Complete Climate Zone Siding Guide: Best Materials by Region
Choosing siding is not just about looks. The right material must fit the climate, resist weather, and last without constant repairs. A siding system that works well in a dry desert may fail in a coastal storm zone. This guide breaks down how to select siding by region, what it costs, and how to maintain it so you can match your home to its environment with confidence.
Cost and Planning Guide
Scope of Work
A siding project usually includes removal of old cladding, repair of sheathing or framing, installation of new housewrap, flashing, trim, and the new siding itself. Gutters, soffits, and painting may be add-ons.
Total Range
- Vinyl siding: $6 to $10 per square foot installed
- Fiber cement: $9 to $14 per square foot installed
- Engineered wood: $8 to $12 per square foot installed
- Metal panels or lap: $10 to $16 per square foot installed
- Cedar or natural wood: $12 to $18 per square foot installed
These figures assume full replacement, site access for a crew, and standard two-story construction.
Cost Drivers
- Removal of old siding adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Height and stories increase scaffold or lift time.
- Trim detail such as ornate corners or window wraps increase labor.
- Moisture repairs under old siding can add thousands.
- Regional labor rates shift totals up or down.
Timeline
- Bidding and contract: 1 to 2 weeks
- Permits and approvals: 1 week
- Active work: 1 to 3 weeks depending on size
- Punch list and cleanup: 2 to 4 days
Permits and Inspections
Most municipalities require a siding permit. Inspectors may check weather barrier, flashing around windows, and fire rating compliance. In high wind or wildfire zones, documentation of approved assemblies is mandatory.
Budget Controls
- Lock in material selection early.
- Ask for a line item bid with square footage quantities.
- Agree on hourly rates for unexpected sheathing repair to avoid inflated change orders.
- Hold 10 percent contingency for hidden damage.
Repair vs Replace
If less than 20 percent of siding is failing, spot repair may be cost effective. Once paint peels, panels warp, or fasteners rust across large sections, replacement is usually cheaper long term.
Durability and Safety Brief
Weather Risks
- Coastal zones: Salt spray and wind-driven rain demand corrosion resistant fasteners and tight flashing.
- Cold zones: Freeze and thaw cycles split wood and crack thin vinyl.
- Hot zones: UV exposure fades colors and warps plastics.
- Storm zones: Impact from debris calls for higher gauge metal or fiber cement.
Fire, Moisture, and Impact
- Fiber cement scores best in fire resistance and does not rot.
- Vinyl melts under flame and provides little fire barrier.
- Metal resists fire but dents under hail.
- Wood must be treated and kept sealed to slow rot and insects.
Envelope Details
Proper drip caps, kick-out flashing, and breathable housewrap prevent moisture from traveling behind siding. In humid climates, rainscreen systems with furring strips create a drainage gap that extends service life.
Care Schedule
- Inspect siding annually for cracks, loose panels, or peeling finish.
- Wash with mild soap and soft brush every 1 to 2 years.
- Repaint fiber cement or engineered wood every 10 to 15 years.
- Reseal natural wood every 3 to 5 years.
Warranty Basics
Most vinyl and fiber cement products carry limited lifetime warranties against manufacturer defects. Coverage often excludes color fading, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. Keep receipts, photos, and inspection notes to support claims.
Regional Siding Choices by Climate Zone
Cold Northern Regions
- Best options: Fiber cement, engineered wood with factory finish.
- Avoid: Thin vinyl that can crack under freeze cycles.
- Cost range: $8 to $14 per square foot installed.
- Details: Use insulated siding or add exterior foam board to reduce heat loss. Seal joints carefully to block wind penetration.
Hot Arid Regions
- Best options: Stucco, fiber cement panels, or metal siding.
- Avoid: Dark vinyl that warps under high UV.
- Cost range: $7 to $13 per square foot installed.
- Details: Light colors reflect heat. Expansion joints are critical to prevent cracking.
Humid Coastal Regions
- Best options: Cedar shingles with preservative, fiber cement lap, or marine-grade metal.
- Avoid: Bare wood and low-cost steel that rusts.
- Cost range: $10 to $16 per square foot installed.
- Details: Stainless steel fasteners resist salt corrosion. Rainscreen systems recommended for drainage.
Tornado and Hurricane Zones
- Best options: Fiber cement with impact rating, heavy gauge aluminum, or steel siding.
- Avoid: Lightweight vinyl that can blow off.
- Cost range: $10 to $15 per square foot installed.
- Details: Ensure fastening meets local wind load code. Inspect nailing pattern for compliance.
Wildfire Prone Areas
- Best options: Fiber cement, non-combustible metal panels.
- Avoid: Wood and untreated engineered products.
- Cost range: $9 to $16 per square foot installed.
- Details: Maintain defensible space by clearing vegetation. Pair siding with fire-rated soffits and vents.
Maintenance Checklist
Annually
- Inspect siding, trim, and caulking.
- Look for cracks, warping, or insect activity.
Every 1 to 2 Years
- Wash siding with hose and soft brush.
- Clean gutters to prevent overflow against siding.
Every 3 to 5 Years
- Reseal or repaint natural wood.
- Touch up caulk on fiber cement or engineered wood.
Every 10 to 15 Years
- Repaint fiber cement or engineered wood entirely.
- Inspect fasteners on metal siding for corrosion.