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Siding for cold wet climate

CanaanWV | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

Hi all, I’m looking for a suggestion on siding for a cold, wet climate at high elevation in northern West Virginia, which is much colder than you would expect. Climate zone 5a and it commonly drops to -10 and has gone as low as -20 in the past few years. Average summer days are cool (75 on average). Different than most cold places, it’s also very wet with about 65 inches of precip per year and is one of the cloudiest places in the US. Any suggestions? Hardie board doesn’t stand up well to the elements here–many people have had it flake off. The guy who designed our house recommended untreated white pine over an air gap and says it just breathes naturally and will last forever, but my builder is skeptical. I appreciate any insight on that or any other suggestions. LP smart side? Thanks so much!

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Akos | | #1

    Usual problem with most siding is the lack of air gap behind. A well detailed and vented rain screen gap will help a great deal with drying and siding life. Your designer's approach is not bad, bare wood is fine as long as you don't mind the color.

    Any painted wood/cement/composite product will need maintaince down the road. If you want longer life than that, look at metal siding. Either steel or aluminum siding will outlast most other options.

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