Best Siding for Wisconsin Weather

Siding gives your home its character and provides the first line of defense against the elements, which can be unpredictable in Wisconsin. Homes should be prepared to withstand the ever-changing Wisconsin weather, which is why J&B Construction Company, Inc. informs homeowners on the best siding options for Wisconsin homes.

“When it comes to siding, you want to get the best bang for your buck by using a material that is durable enough to protect your home and stylish enough to enhance curb appeal,” said Wendy Cline, owner of J&B Construction.

Engineered wood is treated to withstand the elements and insects. It can handle humid, hot climates better than natural wood. “For Wisconsin weather especially, engineered wood is a beneficial alternative to natural wood because it handles moisture and mildew and it repels the sun, storms, and chemicals,” Cline said. The available styles include lapboard and vertical. “LP Siding stands best against splitting, cracking, and storm damage,” Cline said. “In our experience, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is the best on the market for Wisconsin homes. It’s durable, customizable, and has a beautiful wood look.”

Vinyl is typically the least expensive siding and most popular choice for warm, humid climates. Some vinyl siding options on the market don’t handle cold winters and are prone to cracking. “Severe weather can be damaging to inexpensive vinyl siding and it will expand and contract in varying temperatures,” Cline said. “We offer only premium vinyl siding that stands up to harsh Wisconsin weather and variations in temperature. Our vinyl siding is easy to install and requires little maintenance.”

Wood siding is typically more expensive and requires more maintenance, but it will last for years if you keep up with it. There are a variety of options, including pine, spruce, fir, cedar, and redwood. Wood siding can be susceptible to mold and mildew in humid climates. “If you’re interested in wood siding, you will likely need to power wash, stain, and prime the wood periodically to prevent water seepage,” said Cline.

Metal siding has a long lifespan, requires minimal maintenance, and is also resistant to fire, rot, and insects. “It also has a higher resistance to impact then aluminum and vinyl,” said Cline.

Proper House Wrap and Flashing Details

No matter what siding product you choose, when it comes to keeping your house water tight and air tight, the house wrap is the most important aspect of the project. “Proper installation of house wrap tape around windows, doors, and drip cap flashing is also very important,” said Cline. “We see flaws in this part of the project in many siding installations, which leads to water and air infiltration.”

Regardless of the siding style selected, product installation is key to having the siding work as it should. “With J&B Construction, installation is always done exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications by our certified installers,” Cline said. “In addition, as part of our siding services, we offer shutters, soffits, fascia, decorative pieces, and other accessories to enhance your home.”