When you want new siding for your Utah home, you must think about the local weather. Utah has hot, dry summers, cold winters, big temperature swings, and even some wild storms. If you make the wrong pick, get ready for warping, cracking, fading, or high energy bills.
At BH Exterior and Design, we do more than just install and repair siding. We help you choose the right one. So, let’s get to the point: what’s the best siding for a hot, dry climate like Utah, and how do you choose it?
What Are the Most Suitable Siding Choices for Homes in Utah
Utah, especially along the Wasatch Front, is famous for three things: blaring sun, freezing cold, and surprise storms. In places like Salt Lake City or St. George, it’s dry with almost no humidity. On the other hand, winters can be bitterly cold in areas like Provo, Logan, and Park City.
Given these conditions, your home siding options include:
1. Stucco Siding
Stucco is considered probably the best siding for a hot, dry climate like Utah. That’s because it’s a cement-based siding applied in layers. Stucco doesn’t absorb much water. It holds up under relentless sun without baking or cracking if applied correctly.
It’s also one of the most energy-efficient home siding options. Stucco acts as insulation and keeps homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It’s also resistant to fire and pests.
But stucco is not without a few downtimes. For one, it can crack during Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles, especially if you skimp on insulation or use a cheap installer. You might need to resurface it every few years.
In the north, where snow piles against the house and melts in spring, trapped moisture can cause hidden rot. Plus, repairing stucco is hard to DIY.
Pro Tip: If you like that clean, Mediterranean, or Southwestern look, and your Utah town is dry most of the year, stucco could be your best home siding option. If you’re in Logan or near the mountains, where winters are long, you’ll need added insulation or another siding.
2. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from plastic (PVC). It’s one of the cheapest home siding options on the market. It’s also low maintenance and typically requires a rinse here and there to keep it clean.
This home siding doesn’t soak up water, so it doesn’t rot or mold. That’s why it’s also a good option for humid climates. Another plus is that vinyl comes in several colors and textures, including those that look like wood.
However, it’s not the best siding for cold climates. In Utah’s freezing winters, vinyl can turn brittle and crack, especially after a few years. It also fades under strong sun and doesn’t offer much insulation compared to others. If you get a hailstorm or high winds, it can rip or dent.
Pro Tip: This is a good siding choice for homes in southern Utah, but go with lighter colors and high-quality panels so they don’t warp in the heat. Choose a thicker vinyl or look for other home siding options if you live in snowy areas.
3. Fiber Cement (Hardie Plank)
Fiber cement, best known as Hardie Board or Hardie Plank, is made from cement, sand, and cellulose. Nationally, it’s fast becoming the best siding for cold climates, and it’s a great option for tough Utah winters.
A Hardie Plank can handle virtually anything, including sun, snow, ice, wind, and even fire. It doesn’t warp, crack, burn, or rot. This home siding option also looks like wood. You get the wood-grain vibe without termites or repainting every year.
Fiber cement siding is also one of the longest-lasting siding choices for houses in Utah. It can typically last 30-50 years. While these benefits are undeniable, the upfront cost is higher. But you save on fixes and painting later.
On the flip side, this siding is heavy. That means you’ll need to hire a professional siding contractor for installation.
Pro Tip: If your Utah home battles everything from blizzards to blazing sun, and you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, Hardie Plank is for you. Just remember to schedule a paint job every 10–15 years.
4. Wood Siding
Wood looks good; no denying it. You see plenty of it in mountain towns and old neighborhoods. It also offers excellent insulation, making it one of the best siding options for cold and hot climates.
As great as it looks, this home siding option is prone to rot, warp, or get eaten. It’ll need sealing every two to three years, or Utah’s sun and snow will tear it up. The siding is also susceptible to mold if you don’t stay on top of repairs. This means wood siding is expensive to maintain.
Pro Tip: If you love the look and are ready for a maintenance routine, go with this siding choice for your home. It’s more durable but still not as tough as Hardie Plank or stucco.
5. Engineered Wood Siding
Consider this home siding option a middle ground. It’s made from wood fibers and resins and offers a real-wood look with more muscle. Engineered wood can handle Utah’s dry air and cold snaps better than natural wood. It’s also easier to install but still requires regular sealing.
Pro Tip: Before picking engineered wood as one of the siding choices for your Utah house, check if the product is rated for your local weather. Also, many brands need a special sealant applied to every edge and cut. If not, the siding absorbs water and swells, especially near the ground.
6. Metal Siding (Steel or Aluminum)
This is typically a perfect siding choice for modern homes in Utah. It handles Utah’s dry air like a champ. Plus, metal siding reflects heat, keeping your house cool during triple-digit streaks.
Unlike its wooden counterpart, this siding won’t warp or get eaten. On the downside, hailstorms, or even a wild baseball, can ding it up.
Pro Tip: If you go with this siding choice for your home, get a finish made for UV and rust protection. Utah’s sun can fade paint, and winter can trigger rust. Ask your siding contractor to add foam board backing behind panels to drown loud rain or hail noise.
Make a Solid Siding Choice for Your Utah Home
Don’t pick your home siding option from a catalog. Think about your city’s climate, your home’s age, and your willingness to do upkeep. For hot, dry climates like most of Utah, stucco or fiber cement is usually the smartest choice. Vinyl works if you’re pinching pennies or need a quick fix. But remember, it won’t last as long.
Ready to upgrade your siding? Let BH Exterior and Design help you figure out the best siding for your house, hot, dry summers, or anything in between. Contact us now to get started.