Replacement siding should be fire and water resistant and stand up to UV rays with ease—particularly if you live in California. When you replace your current siding or need to choose which material will work best for a custom home, take the current weather patterns and forecasted climate changes into consideration.
California’s summer heat has an impact on siding, so consider the long-term effect of the sun on your material of choice. Read on to discover the impact of California’s climate on siding and learn which siding material is a smart long-term choice for your home.
How Siding Responds to California’s Weather
Wood siding
Wood fuels fires and can absorb water, so it is not a good choice for California homes.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding can be prone to warping and buckling as a result of exposure to extreme heat. UV rays tend to make it fade, causing curb appeal to dim, so vinyl isn’t the best siding choice for California homes.
Stucco siding
When installed properly, stucco can withstand heat and high temperatures well. But if stucco becomes compromised, it cracks, chips, and absorbs water, leaving you with costly repair bills. It is a reasonable choice for California homes, yet can be risky due to its vulnerable nature.
Fiber cement siding
Made of cement, sand, and cellulose, durable fiber cement siding stands up to heat, high temperatures, and moisture. It won’t fuel a fire and is a great option for California homes.
James Hardie siding
The most popular manufacturer of fiber cement siding is James Hardie. It is rated as non-combustible, and insurance companies offer discounts if your home is covered in it. Hardie siding won’t warp or crack due to warm weather, and it is made to withstand high winds and precipitation. It’s easy to care for and rarely requires repairs. When installed properly and maintained well over the years, it lasts up to 50 years. Hardie siding is a superior choice for California homes.
Climate Change
Climate changes increase the risk of hazards such as wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat. As a result, existing homes need to be modified to make them more resilient to these risks.
Climate changes are expected to alter the way homes should be built. For example, in areas of California that are expected to face a high wildfire risk, homes will encounter greater threats, particularly if they don’t incorporate fire-resistant siding. Close to one million structures are at risk of wildfires according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Many existing homes are less resilient to the effects of climate change. For example, cedar shake roofing, cedar siding, and single-paned windows make a home more vulnerable to igniting due to wildfires. Additionally, lots of older homes aren’t elevated high enough to protect them from flooding.
The HardieZone System
The James Hardie company stays on the cutting edge of technology, with their research-based siding material that is engineered to stand up to the climate where it is installed. Hardie’s HZ10 siding is ideal for the coastal regions of California, while the HZ5 is perfect for the northeastern California area. Here’s the breakdown of their features:
- HZ10 – James Hardie’s reliable durability is experienced at its finest with this product’s features. Engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds, salty sea air, and humid heat, the HZ10 siding line resists cracking, splitting, rotting, and swelling even amid tropical storms. It stands up to constant contact with sunlight and comes with a 30-year transferable warranty.
- HZ5 – This siding was formulated to resist damage from moisture in regions with extreme seasonal temperature variations and year-round precipitation.
The Best Siding to Withstand California’s Climate: James Hardie
Allow the facts to take the guesswork out of deciding which siding is the best long-term choice for your California home. James Hardie siding lasts up to 50 years when it is installed and maintained property. Its outstanding 30-year warranty demonstrates how the Hardie company stands behind their highly researched product line. It resists fires, water, and UV damage, making it an ideal choice for California homes.
While other companies use inferior products under the surface, at Approved Contractor, we use James Hardie products from the beginning to the end of your siding installation. You can rest assured that your home is well protected. Don’t miss out! Learn more about James Hardie siding.
