# What is the Best Siding Upgrade for Historic Homes?

- Link: https://mycoastalwindows.com/what-is-the-best-siding-upgrade-for-historic-homes/
- Published: 2024-01-18T19:31:47-05:00
- Author: Jeremy Wood

![best siding upgrades for historic homes](https://mycoastalwindows.com/wp-content/
uploads/2025/01/down-net_http20240118-71-pbtwz4.webp)

Did you know that one of the oldest homes in the United States is located here in
Massachusetts? [Built in the late 1630s](https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/6-oldest-houses-new-england/),
this home was constructed from timber and now serves as a historic house museum.
Your house may not have been built in the 1630s, but you might still be living in
a historic home. But what happens if you want to install [new siding](https://mycoastalwindows.com/siding/)
on your home? What is the best siding upgrade for historic homes, anyway?

## What’s it like to replace siding on historic homes?

You have a historic home and you want to update the exterior. Maybe you are even
experiencing problems like moisture damage, rot, or termites. These problems can
easily happen with historic homes that have old wood siding.

The truth is that old house siding can take a lot of damage, especially if you live
along the coast. Centuries of rot will _destroy _wood siding, resulting in problems
that go well beyond cosmetics. This includes astronomically high energy bills. Working
with James Hardie® siding contractors can put your mind at ease through every step
of the process.

### Getting started with historic siding replacement

But wait–your home is historic, so it isn’t quite as simple as picking any siding
on the market and calling it a day. It’s a selective process that must have approval
from the Massachusetts Historical Commission–or the Historical Commission that is
relative to your state.

### Working with the Historical Commission–we’ll handle it for you!

If you’re looking for the best siding upgrade for historic homes, we can help handle
the process. This means that we will work with the Historical Commission on your
behalf. You won’t need to worry about back-and-forth communication. When you set
up a free estimate with us, we’ll know what to expect moving forward. Best of all,
we can educate you all while keeping you in the loop during the process.

But still, the question remains–what is the best siding upgrade for historic homes?
Luckily, James Hardie® products are approved by the Historical Commission. This 
is a great place to start when it comes to the best siding upgrade for historic 
homes.

## Best siding upgrade for historic homes: maintaining character with Hardie Board®

Made from fiber cement, Hardie® can help maintain the original charm of your historic
home. Understandably, some homeowners worry about their homes losing historic character.
After all, this is probably one of the reasons why you bought your home in the first
place!

If you want to your home to maintain its character with new siding, you’re in luck.
For example, a typical historic home might have old wood shingles. Over the centuries,
these shingles will dry out and lose their shape.

You’ll probably notice that the shingles (or wood siding panels) are no longer flush
with the house. You might even find cracks and holes in the siding. But what siding
can you install that will look just as beautiful?

![historic home siding](https://mycoastalwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/
down-net_http20240118-85-sate1f.webp)

## Hardie® Shingle Siding & Hardie® Lap Plank Siding are ideal for historic homes

Looking like natural cedar, Hardie® shingle siding and lap plank siding are the 
best siding upgrades for historic homes. You’ll want to ask us about Select Cedarmill
® texture that looks like historic wood siding profiles.

Completing the look, the best siding upgrade for historic homes will include HardieTrim
® boards. You can also take your pick of over [30 James Hardie® siding colors](https://mycoastalwindows.com/33-james-hardie-siding-colors-to-bring-your-home-to-life/)
that are available.

### Hardie® also helps historic homes with . . .

 * Keeps an authentic historic appearance with all the benefits you love about modern
   siding
 * Resists UV damage and fading with ColorPlus technology
 * Maintains its shape without the worry of drying out or warping from moisture
 * Class-A fire rating for your peace of mind
 * Prevents termite damage
 * Provides protection against all types of weather here in New England, from hurricanes
   to blizzards and everything in between

## Hardie® contractors for historic New England homes: Get a Free Estimate

If it’s time for new siding installation on your historic home, we’re here to help.
Experienced with the historic exterior renovation process and communication with
the Historical Commission, Coastal has your back! Contact us for a fast, free, and
friendly in-home estimate.

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