Ready for new siding? While it’s fun to think about colors and designs, it pays to think about performance too. After all, you want the most value for your investment, right? And longevity is a part of that equation!
Today’s siding materials are made to withstand the tests of time and Michigan’s demanding climate. Use this handy comparison guide to choose long-lasting siding to fit your home.
Vinyl Siding: Affordability and Streamlined Upkeep
Vinyl siding is cost-friendly and comes in popular colors that work on any type of architecture. Now the big question—how long does it last?
Longevity and Durability
On average, vinyl siding lasts 20-40 years when professionally installed and well-maintained.
Of course, performance is affected by the weather. With Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, vinyl may warp or buckle. It may dent if struck by hail or a stray pebble kicked up during windy storms.
To get stronger performance, choose premium vinyl siding boards for trusted thickness, strength, and resilience.
Maintenance Needs
As sidings go, vinyl is low maintenance. It needs no painting, resists moisture, and won’t be eaten by termites or other pests.
Just clean it with a garden hose, a soft brush, and soapy water to remove any dust and debris.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
To keep your home warm during Michigan winters, choose insulated vinyl siding and enjoy the added energy efficiency.
Also, note that vinyl panels can fade or get discolored under our region’s sunny summers. Consider choosing premium vinyl with extra UV protection.
Fiber Cement Siding: Durability and Lasting Performance
When you want truly lasting performance, fiber cement siding—especially award-winning James Hardie siding—offers an impressive lifespan you’re sure to appreciate.
Longevity and Durability
We recommend Hardie siding for good reason. It’s warrantied to last up to 30 years—but it often lasts up to 50 years (or more!).
When it comes to weather performance, Hardie siding is an A-plus! It doesn’t expand or contract significantly, and it withstands our region’s freezing temperatures, ice, and snow without warping, buckling, or cracking. It also performs well against high winds and hail.
Its cement-sand makeup won’t rust, rot, or get eaten by pests. It’s also resistant to moisture, offering trusted durability against Michigan’s rainy springs and humid summers.
Maintenance Needs
Hardie siding is simple to care for. In addition to gently cleaning it with a garden hose and soapy water, you’ll want to reapply caulk as needed to keep things sealed.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
With Hardie siding’s durable ColorPlus® Technology, you can choose from hundreds of lovely colors that stay vibrant for up to 15 years without repainting. Wow!
Plus, Hardie siding is noncombustible. It won’t add fuel to a fire, giving you added safety and even a potential discount on homeowners’ insurance.
Want to know more about James Hardie Siding?
Check out our “James Hardie Siding Guide.”
Read the Guide
Wood Siding: Natural Beauty and Historic Style
For homeowners who desire traditional looks or historic authenticity, wood siding offers great style—though it needs consistent upkeep during its lifespan.
Longevity and Durability
Organic wood’s attractive, unique wood grains create a truly customized look. However, it breaks down due to weather and pest damage, so it only has a 15-30-year lifespan. Real wood fails faster than other siding choices, especially in southeast Michigan, where rain, snow, ice, and humidity take their toll on your home.
If you’re looking for lengthier durability, consider hardwoods like cedar or redwood instead of less resilient pine or spruce. You can also pick engineered wood siding, which blends wood fibers with resins and waxes to resist rot. Composite wood lasts at least 20-30 years.
Maintenance Needs
With Michigan’s heavy rains, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles, wood will deteriorate quickly unless you constantly care for it. Paint or stain your siding every 3-5 years and apply fresh caulk frequently. Pay extra attention to north-facing walls.
If boards crack, break, or weaken due to hail, rot, or pest infestations, replace the affected panels quickly so the problem doesn’t spread.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
If you are set on wood siding, look for engineered (composite) wood with a factory-applied finish that can resist seasonal warping and splitting.
Cultured Stone: Luxurious Elegance and Curb Appeal
Without a doubt, manufactured (manmade) stone veneer siding adds undeniable sophistication to your home exterior. And it has impressive performance!
Longevity and Durability
Cultured stone siding lasts at least 25-50 years and often much longer when well cared for. It’s crafted from a concrete mixture to mimic stone’s appearance, and concrete is known for its great durability, right? Manmade stone performs the same way.
What this means for homeowners in southeastern Michigan is peace of mind, because cultured stone siding easily endures all kinds of weather. High winds, wild rain, heavy snow, hail, and strong sunlight—manufactured stone can handle it all.
Maintenance Needs
Since cultured stone is hefty, it requires precision installation by experts (like us!). But this pays off well because this type of siding is super simple to care for. There’s no repainting and no recaulking. Just rinse it occasionally, and you’re good to go.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
While cultured stone siding comes at a premium price, it also has the highest return on investment (up to 153% according to the 2024 Remodeling Cost vs Value Report). It beautifully mimics numerous different stone colors and designs, which really enhances your curb appeal.
Love Your Replacement Siding by Choosing the Ideal Blend of Style and Durability for Your Michigan Home
While no siding lasts forever, you can find a durable material that gives you the performance you deserve. Remember, a well-trained team will ensure your siding is properly installed for top-notch results.
At John McCarter Construction, nothing makes us happier than seeing our fellow southeastern Michiganders loving their homes! We blend proud craftsmanship with attentive service to give you confidence every step of the way. Reach out to learn more or request a free quote on new siding you’ll love coming home to!
