One day it’s below freezing with snow piling up here in New Jersey and, what feels like only a short time later, it’s 95°F and humid. Add in the occasional nor’easter or coastal storm we expect here in the Garden State, and your home’s exterior faces constant punishment from the elements.
Your home’s siding is its first and best protection from extreme weather conditions. Homeowners often select their siding based on aesthetic appeal, but siding must also be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and temperature extremes, provide proper insulation, and prevent costly moisture damage.
That’s why, as NJ siding installation professionals, we wanted to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best siding materials for NJ homes. We’ll show you how climate impacts performance, look at some of the materials on offer, and outline cost and value considerations to help you make an informed choice.
Why NJ’s Climate Demands Careful Siding Choices
New Jersey experiences four distinct seasons. Our winters are snowy and icy and our summers hot and humid, with stormy springs and windy falls in between. Temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, swinging 30°–40° within a few days.
There are also differences between the coastal and inland conditions. Coastal counties such as Hudson, Bergen, and Monmouth face salt air and storms blowing in from the ocean, while inland counties such as Morris and Sussex must contend with heavy snow and freeze–thaw cycles.
All of these extremes can take a toll on your home, and particularly its siding.
How Climate Affects Siding Performance
The seasonal weather patterns here in New Jersey can create siding problems in a number of ways.
Following heavy rain, moisture intrusion and humidity can cause swelling, rot, mold, and mildew if your siding is not sufficiently moisture-resistant.
Extreme temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles can cause siding to expand and contract, potentially causing cracking. This is a particular concern for vinyl and wood siding. Too much exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause fading, chalking, and brittleness over time, while nor’easters and coastal storms can pull panels loose or dent softer siding materials.
Amidst this challenging and changeable climate, New Jersey homeowners must prioritize durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient siding. In the following sections, we will show you how to evaluate specific siding materials for suitability and look at how the various materials on the market stack up against NJ’s weather.
Popular Siding Materials for New Jersey Homes: Pros & Cons
From natural wood siding to modern vinyl and composite siding, there are numerous options available for homeowners seeking to marry aesthetic appeal with functional benefits. In this section, we will provide a detailed comparison of the main materials on the market, highlighting both benefits and limitations of each in the context of New Jersey’s weather.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is manufactured from heated polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and is one of the most popular and widely-used siding materials.
Pros:
Vinyl siding is cost-effective and widely available. A vast array of colors and styles are available, including wood-look finishes, making it easy to enhance curb appeal and choose siding that reflects your home’s architectural style.
Vinyl siding is also a low maintenance choice compared to traditional wood.
Cons:
Though it is generally durable, vinyl siding can crack in freezing temperatures. It also offers less impact resistance against wind and storm debris than other siding materials. In addition, there is also the possibility of fading over 10–15 years, reducing your home’s curb appeal and making your siding look tired.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a durable material made from a mixture of cement, sand, cellulose fibers, water, and sometimes additives to enhance various properties.
Pros:
Designed for climate durability, James Hardie fiber cement siding resists rot, pests, and fire. It also provides strong protection against heavy winds and moisture ingress.
In addition, the ColorPlus® baked-on finish resists UV fading, keeping your siding looking as good as new for decades to come.
Fiber cement siding is relatively low maintenance, requiring little more than an occasional brushing and a yearly wash.
Cons:
James Hardie fiber cement siding is more expensive upfront per square foot than many of the other materials on the market. It is also heavier and more complex to install, requiring a team of skilled siding installation professionals. Magnolia’s professional siding contractors can support you through this entire process. Just remember to factor in additional labor costs to your budget.
ASCEND Composite Cladding
ASCEND composite siding, made by Alside, is made from a proprietary mix of glass-reinforced polymer and graphite-infused polystyrene.
Pros:
ASCEND composite siding combines strength and lightweight design. It is highly resistant to moisture, cracking, and warping and requires minimal maintenance. In addition, its excellent thermal performance and insulating properties make it ideal for NJ’s hot-and-cold temperature shifts.
Cons:
Though ASCEND composite siding offers many desirable properties and is growing in popularity, it is also a newer product. This means it lacks the proven track record of products such as vinyl siding or James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Wood Siding
Wood siding, made from planks or panels of real wood such as cedar, redwood, or oak, is the oldest and most traditional choice for house siding.
Pros:
With a classic, timeless appearance, traditional wood remains popular for its beauty and curb appeal. It is ideal for historic homes and for NJ homeowners seeking to prioritize aesthetic preferences and authenticity. Wood siding can also be painted or stained for customization.
