Choosing the Right Siding for Your Colorado Home
Between the intense sun rays at Colorado altitude and the strong storms that roll through each warm season, the materials on the exterior of your home can take quite the beating. In particular, your home’s siding can suffer and become warped and discolored, depending on things like the material, your location, and maintenance.
When it comes to selecting new siding for your home, it’s best to do your research. Siding can dramatically improve your home’s appearance and value, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the level of noise that enters your home. Continue reading to learn the differences between the main types of siding available to you, as well as what to expect for cost and maintenance.
Siding Patterns and Colors
There are tons of options to choose from when you’re looking at new siding. Common patterns of siding include:
- Horizontal panels (straight or wavy)
- Vertical panels
- Beaded
- Shake
- Scallop or half round
- Board and batten
In particular, board and batten siding has been growing in popularity, perhaps due to its unique look that dates back more than 200 years. It’s made with wide vertical panels (boards) that are connected by thin vertical strips (battens) that are used to cover the seams.
Colors
Each type of siding pattern comes in virtually every color, which you’re likely to see all throughout Colorado. A new color palette can make all the difference and give your home an updated, stylish look. Popular choices in 2023 include:
- Dark Neutrals – Dark and earthy neutrals are a top trend. Steer away from light beiges and tans, and select a more powerful neutral instead.
- White & Black – All white siding with contrasting black trim is modern and also timeless.
- Black Siding – A large number of homeowners are requesting all black or dark charcoal gray siding for their home.
- Dark Blue – While the blue and white trend is still going strong, homeowners are opting for darker and richer blues instead of lighter blue colors.
- Dark Green – Dark forest green is almost black. It’s just light enough to add a touch of color.
- Gray is a very popular color choice due to how neutral and versatile it is: you can pair it with a light or dark trim color, and it still looks great.
Siding Material Types
Like patterns and colors, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a siding material. We’re going to focus on the three types and brands we work with and sell at J&K Roofing.
Fiber Cement Siding
James Hardie siding, also known as fiber cement siding, has gained immense popularity due to its durability, sustainability and aesthetic appeal. It’s a wonderful option for any home in Colorado. Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and can even mimic wood grain better than vinyl or aluminum siding.
Why We Like It: Fiber cement siding (like the options available from James Hardie) is a popular choice that can withstand all weather conditions such as hail, wind, and temperature fluctuations, and other common issues like rot and insect damage. It’s also a noncombustible material, making it a great option for homes in the mountains or forested areas. With a wide range of colors, textures and styles available, fiber cement siding offers many style options. Finally, it’s earned a reputation for stability and is very low maintenance, assuming it’s installed correctly.
Fiber Cement Siding Cost: The only drawback to fiber cement siding is that it typically runs a bit more expensive than other types, including vinyl and LP SmartSide. It is heavier than other siding materials, and takes more time to install, which increases the cost. However, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can offset the initial investment.
LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide siding is made from engineered wood, so it can easily look like expensive wood siding but with more durability and longevity. It is highly impact-resistant and comes with a thorough warranty.
Why We Like It: LP SmartSide comes in a large variety of colors and patterns, and it’s a durable material with a great warranty. It offers some fire resistance, and it’s less expensive than fiber cement. This siding option provides excellent impact resistance, making it suitable for areas with strong winds and hail storms. It is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, facilitating a smoother installation process.
LP SmartSide Cost: This type of siding is more expensive than vinyl siding but less expensive than fiber cement, making it a reliable middle of the road option. While LP SmartSide siding is more durable than traditional wood siding, it still requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining to protect against moisture and UV damage.
Vinyl Siding
Perhaps the most popular type of siding material due to its low cost and presentation, vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures — including the common wavy vinyl siding style. When considering vinyl siding, make sure you factor in appearance and home value, as it may not be the best option if you’re looking to increase the value of your home with new siding.
You should also be mindful of installation for vinyl siding. Improper vinyl siding installation can lead to issues like moisture behind vinyl siding (especially if vinyl siding is installed over existing wood siding), which can create other issues within your home. You may also notice vinyl siding sun damage and vinyl siding warping. Also note that thermal expansion and contraction can lead to noise, cracks, buckles, chips, and breaks (if not installed properly).
Why We Like It: It’s durable, comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and requires little maintenance and repair. Unlike wood or fiber cement, vinyl does not require painting.
Vinyl Siding Cost: Vinyl siding is the most cost-effective option in this list, although it may limit your home’s growth in value. It can be an attractive option for homeowners on a tight budget.
Hire a Professional for Your Siding Project
Ultimately, the best siding choice will depend on your priorities, budget, and the specific needs of your home. But no matter what choice you make for your home’s siding, trust a professional to get the job done. We can ensure professional, efficient, and high-quality work on your home.
Our team at J&K Roofing is certified to work in all materials included in this article, and we have the skills and experience needed to get your project completed. Give us a call today at 303-425-7531, or click here to get in touch with us about siding options for your home.