Siding FAQ: What is the Best Siding for Virginia?

Siding is one of those home improvement projects that offer the trifecta: enhanced value, better energy efficiency and greater curb appeal. What more could you want from a home improvement project? The reality is, siding is a commonly overlooked project – but here at Windows on Washington, we certainly believe it should be top of mind when considering ways to improve your home. 

While siding certainly provides a home with its unique character, it actually has a much more functional and vital purpose. The role of siding is to protect the inside of your home from rain, moisture and humidity, temperatures, insects and pests. That is why it is necessary to ensure the siding of your home is working properly. If you live in Virginia and think it is time for a siding update, you are in luck.  In this article, we will be looking at the different types of siding and offer our thoughts on which is the best siding for homes in Virginia. 

The Different Types of Siding

Siding comes in a range of materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Let us take a look at some of the most popular types of siding in the US. 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of – if not the most – popular type of siding. There are many benefits to vinyl siding, such as it resists water absorption and does not flake or rot, making it ideal for wet and humid areas. Vinyl does tend to crack in very cold weather and melt in very hot weather. However, Virginia’s weather is relatively mild, making vinyl siding a suitable choice.

Wood Siding

Wood siding has a beautiful curb side appeal. However, it does require regular maintenance and is susceptible to rot, mildew and insect damage, especially in humid areas like Virginia. That is not to say you can not use wood siding, but just be mindful. If you do have your heart set on wood siding, it is best to stick with cedar or redwood. 

Fiber Cement Siding

Made of cement, wood pulp and sand, fiber cement siding is ideal for homes in any part of Virginia. It is resistant to rot, termites and insects and harsh weather. Fiber cement siding is quite heavy, making it highly durable and resistant to heavy winds and inclement weather. It is also a highly cost-effective option and is one of the least-expensive siding materials to install.

Brick or Stone Siding

Brick or stone siding is a popular siding option for US homeowners. However, it is not necessarily the best choice for homes in Virginia. Brick and stone siding is not only expensive, but both materials do not cope well in humid regions and are susceptible to rot, termites and insects and may develop moss or mildew, particularly if you live in an area that does not receive a lot of sunlight. 

What is the Best Siding for Homes in Virginia?

The good news is Virginia’s climate is quite mild compared to other regions in the United States, which means almost any siding will work as long as you maintain proper care of it. However, Virginia does experience harsh weather from time to time, meaning there are some siding materials that will offer better protection than others. .

Fiber Cement Siding: Our Top Pick for Virginia Homes

In our opinion and expert knowledge, fiber cement siding is the best siding option for homes in Virginia. There are a few reasons for this. Fiber cement siding is an excellent siding material for a variety of climates, yet it is especially ideal for hot and humid conditions, which Virginia often experiences. Fiber cement siding also works exceptionally well in wet climates because it does not rot. Not to mention it does not warp with temperature changes or shake in strong winds. It is also termite-resistant thanks to its high cement and sand content. It is durable, cost-effective and easy to maintain. As such, when it comes to selecting the best siding for homes in Virginia, we often recommend fiber cement siding.