hardie® fiber cement?
- Clean the siding every 6-to-12 months with a garden hose to remove debris
- A low-pressure water spray and soft medium bristle siding cleaning brush can remove residue
- Do not use acid and high pressure washing, which can damage fiber cement
- ColorPlus® products can be cleaned with water and a soft brush or cloth
- A mild detergent and soft brush can be used for stubborn dirt and stains
Enjoy easy, hassle-free maintenance with vinyl siding
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is its low-to-no maintenance requirements. Vinyl is designed to take a beating from the elements while always looking beautiful!
Vinyl only requires minimal effort for cleaning, which includes mild soap, water, and a garden hose. You can wash down the siding as needed or if you notice any atmospheric dirt. Please be careful if you choose to pressure wash your vinyl as this may void the warranty.
Wood siding is expensive and time-consuming to maintain
There’s no denying that wood can be a beautiful choice for siding. However, this comes with the fact that is expensive to maintain. Not only is it costly, but it can take up a lot of your time. Here are few facts to consider if you choose wood siding:
- You’ll need to repaint your home every 5-7 years
- It can cost up to $45,000 to paint a home in Marblehead, MA. Labor is the most expensive part.
- You’ll need to apply clear sealers to prevent moisture damage. The cost for this is similar to staining.
- A wood cleaner or brightener may be necessary for aged or discolored wood siding.
- You’ll want to be careful about termite and pest damage from wood siding.
- Wood siding is prone to winter infiltration, which may require extra caulking during the summer.
See your home in 3D with new siding
Still can’t decide what siding is right for you? Let’s make it easy by setting up a free in-home design consultation. We can show you what your home will look like with new James Hardie® fiber cement or vinyl siding installation. Enjoy browsing our palette of popular colors! Contact us today to learn how we can help design your dream home.
