Choosing Siding Materials for High Wind and Extreme Weather
If you are living in Reno, you already know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day, you may enjoy the sunniest weather, and the next day, you may be hit by a hurricane, heat waves, etc! When it comes to protecting your home - siding plays a huge role. Hence, it is important to choose the right siding materials.
Selecting the appropriate siding is essential to maintaining the comfort of your house and the condition of your exterior. Depending on your local climate, you need a material that can withstand hurricanes, strong winds, powerful UV radiation, and heavy rain.
In this blog, we have discussed extreme weather siding options to help you make the right decision and protect your home!
5 Best Siding Materials For High Wind And Extreme Weather In Reno
Here are 5 siding materials that can handle Reno’s high winds and extreme weather -
1.Fiber Cement Siding
If you are looking for a siding option that stands up to just about any weather element - fiber cement is one of the best choices out there. They are made from a tough blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers - and can withstand high winds, scorching summer heat, and even wildfires.
One of the biggest advantages of fiber cement is - it is wind resistant! Most of them are rated to withstand gusts of 100 mph or more. They remain intact and do crack or loosen. Apart from being durable - fiber cement mimics the look of natural wood, and there’s no maintenance headache, too!
The best is - they don’t warp, rot, or attract termites. Plus, it is fire-resistant, which makes them the best choice for homes in wildfire-prone areas. Though it is a bit expensive - they are totally worth the high cost!
2. Engineered Wood Siding
If you love having a warm and natural look of the wood around your home and hate the regular maintenance part - engineered wood is the best option. Though traditional wood siding is beautiful, it can struggle with temperature shifts and dry conditions.
But engineered wood? Well, they are made from compressed wood fibers and resins. This makes them much stronger than traditional wood and more resistant to moisture pests, as well as wind damage. These woods can withstand winds up to 200 mph. Hence, they are considered best if you live in a region that experiences high winds.
Unlike natural wood - they don’t warp or rot, and it is treated to resist insect infestation. Also, they are lightweight - which makes installation easy. Plus, the various finishes give a classic wood appearance without worrying about regular staining or sealing.
3. Steel Siding
They are the heavy-duty protector - as these siding offer strength and durability. These materials are mainly used in regions that experience hurricanes and extreme wind conditions. In addition to being rot and warp-resistant, they are also fire-resistant - making them the best choice for Nevada’s dry climate.
Steel siding does not absorb moisture - hence, you don’t have to worry about mold and mildew growth. Another plus point - it’s pest-proof! Termites and critters won’t invade your home. Moreover, their minimal upkeep and longevity advantages - the higher cost can be neglected!
They are mainly preferred for their sleek and stylish appearance that complements contemporary homes. It is also available in wood-like finishes, which means - if you prefer a more classic or rustic style - steel siding can be your best choices.
4. Stucco Siding
Stucco is a classic siding material that’s been used for centuries - especially for Southwestern and Mediterranean-style homes. They are the best choice because of their thick, cement-based coating. This makes them durable, weather-resistant, and capable of standing up to high winds, heat, and even minor impacts.
They are wind-resistant, and they are directly applied to the exterior walls of your home. They don’t have panels - they don’t loosen during high winds. However, proper installation makes it more durable. Plus, reinforced stucco with a strong base layer can make it even more resistant to extreme conditions.
Moreover, stucco is insulated - making it an energy-efficient option. It keeps your home cool in summer and warm in winter. However, they may need occasional maintenance, such as - sealing small cracks to prevent moisture issues.
5. Brick Veneer Siding
Brick veneers give the same look and durability without adding additional weight to your home. They are highly wind, heat, and fire resistant - which makes them a reliable choice for Reno’s extreme weather conditions.
They are installed over a moisture-resistance backing and can withstand winds well over 100 mph. It’s also incredibly low maintenance and doesn’t need to be sealed, repainted, or treated regularly. Once you put them up - they are good to go for decades.
Brick veneers look aesthetically pleasing with their classic and timeless appearance. No wonder they pair both - modern and traditional homes. Though the initial cost could be higher, the durability and low upkeep make it a cost-effective investment.
How To Choose Durable Siding For Storm Protection?