Cons:
Though natural wood siding can look beautiful, it requires consistent maintenance such as painting and resealing to keep it looking its best and performing well. Wood siding is also vulnerable to moisture ingress, rot, and pests in NJ’s humid climate, and offers no fire resistance.
Metal (Aluminum/Steel)
Metal siding, most commonly made from aluminum or steel, has historically been less popular in the domestic market than other siding materials. However, it is now growing in popularity amongst homeowners.
Pros:
Metal siding is fire resistant, insect resistant, and rot resistant. When treated with the appropriate coatings, it is a long-lasting option with exceptional durability, particularly in coastal regions.
Cons:
Metal siding is susceptible to dents from hail, hurricanes, storms, and debris. Scratches in the surface may expose the underlying metal to rust, causing siding damage and shortening its overall lifespan. As steel or aluminum siding is a niche choice, cost can vary significantly by finish and not all NJ siding installation contractors will offer it.
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Climate-Smart Siding Options: Considerations for NJ Homeowners
New Jersey homeowners must consider the local climate before choosing the best siding for their needs. Before you decide, use this checklist to ensure you have considered and evaluated all the relevant factors.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Insulated siding can help to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heat loss during NJ’s cold winters and keeps your home cool in the summer. Look out for Energy Star-rated products if improving energy efficiency is a priority for you. Built in insulation and other energy-efficient siding choices can offer significant long-term cost savings on utilities.
Moisture and Mold Resistance
Moisture and mold resistance is critical in humid summers, particularly in NJ’s coastal counties. Fiber cement and composite siding excel at resisting swelling and mold, making them ideal choices for these regions.
UV Resistance and Color Retention
The sun can damage your siding over time, increasing the risks of cracks as well as fading the colors and causing your siding to look tired. Choosing siding with appropriate UV resistance and color retention capabilities is essential for NJ’s hot summer months.
Fiber cement siding, ASCEND composite, stone veneer, and metal siding are all great siding options that will retain their vibrant appearance year after year.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Different types of siding have different expected lifespans and maintenance requirements. Before you choose your new siding, it is important to understand how long it is likely to last and what maintenance, if any, you will need to perform. The best siding for NJ homes should be durable and offer a long lifespan, allowing homeowners to get the best return on their investment.
Vinyl siding can last 20–40 years with minimal upkeep. James Hardie fiber cement will last 30–50 years with minimal ongoing maintenance, but will need repainting after 15–20 years, while ASCEND composite siding can last 25-50 years and does not need repainting. Metal siding can last 40+ years, depending on the finish, and requires annual cleaning and regular inspections for rust or other damage.
Traditional wood siding is the least durable, offering a lifespan of 15–25 years, but also requires regular maintenance in the form of cleaning, repainting, and resealing.
Cost vs. Value: Balancing Budget and Durability
When you are budgeting for your new siding, it is important to consider both short-term and long-term cost implications.
Vinyl siding, for example, offers an affordable entry point but has a shorter lifespan than many other materials. Fiber cement and composite siding, on the other hand, come at a higher upfront cost but offer a better return on investment over decades.
At Magnolia, we are proud to offer a range of flexible financing options to make higher-quality siding attainable at an affordable price, meaning you won’t need to compromise quality to stick to your budget.
If your home is not yet ready for a full siding replacement, we also offer affordable siding repair in New Jersey, allowing homeowners to extend the life of their existing siding.
Magnolia: Quality Siding, Professional Installation
New Jersey’s changeable, four-season climate, with its freezing winters, humid summers and unpredictable storms, makes siding far more than just an exterior finish. The right siding can provide lasting durability, energy efficiency, and protection for decades, while also boosting curb appeal and increasing your home’s value.
By selecting appropriate weather-resistant materials and hiring professional contractors to ensure proper installation, homeowners can avoid costly repairs, lower energy bills, and enjoy a more comfortable home year-round.
Magnolia has been providing home remodeling and general contractor services across New Jersey for over 30 years. We are a family-owned, licensed, and fully insured business with 1,600+ positive reviews and 3,000+ successful projects to our name.
We work with carefully selected brands to carry premium product lines such as CertainTeed, James Hardie, ASCEND, Alside, Royal, and AZEK, and our team of experienced siding contractors offer a personalized and customer-first service no matter the type of siding you choose.
View our siding gallery to see the transformations we’ve performed for clients facing challenges with New Jersey’s climate.
Ready to protect and transform your home? Get in touch to learn more about our services or request a free estimate from Magnolia Home Remodeling Group today.
