We’re all sick of having to replace our perfectly good siding after one bad hail storm rolls through.
Fortunately, there are a number of durable siding options out there for those looking to give their home that extra bit of protection.
So check out this video for a hands-on durability test, or give the rest of this post a read. Either way, we’re here to help you find the most durable siding for your home.
What’s the Most Durable Siding? – A Brief Intro
When selecting the most durable siding for your home, we’ll discuss a few siding materials that we think could be a long-term fit for your home due to their industry-leading durability. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of siding we’ll discuss in this blog:
Manufactured Siding: Constructed from high-density fiberboard (HDF), this composite siding offers superior water and fire resistance, along with resilience against mildew and harsh weather conditions.
Stone Siding: Known for its classic appearance and exceptional durability, natural stone siding withstands extreme weather. For a cost-effective alternative, consider poly-based stone veneer.
Fiber Cement Siding: This siding is renowned for its long-lasting properties and ability to enhance your home’s value with minimal maintenance.
Steel Siding: Steel siding is highly durable and resistant to extreme weather, impacts, and fire, offering a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. Its low upkeep, energy efficiency, and recyclable nature make it a practical and environmentally friendly choice for modern homes.
Vinyl Siding: Popular for its affordability and variety of colors, vinyl siding can last up to 50 years with proper care, offering low maintenance and durability.
Cedar Siding: Naturally resistant to rot and insects, cedar siding remains a favored choice for its aesthetic appeal and resilience.
Explore these durable siding materials to find the best fit for your home’s needs and ensure lasting protection and beauty.
Top 4 Most Durable Siding Options
1. Engineered Wood Siding (pre-finished)
As our top pick for manufactured siding, engineered wood is a great alternative to real wood siding. It’s more flexible, lighter, and moisture resistant, but keeps that natural wood look. The engineered wood siding had the best turn out in our impact resistance test. We could barely find the mark left behind!
If you like the look of traditional wood siding but are looking for something that has higher durability and longer life, engineered wood siding is for you. Another added benefit is its installation process. If this is one of your top options, you can read more about the benefits of engineered wood siding here.
2. Stone Siding
More than just a pretty picture, stone siding is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and high winds. This strong material is a perfect fit if you’re located somewhere that experiences harsh or extreme climates. And better yet, unlike some other siding materials, stone siding requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t need painting, staining, or sealing regularly, making it a low-maintenance option.
3. Fiber Cement (pre-finished)
Fiber cement is another affordable siding choice. It’s low maintenance, fire and termite resistant, and is very versatile aesthetically. The fiber cement faired much better than the vinyl, but still left a sizable dent in the siding. About half the bb’s width fit in the dent, but there was no breakage or cracking.
While it wasn’t the most impact-resistant, it is warp and rot-resistant. If durability is something you value but don’t want to break the bank, fiber cement is a solid choice. You can read all about the benefits of fiber cement siding here.
4. Steel Siding
Steel is a highly durable siding that can withstand more damage than other materials. In our test, it did fair better than both the vinyl and fiber cement, but there was still a decent-sized concave dent in it, with some slight paint chipping.
While the steel siding did dent, there is a big difference between an eyesore and actual compromise on your home’s siding. Though it came in second, steel siding is still a very durable option for your siding. So don;t hesitate to install steel siding if it’s the look you’re going for!
5. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is typically a much more affordable option than other sidings like brick or wood. Its need for little maintenance makes it a great cost-effective choice as well. When it came to facing a 50 caliber bb though, not your best bet. The vinyl siding was tested first, and the bb tore a hole right through. A gaping, irreparable hole was left behind. Ouch!
Just because the vinyl siding failed the bb test doesn’t mean it is a bad option for your siding. Its affordability and versatility make it an excellent option for many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that rarely sees large storms. For reading on the benefits of vinyl siding, check this article out!
6. Cedar Siding
Cedar siding naturally resists decay and rot due to its high oil content and tight grain structure. This makes it well-suited for various weather conditions, including high-moisture environments. This makes it one of the most durable siding materials to choose from. Not only does cedar siding offer a classic charm, but it also has natural properties that repel insects such as termites and carpenter ants, reducing the risk of pest damage.
So Which Is The Most Durable Siding?
Based on how the sidings faired during this experiment, Josh ranked the sidings in the following order:
- Engineered Wood Siding
- Steel Siding
- Fiber Cement siding
- Vinyl Siding
Don’t miss the BONUS CONTENT at the end of the video. More Impact Resistance – Bow & Arrow Edition
Arrow: 4
Siding: 0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of siding did you test in this experiment?
In this experiment, we tested engineered wood, steel, fiber cement, and vinyl siding. We threw a number of tests at each of them, including shooting a 50 caliber bb at them. As we tested each siding type, we found each had unique strengths and weaknesses.
Which type of siding did you find to be the most durable?
Our experiment found the engineered wood siding to be the most durable, even over the steel siding. While the steel siding is much harder, it is more prone to denting. The engineered wood has increased shock resistance which really pays off when big storms roll through.
How important is durability when choosing siding for my home?
Durability is far from the only important factor to consider when choosing siding for your home. Your budget, preferred style, location, and personal preference also matter. If you live in an area prone to severe thunderstorms we would recommend choosing a more durable option.
Which Siding Will You Choose?
Choosing the right siding for your home is a critical decision that impacts both its aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. At Northface Construction, we understand the importance of selecting siding materials that not only enhance your home’s exterior but also stand up to the wear and tear of time and weather.
Whether you opt for the classic charm of cedar, the robust protection of steel, or the timeless elegance of stone, investing in durable siding ensures lasting value and peace of mind. Ready to upgrade your home’s siding? Reach out to our qualified team today!