When a storm rolls in - the last thing you can want is your siding peeling off. Storms come with flying debris, fierce winds, and rain - hence, your home exterior should be tough and resilient. Choosing the right siding can help you protect your home from serious storm damage.
Here’s how you can choose the durable siding for Reno homes -
Pick Impact-Resistant Materials
Storms not only bring heavy rain and wind - they can turn branches, hail, and random outdoor furniture into high-speed projectiles. If your siding isn’t built to handle that - your home could experience some serious damage.
Hence, you need impact-resistant materials, and nothing can beat fiber cement siding. They are made with a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers - which can withstand flying debris. Also, brick veneers are strong and can hold up well against any flying objects. Moreover, if you’re looking for something more classic and durable - opt for steel sidings.
Look For High Wind-Resistance
If you experience heavy storms with high winds - you need something that stays in place despite the toughest weather conditions. Some of the best high wind-resistant materials are - steel, fiber cement, and engineered wood.
A good siding must handle wind speeds of 100 to 200 mph - which prevents the panels from pulling apart. Also, installation plays a major role in making a siding wind-resistant - so consider calling a professional siding installation service near you!
Choose Water And Rot-Resistant Options
Along with wind and flying debris - storms can bring tons of moisture. If your siding isn’t resistant to moisture, it could end up rotting. Also, mold and mildew can grow - causing damage to the exterior walls and your health.
The best choices for you are - fiber cement, steel, and engineered wood. They repel moisture, meaning you don’t have to worry about water damage. However, stay wary if you have stucco siding. If water gets behind it - it may crack. So, ensure it has a solid moisture barrier underneath.
Go For Strong Installation
No matter if you have the world's best siding material - if you don’t have it installed properly, it’s still at risk. If you live in high-wind areas, siding needs to be securely fastened with reinforced nails and a tight locking system.
Sidings always need expert installation. If your exterior walls aren't well-protected, the best siding won’t prevent leaks or damage. So, make sure you’re working with specialized and experienced contractors.
Pro Tip: Check your home’s sheathing and moisture barrier before installing new siding.
Why Weatherproofing Siding Is Essential For Reno Homes?
Here are five reasons why investing in weatherproof siding is one of the best decisions you can make for your home -
Protection Against High-Winds
Reno is known to experience powerful windstorms - and if your sidings are weatherproofed, you might find pieces of siding scattered across the yard. Heavy and tightly secured materials such as - fiber cement, engineered wood, etc., are designed to resist wind gusts over 100 mph.
Prevents Water Damage
Even though Reno is mostly dry - it still gets its fair share of storms and heavy rains. If you don’t have proper siding, it can lead to moisture seeping in. This might lead to rot, mold, and, of course, costly repairs. Also, to make it extra secure, a proper and professional installation process is required.
Keeps Your Home Cool During Scorching Summer
Some siding materials, such as fiber cement, brick veneer, and stucco, do an excellent job of blocking heat from entering your home. They have high thermal mass - which means they prevent your home from feeling like a burning oven.
Takeaway
Selecting siding that is appropriate for the climate in your area is essential to avoiding long-term harm. Make sure you maintain your siding properly to keep it in good shape and steer clear of do-it-yourself errors that could void warranties. Fiber cement, steel, stucco, engineered wood, etc., are all top contenders for storm-proof siding.
But remember - even the best siding won’t hold up - if it’s installed poorly. So, choose the best contractor in your region!
When choosing a contractor, make sure they are knowledgeable about the materials you want to use. Also, ask relevant questions to make sure your siding can withstand the climate in your area. Doing a little research now can help you avoid future costly repairs.
Need Durable Siding For Reno Homes? Contact Windows And Siding Reno Now!
No project is too complicated, and we are skilled at all types of windows and sidings. We understand how important quality construction and attention to detail are. Hence, that’s why we started every job with a free inspection.
The inspection helps us learn about your challenges and ensure that any weak areas from your existing exterior are corrected to ensure your roof will last for many years.
Our specialty at Windows And Windows Reno is offering windows, and siding solutions that both preserve and improve the look of your house. Our contractors provide a selection of long-lasting siding materials made to resist the most severe weather.
Contact Windows And Siding Reno for the best siding for high winds in Reno.