Replacing the siding on your home is a major investment in the beauty and resale value of your home. The right choice will save you time and headaches maintaining it; or should I say, not having to maintain it as much. That’s what the choices really boil down to; how long can you go, without having to spend time and money maintaining it.

Our weather here in the frozen north plays an important part in this decision as well. Because of the extreme heat and cold swings we can have in any year, paint and caulking are put to the extreme stress test. Most really can’t handle it. Paint and caulking crack, lift off the substrate and otherwise become useless for protecting the material underneath. Therefore, eliminating the need to paint should be high on our list of priorities, when making a siding choice.

So, here are the top four siding choices for North Dakota. If you’re from Florida, they may not help you; but, we’re not from Florida.

• Steel – For outright ruggedness and long life, you can’t beat steel siding. The finish for this product is durable and long lasting. In fact, the manufacturer has so much confidence in this product, that the finish is warranted 35 years against chalking and fading. Another 15 years of warranty is given on top of that against hail damage.
• Insulation Backed Vinyl – Vinyl is another non-paint siding; with the color being molded in. By adding a ribbed foam backing, it both increases insulation value and strength. Where you can push regular vinyl siding in with your finger, you can’t with insulation backed. Our vinyl siding is rated specifically for use in cold climates.
• Cement Board – As opposed to the other selections we’ve got on this list, cement board does need to be painted. However, the painting is more for appearance than it is for protection, as cement board won’t be damaged by exposure to the elements.
• Vinyl – Here we’re talking about your standard vinyl siding. Like the insulation backed vinyl, it’s made of materials that can withstand the cold. However, here we’re talking about one without the foam backing; so, it’s not as strong. Vinyl cannot be painted.

Any of these siding choices will outlast wood or engineered material clapboard siding, with considerably lower maintenance. Both steel and vinyl siding systems come with matching materials for your soffits and trim, allowing you to cover the whole house, while you’re siding. Cleaning them off with a garden hose from time to time will keep them fresh and the colors true.