One of the most popular architectures in the Chicago area might surprise you—it’s the Cape Cod style home! Even though we’re not located along the Eastern seaboard, choosing the right siding is crucial to maintaining your home’s beauty and ensuring durability against lake-effect weather and cold winters.
Let’s explore the best siding options that balance charm, longevity, and low maintenance for Cape Cod style houses.
What to Consider When Re-Siding Cape Cod Houses
Originally built to withstand the harsh coastal weather of New England, Cape Cod homes are known for their charming symmetrical design—featuring striking steep gable roofs, dormer windows, a large central fireplace, decorative trim, and rustic shingle siding.
Choosing your replacement siding comes down to deciding which features matter most to you. Here’s a closer look at 6 siding options appreciated by the many homeowners we’ve served:
1. Long-Lasting James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: America’s Favorite!
For superior performance and beauty, James Hardie siding is hard to beat. It replicates the look of traditional wood siding that is so common for Cape Cod homes, while offering unmatched durability too. Made from strong, resilient fiber cement, Hardie® siding easily stands up to Chicago’s snow, ice, high winds, and moisture. It also resists pests, rot, and fires—so you can trust it to withstand the tests of time.
Available in a wide variety of colors, Hardie siding makes it simple to achieve lasting, low-maintenance beauty that is highly personalized to fit your preferences. Some favorite choices for Cape Cod architecture include:
- Hardie® Shingle — This lovely option recreates the look of rustic cedar shingles common on Cape Cod houses, using sturdy fiber cement that won’t rot. Choose a neat, straight edge or a rugged, staggered edge for greater customization.
- Hardie® Plank — This traditional lap siding looks authentic and traditional, and gives your home a classic, timeless charm.
- Hardie® Panel and Hardie® Trim — Combined together, these two siding types create the ever-popular Farmhouse board-and-batten design many homeowners enjoy.
- Hardie® Artisan Siding — For homeowners who desire an even more elevated touch of style for their Cape Cod exterior, Artisan siding is an excellent choice. The Artisan line is thick and detailed to provide added dimension that draws the eye. It combines the durability and weather resistance of fiber cement with an elegant, handcrafted feel.
Beyond style, all Hardie siding is made with Hardie® Zone technology, meaning it is engineered specifically to endure Chicago’s climate. You can truly customize your home’s look without compromising on durability, assuring you’ll have decades of high performance.
2. Vinyl Siding: Energy-Efficient and Versatile
Another option that complements the classic Cape Cod aesthetic is vinyl siding. Available in a range of styles and popular colors, vinyl blends well in a variety of neighborhood settings. One of its biggest advantages is its resistance to moisture, which means it won’t rot or warp over time. Choose insulated vinyl to keep your Chicago home extra cozy each winter. While it’s a budget-friendly choice, a higher-end option like our favorite—Mastic® siding—offers enhanced durability and a more authentic wood-like appearance, making it a good option for homeowners who want trusted performance.
3. Cedar Siding: Classic and Natural
If your goal is to stay true to the traditional look and feel of a Cape Cod, or if you need to adhere to specific historic home requirements, consider cedar siding. With its natural wood grain and organic warmth, cedar siding and cedar shingles are charming and authentic in feel. Because it’s real wood, this siding option requires regular maintenance, including staining or sealing, to protect against moisture, insects, and woodpeckers.
4. Metal Siding: Modern Durability and Style
Seamless steel may seem unexpected as a siding option, but you’ll be impressed by how well it complements Cape Cod architecture. It creates a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, especially when you consider how many custom colors, styles, and textures it comes in. Steel siding is also highly durable and long-lasting, as well as easy to care for and energy-efficient, a plus in the Chicago area.
5. Longboard Siding: A Contemporary Take on Wood
For those who crave the look of wood without the upkeep, why not choose Longboard® siding? Made with low-maintenance aluminum, Longboard mimics the appearance of real wood but is extremely durable and resistant to weather and pests. Its warm, practical design is a great way to blend Cape Cod’s traditional appeal with a contemporary feel.
6. Versetta Stone Siding: Adding Texture and Dimension
Cape Cod architecture may be known for its traditional look, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel old-fashioned or simple. You can easily enhance the elegance of your home by adding touches of luxury to its siding. For this, Versetta Stone® is ideal. This lovely stone veneer siding resembles natural stone and comes in a variety of styles, shades, and textures to level up your curb appeal. Versetta Stone is resistant to wind, heat, and freezing temperatures, and it makes a great accent to areas such as your front entrance to create visual pop.
Protect Your Home with Long-Lasting, Gorgeous Siding Choices from Chicago’s Expert Siding Team
Safeguarding your home from our region’s windy, snowy winters and lake-effect humidity is a must—and the right siding will keep your Cape Cod home protected against the elements, especially when you turn to local pros (like us!) who care about craftsmanship.
When you’re ready for a siding upgrade, Siding & Windows Group will do the work with precision so you can relax and enjoy your gorgeous siding for years to come. Discover our siding options to learn more—and imagine the possibilities for your Cape Cod home.
