If you’ve been living here in southeastern Pennsylvania for at least a year, you know it’s true: our weather has a mind of its own.
And from the freeze-thaw cycles of fickle winters, to the hot, humid summers we all sweat through together, your home’s exterior is constantly on the front lines defending against the elements.
Because of the nature of our beloved state’s weather, it’s important to choose home siding products up for the task. The good news is that with a wide variety of modern materials available, there are options for nearly every budget and aesthetic.
With that in mind, this article outlines Smucker Exterior’s favorite house siding options. Give it a quick read to learn the pros and cons of each siding type, along with how to choose the right products for your home and budget.
Why Your Siding Matters in Lancaster, Berks, and Chester County
Let’s start with the basics. Your siding isn’t just for decoration—and while it can look amazing, your home’s siding is more importantly a protective coat against wind, rain, snow, insects, and other pests.
When siding starts to fail, your home’s exterior becomes exposed to water. And once additional moisture creeps in, mold, mildew, and rot are just around the corner, leaving you with expensive repairs and HVAC bills.
How Do I Know When My Siding Needs Replaced?
At Smucker Exteriors, our clients replace their siding for two reasons: a refresh in curb appeal, and to remedy exposure to the elements.
Let’s cover the latter first. If after a quick walkaround of your home you notice any of the following, it’s time for a look from a reliable Chester County siding services contractor.
- Cracked, chipped, warped, or bulging panels
- Soft spots, mildew, stains, or rotting smells
- Peeled paint or swollen drywall
- Rising heating and cooling bills
Additionally, stucco siding issues are unfortunately common in southeastern, PA. This is due to poor installation practices on homes built in the 90s and early 2000s.
That being said, inspect your home for the following—they may be signs your exterior stucco needs to be repaired or fully remediated.
- Cracks or spiderweb patterns
- Bulging or bubbling areas
- Water stains or black streaks
- Soft spots
- Interior moisture damage
If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s worth talking to a local contractor about your exterior siding options.
What Are the Best Siding Options for Homeowners in Southeastern, PA?
In our particular climate, we’re fortunate to have several types of house siding suitable for our four seasons.
Take a look at the following to determine what might work best for your home—then be sure to reach out to a trusted siding professional for a free quote and consultation.
Vinyl Siding: A Budget-Friendly Classic
Vinyl has been the go-to choice for decades. Why? Because it’s affordable, versatile, and low-maintenance.
Additionally, modern vinyl products are far more attractive and durable than the thin panels of the past, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
If you’re looking for house siding ideas that won’t break the bank, vinyl may be for you.
Fiber Cement: Built for the Long-Haul
If you’re looking for something a bit more durable than vinyl panels, take a look at fiber cement siding.
One of our most-installed brands, Hardie Plank siding (AKA Hardie siding), is the gold standard for cement board siding. These panels are manufactured with a cement board composite that’s highly fire, insect, rot, and impact resistant.
While fiber cement siding does come in at a higher price point than more economic vinyl—due to material and installation costs—these products can easily last 30-50 years in our PA climate.
Engineered Wood: Low-Maintenance and Beautiful
Many homeowners are attracted to the look of natural wood—but as an external building material, it can be very high maintenance.
Engineered wood, on the other hand, is made from a combination of wood fibers and resin. These products give you the warmth and texture of wood with additional resistance to moisture, rot, and pests.
Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors and textures. For more info, check out our preferred brand: LP SmartSideⓇ.
Metal Siding: Sleek and Durable
While traditionally used for farmhouses and barns, metal siding is making a comeback. And it’s no wonder why.
Metal is strong, weather-resistant, impervious to pests and rot, and is now available in attractive styles and finishes modern homeowners love.
Additionally, metal siding is surprisingly low-maintenance and energy-efficient.
Stone Veneer: Timeless Luxury
If you value a high-end finish, stone veneer is one of your best exterior siding options.
Stone veneer gives the luxurious look and feel of stone without the full price tag of traditional masonry.
Often, homeowners opt for stone veneers as accent trim on columns, chimneys, and exterior wainscotting—and paired with stucco siding or fiber cement, you’re guaranteed to create a look that turns heads for decades.
For some beautiful examples, check out Smucker Exteriors' project portfolio!
How to Get the Perfect Look and Protection Your Home Deserves
While most homeowners don’t wake up in the morning excited to replace their siding—hey, we can’t all be passionate about siding and roofs—it is an opportunity you can make the most of.
With today’s modern products, you can get the best of all worlds: a home that’s protected from the elements, energy efficiency, and looks that turn heads for decades to come.
And while you should certainly shop around for quotes from reputable exterior contractors in the area, the Smucker Exteriors crew wants to throw our name into the mix.
Because our team knows how important your home is—and sometimes, you’ve got to update old work to keep everyone inside safe, dry, and comfortable. And after 20 years, we’re still excited to do that every day.
So don’t wait until you’ve sprung a leak.
Reach out to Smucker Exteriors for a free quote today—and count on seamless siding installation in Chester County, Lancaster County, and Berks County that works for your home and budget.
