Although there are areas of North Carolina and South Carolina that don’t experience frigid winter temperatures, many parts of these states get hit with winter weather every year. If you reside in one of these regions, it’s important for you to take cold temperatures into account when you start looking at new siding for your home.
Most modern siding is rated to last for at least two decades, so choosing something you really like that will hold-up in bitter temperatures is critical since you are likely to have it for a long time. As you read this guide, you will see some questions about vinyl siding, which is the most popular choice for homeowners throughout the United States.
Can cold weather have a negative impact on vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is engineered to withstand all types of weather. However, over time, cold temperatures can cause problems. One of the main issues is brittleness. Like any sort of plastic, vinyl is not meant to be outdoors in extreme temperatures. Severe cold can weaken siding boards and ultimately cause them to crack or break. Broken siding is likely to allow water to seep into the walls of a house, which can, in turn, result in mold infestations, staining, and other problems.
Another potential issue associated with vinyl siding and cold weather is wind damage. Winter storms often come with strong winds, particularly in high-elevation regions of the Carolinas. This can cause serious damage to vinyl siding. Boards can loosen or even get blown away entirely. Missing siding boards give insects and vermin easy access to the inside of a house. These open spaces also allow precipitation to penetrate.
Finally, installing new vinyl siding during the winter season can be quite challenging, depending on exactly how cold it is. If therefore, your siding gets damaged when it is cold outside, your contractor may advise you to wait until spring to have it repaired. This can be frustrating and can even lead to structural issues.
What are my options?
If you aren’t too worried about the weather in your region adversely affecting your vinyl siding, but you still want to be on the safe side, the best thing you can do is purchase high-quality siding made by a brand name manufacturer. When it comes to siding, the brand really does impact quality! The more upscale your siding is, the longer it is likely to last. Furthermore, many manufacturers include additional textural details and other features on their high-end product lines.
If you would rather not use vinyl, fiber cement siding is an excellent alternative. This relative newcomer to the siding industry is flame-resistant, durable, and beautiful. Fiber cement siding boards often resemble other materials, including wood and vinyl, but without the drawbacks of authentic styles.
At Hatch Homes, we take pride in installing all types of siding for our North Carolina and South Carolina clients. If you are thinking about investing in new siding of any kind soon, give us a call to discuss availability and pricing. We are excited to help you transform your house into the home of your dreams!