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Siding Options

Welcome to Wilder Exteriors — your trusted partner for high-quality siding solutions. Below you’ll find clear, customer-friendly descriptions of the four siding options we offer: Vinyl, LP Engineered Wood, James Hardie® Fiber Cement (Hardie Board), and Steel. Each section explains what the product is, key benefits, typical applications, maintenance expectations, and who it’s best for.

Vinyl Siding

Overview: Vinyl is a popular, cost-effective siding made from durable PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Modern vinyl comes in many profiles (clapboard, Dutch lap, board-and-batten) and a wide palette of factory-applied colors and woodgrain textures.

Key benefits:

  • Affordable initial cost and good long-term value.
  • Low maintenance — no painting required (occasional washing restores appearance).
  • Resistant to rot, insects, and moisture when properly installed.
  • Wide range of colors, textures and profiles.

Considerations:

  • Can fade slowly over many years; darker colors may show more heat-related expansion.
  • Susceptible to impact damage from hail or heavy debris (repairs are usually straightforward).

Best for: Homeowners looking for an economical, low-maintenance option with many style choices. Great for budget-conscious projects and large homes where cost-per-square-foot matters.

LP Engineered Wood Siding

Overview: LP (Louisiana-Pacific) engineered wood siding is a high-performance wood-based product made from treated wood strands and resins. It provides the natural look of wood with enhanced durability and dimensional stability.

Key benefits:

  • Authentic wood appearance — real texture and depth, paintable for complete color customization.
  • More stable and less prone to warping, splitting, or cupping compared to traditional lumber.
  • Treated for improved resistance to moisture and fungal decay.
  • Suitable for historic restorations or homes seeking a premium wood look.

Considerations:

  • Requires periodic painting or staining to maintain appearance and weather protection.
  • Slightly higher maintenance than vinyl but typically lower cost than fiber cement.

Best for: Homeowners who want a genuine wood look without the maintenance headaches of solid wood — ideal for craftsman, cottage, and traditional-style homes.

James Hardie® Fiber Cement (Hardie Board)

Overview: Hardie Board is a market-leading fiber cement siding known for exceptional durability. It combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create a product that looks like wood but withstands the elements better.

Key benefits:

  • Extremely durable — resists rot, termites, and fire.
  • Holds paint very well; available pre-painted in many colors or primed for custom paint jobs.
  • Stable in extreme climates (freeze/thaw, sun, coastal salt air).
  • Available in many profiles: lap siding, shingles, vertical panels, and more.

Considerations:

  • Heavier and typically more expensive to purchase and install than vinyl or engineered wood.
  • Requires professional installation (cutting produces silica dust; proper PPE and practices are essential).

Best for: Homeowners seeking a long-lasting, low-degradation siding with a premium, low-maintenance finish — perfect for high-end builds, coastal homes, and areas with challenging weather.

Steel Siding

Overview: Steel siding is a strong, long-lasting metal siding available in a range of finishes and gauges. It’s often used where impact resistance, durability, and fire resistance are priorities.

Key benefits:

  • Highly durable and impact-resistant; stands up well to hail and debris.
  • Fire-resistant and excellent for high-risk regions.
  • Low maintenance — does not rot or suffer insect damage.
  • Available in a variety of profiles and modern finishes (including wood-look options).

Considerations:

  • Can dent under significant impact; quality (gauge) affects durability and price.
  • Metal can show seams differently than traditional wood or vinyl; professional installation produces the cleanest results.
  • May be colder to touch and produce different acoustic qualities in heavy rain.

Best for: Properties that prioritize durability and safety — agricultural, commercial, and modern residential projects where a long-lasting, low-maintenance exterior is desired.

How to Choose the Right Siding

  • Budget: Vinyl or LP engineered wood for economical options; Hardie or steel for long-term investment.
  • Look & Style: Choose Hardie or LP if you want a painted, architectural wood appearance; vinyl for versatile color options; steel for a modern/industrial aesthetic.
  • Climate & Durability: Hardie and steel excel in harsh climates and fire-prone or coastal areas. Vinyl and LP perform well in moderate climates with proper installation.
  • Maintenance: Vinyl and steel require the least routine maintenance; LP and Hardie benefit from periodic painting (LP more frequently than Hardie).

Next Steps

Want help deciding? We’ll visit your property, review your home’s style and exposure, then recommend the best options and provide a clear quote. Contact Wilder Exteriors today to schedule a free consultation and see samples in person.

Phone: 403-763-2905

Wilder Exteriors — Quality siding solutions built to last.