Utah is one of the most incredible places in the world to live. We’ve got the best of every season, a great job market, plenty to do for every age, and no shortage of local roof and siding contractors. Utah also has a very distinct climate. It’s dry, semi-arid, and desert-like, but most parts of Utah can get a hefty amount of snow in the winter. While Utah’s yearly downpour of white, powdery snow is a dream come true for avid snowboarders and skiers, without proper protection, it can damage your home over time.
With so many different siding materials to choose from, the best one for your home often depends on the weather conditions in your area. After all, siding protects your home against rain, snow, wind, and sun. Without proper siding, snow and rain can cause expensive damage to your walls, roof, and interior — a nightmare for homeowners. As a company that offers siding repair in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, we know which siding options are suitable for weatherproofing your Utah home.
The Important Role of Siding
The curb appeal that good siding offers your home is just the cherry on top of its other benefits. A home’s siding also:
- Protects against brutal Utah winters
- Reduces exterior home maintenance
- Provides insulation, which contributes to energy efficiency
- Dampens outside sound, keeping your home quieter
- Resists pests and rot
- Adds your desired style
The Different Siding Options
The perfect siding will add beauty to your home’s exterior and provide unmatched insulation and durability. In essence, your home’s siding should add curb appeal to your home while also withstanding the freezing winters and scorching summers. Here are five popular siding options for Utah homeowners.
1. Stone Veneer
If you want something durable that adds value and curb appeal to your home, stone veneer siding has many appeals. It is beautiful, strong, and elegantly timeless. This type of siding can be made from natural stone, but some are manufactured stone. Whether natural or manufactured, stone veneer is an excellent option for Utah’s climate.
One of the most significant selling points of stone veneer siding is its resistance to moisture, pests, and fire. Stone veneer is a perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your home and enhance its look.
However, this product can be pricey. Therefore, it may not be within everyone’s budget.
2. Fiber Cement
Many Utah homeowners opt for fiber cement siding, known for its durability. This type of siding resists rot, insects, impact, and fire, making it a great, long-lasting solution. Fiber cement is another excellent option for the extreme climates you’ll find in Utah. Another plus of fiber cement is its wood-like appearance, which provides a clean and modern appearance.
Fiber cement offers homeowners a more durable product at a modest price. It will require paint touch-up at least one time during its lifetime.
3. Engineered Wood
You may be happy with engineered wood siding if you’re looking for something that is aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly. It offers the timeless look of natural wood with added durability. In addition, engineered wood is resistant to rot, moisture, and pests, making it an ideal choice for extreme weather.
However, engineered wood is heavier than other siding options, making installation more challenging.
4. Metal
While not quite as popular, metal siding is an excellent choice for Utah’s climate. Metal siding is strong, durable, and lasts long. It is resistant to insects, rot, and fire, making it an appealing choice for homeowners. Metal siding comes in various finishes, and its sunlight-reflecting properties help your home stay cool during hot summers. You can also install a metal siding with an insulating foam core for even better insulation. Metal siding installation is becoming increasingly popular to create a modern or contemporary look.
5. Vinyl
For some Utah homeowners, vinyl is the go-to. Many in Utah choose vinyl siding because it’s low maintenance, versatile, and affordable. Vinyl can also withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures, making it a perfect option for Utah homes. Vinyl siding replacement is relatively easy for contractors, and good quality vinyl will protect your home from water damage.
Although vinyl checks many of the boxes for Utah homeowners, its downsides are that sunlight can cause fading over time, and it may not be quite as aesthetically appealing as some other options. In addition, Utah’s extreme climates can cause cracks due to expansion and contraction. The even worse news is that you can’t patch damaged vinyl. Instead, the whole panel needs replacement. Overall, vinyl is still a great option; it’s just important to be aware of potential problems.
One of the best selling points of Utah is that you get to fully enjoy the beauty of every season and get lost in the serene landscapes and mountains you’re surrounded by, no matter where you stand in the state of Utah. While the distinct seasons of Utah can offer the best outdoor adventures, make sure to choose durable siding for your home that can withstand Utah’s weather conditions.