How to Choose the Right Siding Material for Kansas City Area’s Climate

When it comes time to choose siding material for your home, it’s vital to gain knowledge of how your new siding will endure through its 24/7 exposure to the elements in your area. While winters include some snow and chilly temps, Kansas City summers can be hot, muggy and humid. And with tornado season from April to June, we’re not immune to severe weather that brings damaging high winds and more. 

Analyzing the impact of local weather is a great way to narrow your search for the best siding material for your home—year after year. 

Which Siding Material Will Work Best for My Long-Term Needs? 

How will the siding material you’re considering perform in humid, windy southwest Kansas City where summers are guaranteed to bring high temperatures? 

James Hardie Fiber Cement

Covering over 10 million homes today—and for good reason—James Hardie offers an exceptional siding for Kansas City area homeowners. James Hardie’s multiple style choices mean you get to create the exact look you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s rustic chic board-and-batten, contemporary vertical panels, classic horizontal lap siding, or a cedar shake look (minus wood’s high maintenance), Hardie® siding has a style that will cause your home to pop! Its non-combustible makeup and Class A fire resistance make it appealing for the added safety you receive. 

Durability – Known to last up to 50 years when it is installed properly and maintained over the years, James Hardie can’t be beat when it comes to endurance. Kansas City’s area weather is no match for this outstanding siding material solution. Simply have your siding installed by a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor (like us!), and you can expect the long-term high performance Hardie was engineered to deliver. Hardie siding resists pests, damage from UV rays, fire, and more. And the Hardie® Zone system ensures you get the ideal siding material for your region of the country. 

Moisture Resistance – Hardie siding and trim handle significant moisture without swelling or rotting. They also offer superior durability against storms. 

Maintenance Requirements – Hardie siding should be washed once or twice a year, and the caulking that seals joints around windows and doors should be replaced once it shows signs of wear and tear. If you choose Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, you’ll need to repaint your siding about every 15 years. That’s it! 

Benefits for Kansas City Area Homeowners – Hardie siding and trim are an ideal choice for your Kansas City home because they are made of cement, sand, and cellulose—a mixture that stands up to our weather with ease. Their 30-year warranty is proof that the manufacturer stands behind this resilient siding, which will go the distance! 

Vinyl Siding

One of the things that makes vinyl siding so popular is its affordability. Homeowners who know their exterior needs a makeover, greater style, and curb appeal often enjoy vinyl siding. A common choice for property owners and first-time homebuyers, vinyl gives you plenty of color and style options so you can customize your property’s aesthetic and bring out its unique beauty with a cost-effective upgrade. 

Durability – Vinyl siding lasts approximately 20 years, but if it isn’t maintained well, it can show some signs of aging as early as 10 years. 

Moisture Resistance – Vinyl resists moisture, keeping mold and mildew at bay. But if it becomes cracked due to cold temperatures that can sometimes make it brittle, moisture could leak in through an unnoticed breach in the siding itself. 

Maintenance Requirements – Vinyl requires very little maintenance. Simply wash it once or twice a year, being careful to go from the top down to the bottom and keep water from seeping in between panels. Inspect it for cracks or damage after extreme weather passes through. 

Benefits for Kansas City Area Homeowners – Vinyl is an ideal choice for your Kansas City home because it offers excellent protection from the mold and mildew that can form when homes are located in hot, humid climates. 

Stone Veneer Siding

Durability – This gorgeous, durable siding is made from cement, iron oxide, and aggregates to mimic the look and feel of natural stone. It can last 25-75 years when installed properly and maintained well—but harsh climates may shorten its lifespan. 

Moisture Resistance – When installed properly, stone veneer offers reliable moisture resistance. However, if you don’t have it installed by an experienced contractor, it could compromise your home’s protection against damaging water penetration. 

Maintenance Requirements – Inspect your siding after major storms. Avoid harsh chemicals when washing this siding once a year.

Benefits for Kansas City Area Homeowners – Stone veneer siding is an ideal choice for your Kansas City home because it adds to your exterior’s beauty while safeguarding it from our area’s weather. 

Wood

Wood siding’s natural look provides excellent insulation, but its tedious upkeep can wear on you. Its need for repainting, staining, or refinishing every 6-8 years is costly. Without refinishing wood siding, moisture resistance decreases as it absorbs water easily. Wood is ideal for locations that need lots of insulation and homeowners who don’t mind keeping up with its high maintenance. 

Brick

Brick siding does well in humid areas. It won’t rot, attract pests, or break down due to harsh UV rays, making it a good choice in a variety of climates. 

Aluminum  

Metal siding reflects the sun, helping your home stay cooler during extremely hot summers. It won’t warp or crack in the heat, making it a good choice for climates with high temperatures. 

Boost the Appearance and Protection of Your Home with New Siding

Don’t settle for just any siding material when you need replacement siding. Get premium options from your trusted local contractor—Safe Harbor Exteriors. We’ll ensure you enjoy the optimal outcome from re-siding your Kansas City area home. 

We offer durable James Hardie fiber cement, gorgeous stone veneer, and industry-leading Mastic vinyl siding. Learn more about how our siding services can refresh your property’s curb appeal with uplifting style while safeguarding it from the elements.