Stormy weather, heavy blizzards, high winds… As a homeowner living in the Chicago area, this no doubt sounds familiar. You know all too well how intense our weather can be, and that’s why it’s so important to have siding on your home that can resist high winds with ease.
Fortunately, you do have a few choices to consider when replacing your siding to stand up to high winds. Here are the top contenders, and how they stack up in wind resistance and stormy weather:
1. Durable, High-Performing Fiber Cement Siding
When it comes to siding designed to hold up beautifully despite high winds and strong storms, fiber cement is king. This tough, long-lasting manmade material is a top choice for enduring anything Chicago’s weather patterns can throw its way—especially when you choose industry-leading James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Crafted for Ultimate Weather Resistance
To ensure high performance in windy weather, James Hardie tested their siding and crafted it specifically to handle different climates within the U.S. Their Hardie® Zone system makes it easy to select the specific line of fiber cement siding that is built to stand up to the cold, wet, windy environment of Chicago.
Strong, Enduring Performance for Decades
Another benefit of Hardie siding is its hefty makeup. Fiber cement is dense, heavy, and highly durable even when it is pummeled by heavy rain and hail. This also gives it an advantage in other stormy conditions such as snow, ice, and thunderstorms. Fiber cement siding can resist hurricane-force winds, and when it is properly installed by trained experts (like our team!), it will not easily lift or curl under windy weather. You’ll have peace of mind when your home is protected with Hardie siding.
2. Vinyl Siding
An affordable siding solution perfect for first-time homeowners and investors, vinyl siding is lightweight and easy to install—but that doesn’t mean it’s not also sturdy. If you choose a modern, premium brand and have it installed professionally, vinyl siding can do well in harsh weather conditions.
Trusted Weather Performance
Top vinyl siding brands such as Mastic are made to last. In fact, Mastic siding can handle up to 240 mph winds without peeling, blistering, or succumbing to the weather.
Modern Technology
Today’s vinyl siding options reflect the benefits of the latest technological advancements in manufacturing. Choose a strong, high-end brand that offers reinforced designs that don’t easily crack or warp. An added plus in Chicago, vinyl can also come insulated to help your home be more efficient and cozier in winter.
3. Natural and Engineered Wood Siding
Wood has been used for centuries in home building, and when it is made right and kept painted and sealed well, it can offer some resistance to wind. Its vulnerability is that moisture can weaken it, so it pays to know what to consider if you want the look of wood or have a historic home.
Natural Wood
While natural wood can be treated to resist moisture, it is susceptible to the weather and must be well maintained on a regular basis. The key is precision installation. If you want cedar and other woods to stay in place despite high winds, look for an expert team (like us) to do the work right the first time.
Engineered Wood
Made to recreate the look of wood without the constant upkeep, engineered wood siding is also strong and weather resistant. It can perform well in a mix of weather conditions, including wind and rain.
4. Metal Siding
Steel and aluminum siding have appealed to property owners for decades because metal is so strong and resistant to weather extremes such as hurricanes and hail. This makes it an effective choice for regions with heavy rains and high winds.
Durable Makeup
Metal siding is impressively tough against harsh weather. Its hardy nature also means that when severe winds arise, it is not going to easily shift out of place, especially when properly installed and cared for.
Rust-Free Protection
To get the most out of metal siding in a windy place like Chicago, look for a high-end product that is treated with a rust-free or corrosion-resistant finish. This helps ensure your siding will be truly low-maintenance and well able to stand up to strong winds and severe storms.
5. Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding is a beautiful way to mimic the look of natural stone in a practical way when you upgrade your home exterior. It creates a timeless style that adds elegance to your house.
Exceptional Endurance
Even though stone veneer is a manufactured product, it is tough and durable in a variety of climate conditions. Lovely Versetta Stone resists the effects of 110 mph winds without flinching, giving you confidence even during blizzards and severe thunderstorms.
Extremely Minimal Upkeep
Like fiber cement, Versetta Stone is built to last for decades with almost no maintenance required. You can say goodbye to painting, staining, and sealing, because none of that care is needed to keep your stone veneer secure against hail, rain, and powerful winds.
Safeguard Your Home with Beautiful, New Weather-Resistant Siding
Your siding is essential to keeping your home protected against the elements, especially in Chicago’s snowy winters, stormy springs, and lake effect winds. The good news is, you have several siding options to choose from—now, you just have to choose the right team to handle the installation with precision.
At Siding & Windows Group, we make customers our #1 priority. We’ll listen to your goals, educate you on your options, and install your new siding precisely to the manufacturer’s standards to ensure top performance. Learn more about our siding installation process—and imagine your home exterior being protected and beautiful for years to come.
