Are you building or updating a home in The Big Easy and have found yourself searching for ‘types of siding New Orleans, LA’? Are you looking for a professional that will tell you just what you need to know about the unique siding needs that New Orleans homes have. That’s exactly why we put together this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right siding for your home, along with our top picks.
Choosing The Siding New Orleans, LA Homes Require
Things to Consider
To understand what the types of siding New Orleans, LA homes need, first you have to understand what the siding must be able to do for your home. In the humid, subtropical climate of New Orleans, you need siding that will withstand the region’s unique needs. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
1.Managing Your Indoor Climate
Siding that is meant for homes in warmer climates will naturally be better at keeping the heat out and the cold air in. Consider looking for materials with reflective properties, and light colors that will help bounce the heat off your house.
2.Paint Condition
With New Orleans’ heat, siding has to be able to deal with much higher temperatures and humidity levels than a home built even in Baton Rouge or in the upper parts of Louisiana. Your siding should help resist paint peeling, otherwise, you’re going to have to deal with frequent and costly repaints.
3.Defend Against Impact
Humid southern climates have a much higher risk of tornados, hurricanes, storms, and high winds. Protect your home by choosing a siding that can withstand flying debris and its impact and is unlikely to get dented in the process.
4.Prevent Moisture
As we all know, the more humidity, the more moisture in the air. Louisiana is the third most humid state in the nation, just .5% less than second-place Florida, and that moisture can get into your home, which can lead to rot in the structure. The right siding should be the first line of defense against the New Orleans humidity.
5.Deter Pests
If you live in New Orleans, you’ve probably experienced the infamous pests that can find their way into unprotected homes, a year-round side effect of living in a hot climate. An experienced siding company should help maximize the defense of your home against those infamous Louisianan insects.
Our Top Four Choices for Siding: New Orleans, LA
1.Wood Siding
Wood siding is usually available in a variety of styles, textures, and finishes. Its siding is horizontal and has overlapping joints and though it’s fairly easy to repair, it can be difficult to install over pre-existing siding.
Wood siding is definitely one of the more attractive options, and if you can keep up with the high expense, it’s worth it to keep it up in older homes that already have this option built into the siding. With a stained option especially, a wood siding can offer a classic, rustic look to a home. However, we don’t necessarily recommend it for those building a home or looking to replace existing siding, as there can be some issues with woods siding not present in the other options.
2.Vinyl Siding
We have extolled the virtues of vinyl siding in the past, but it’s one of the most popular choices for homeowners for a reason. It’s much cheaper than most other options and requires minimal maintenance over the years – plus vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of colors, which is perfect for the bright homes of New Orleans. This siding can be installed either with horizontal or vertical panels and has several texture styles including wooden and shingle styles.
Vinyl is also great because it can be applied over an older, wooden siding, which will add extra insulation to the walls. However, with this siding it’s critical to have a professional installer; if put in improperly, it could warp or even buckle with time.
3.Brick Siding
Brick homes were the standard of quality in the industry for many years, and while there has been a shift over time, brick remains popular for new construction. A study done by the National Association of Home Builders showed that 34% of people ranked brick as their top choice for home exteriors, closely followed by vinyl siding at 21%. Brick is great because it is generally low-maintenance, easily repurposed, and weather-resistant (which can mean lower homeowner insurance rates.)
The cons of brick include the cost (it can be up to 7% more costly than vinyl siding) and the color limitations. Though bricks themselves come in a couple of color options based on the composition and temperature that they were made at, the choices are few compared to other sidings. While brick can be painted, it’s a long and laborious process as each individual groove and side of the brick must be covered.
4.Fiber Cement Siding
Of all the types of siding New Orleans, LA homeowners should consider, fiber cement siding should rank high on that list. Made up of water, wood pulp, fly ash, and portland cement, it’s one of the best options on the market. The James Hardie siding that Acadian Windows and Siding uses is built to stand up against all elements and has lasted through even the harshest of hurricanes.
The great thing about this fiber siding is that it does not buckle or swell based on moisture or weather conditions, and animals don’t have any interest in the components (meaning: termites won’t want to eat any part of your house.) Extremely durable, fiber cement is also practically maintenance-free.
Choosing from the Types of Siding New Orleans, LA Homes Need
Choosing the right siding can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Acadian Windows and Siding will help you pick the right style for your home based on needs and location. We’re proud to be part of the southern Louisiana community and know exactly what siding New Orleans, LA homes need, in addition to providing window replacement and door replacement in New Orleans. To learn more, contact us today!
