There are many wonderful things about living along the coastlines of North Carolina or South Carolina. The beautiful beaches, the stunning scenery, and the (usually) amazing weather all come to mind. However, unfortunately, there is one trade-off that comes with coastal Carolina life — hurricane season.
If you’ve been thinking about redoing the exterior of your home, you might be wondering what type of siding is most likely to survive a hurricane with minimal damage. Luckily, there are options. But, before we dive into the best options for your Carolina home, remember that the bones of your house are just as important as the cladding when it comes to hurricane preparedness.
If you’re just starting to plan for a new construction, talk to your builder about using reinforced masonry for the frame instead of traditional wood studs. If you’re in an existing home, there may be ways to reinforce walls, as well. Just find a qualified contractor in your area.
Now, let’s talk hurricane resistant siding!
Wind and Water Resistant Paint
Some North Carolina and South Carolina homeowners do not all have the extra money to completely re-side their houses. If you are in this category, the best option for you might be to repaint your current siding with a wind and water resistant exterior paint. These paints will help protect your home against heavy rain and high speed winds (though not all are rated for hurricane-force winds), but will not actually make your siding stronger. However, this is an excellent option if you are on a limited budget.
Wood Siding
Generally, wood siding is the least able to stand-up to hurricanes. It typically begins to splinter and fall apart in the weather systems that hurricanes bring to the Carolinas. There are, though, certain homeowners — such as those who reside in historic areas with bylaws — who do not have a choice but to use wood siding. If your home has to have wood cladding, use metal flashing on the corners, seal all joints with a high-quality product, and use a brand of water resistant paint, like that detailed above.
Vinyl Siding
The majority of homes in the United States have vinyl siding. This sort of siding, particularly if it was manufactured recently, can typically withstand wind speeds of up to 110 miles-per-hour, per FEMA. That said, vinyl siding can still become severely damaged in hurricanes, so talk to your siding installation contractor to find out if this type of siding is truly the best choice for your remodeling project.
Fiber Cement Siding
The very best choice for homeowners in coastal Carolina area is fiber cement siding. James Hardie brand fiber cement is not only wind and water resistant, but fire retardant as well. Furthermore, this type of siding will last for decades without fading or weathering — and, it is great for all types of homes! Whether you are going for a traditional board-and-batten look or an ultra-modern aesthetic, there’s a type of fiber cement that will work for your vision.
If you’re ready to make sure your house is as hurricane proof as possible, contact the expert team at Hatch Homes today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and to make sure you have a home you can be proud of — and safe in — for years to come.