Well-known for its harsh weather, the Windy City is not always kind to its houses. As a homeowner, you may be wondering what type of siding will hold up the best in Chicagoland. Is it wood, vinyl, or do you need to shell out the extra cash and go with brick to ensure your house withstands the weather? Before consulting a siding professional, take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular types of siding.

Here’s a countdown of the siding types homeowners often consider.

9. Stucco

Stucco is durable, but shows mold, dirt, and water stains easily. The weather in Chicago often does not treat stucco well and homeowners with stucco siding may find themselves power washing and painting often. Also, some insurance companies will not insure stucco homes.

8. Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles need to be painted ever so often as well as stained every 5 years to prevent mold and rotting. With earth tone colors, these shingles are often found in natural settings and may seem a little out of place in urban Chicago. Another reason to avoid this type of siding in Chicago is because shingles can be pried off by wind.

7. Aluminum

Aluminum is a durable and easy to maintain siding. Though aluminum can deteriorate, the material won’t rust or rot and is fireproof. Unfortunately, aluminum siding does scratch and dent easily. For example, if a ladder is set against aluminum siding, the siding will dent. Aluminum siding can also make rattling noises during strong winds.

6. Composite or Engineered Wood

Siding made with materials that are wood products and combine to look like wood is lighter, less expensive, easier to install than wood siding is. It does require preventive treatments to protect against heat, moisture, and termites though. Without painting the siding properly, wind can cause the paint to peel.

5. Wood Clapboard

Though wood siding can last, it needs to be stained, painted, or sealed to be protected from harsh weather as well as decay and insects. Also, keep in mind that the paint coating can crack and then begin peeling under the strong Chicago winds.

4. Vinyl

For the most part, vinyl siding holds up against weather damage. Vinyl won’t rot and is usually not painted so homeowners won’t have to be concerned about paint peeling. However, the material can crack and appear faded as years go by as well as shrink or bulge out when the temperature changes.

3. Seamless Steel

Seamless steel is typically higher priced than both aluminum and vinyl. A key reason why is that the material can be cut to fit your house’s exact measurements. Other benefits of seamless steel siding include durability, no paint peeling, and not shrinking or bulging.

2. Brick

Though brick is expensive, it does not require maintenance like painting or staining. Aside from being fireproof and durable, brick homes weather the elements well, block out noise, and are energy efficient.

And the winner is…

1. Stone

Not only is stone fireproof and durable, it is the most lasting of all the materials. Stone can weather all of Chicago’s elements: snow, ice, heat, rain. Be aware that stone is expensive though and that many people prefer the look and lower cost of other types of siding.

Don’t agree with the choices? Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to siding. Some people can sacrifice durability for appearance, others maintenance for low cost. A house is often judged largely on its exterior. This principle is particularly true for Chicago homeowners. In Chicago, homeowners greatly value their home’s exterior due to the often harsh winter weather. You want your house to last. What type of siding does your house in Chicago have and how is that siding working?

Whether you are looking to replace your home’s siding yourself or hire a professional, get more information on the different types of siding at http://www.fixthehome.com/cat/siding/. If you need to hire a siding replacement professional, visit home improvement site All Around the Home and select from one of the Chicago contractors or contractors that serve various areas in Cook County.