Myth vs. Reality: How Summer Weather Affects Siding

Summer is almost here. And while more time in the sun brings heightened attention to UV protection and safety in high temperatures, homeowners should also think about the potential effects summer may have on different types of siding. If you've ever wondered what the best siding is for hot climates, we're here to shine a light on hot weather siding myths and learn what is the right siding for warm weather.

Myth: You should never re-side a house in a dark color because it will quickly fade with UV light**.**

Reality: Certain siding materials are known to quickly fade, so it’s important to do your research. “LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding uses a high-performing acrylic and water-based paint with excellent exterior durability,” says Heidi Turner, applied technology research manager at LP Building Solutions. “It’s critical to have high-quality polymer because it’s the glue that holds everything together.” 

Turner further explains high-quality polymers offer several primary benefits: long-term exterior paint integrity against flaking, peeling and cracking; excellent color fastness and color-change resistance to UV, heat and moisture; good gloss retention; and minimal chalking.

Research shows that darker colors among the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish siding palette offer excellent fade-resistant durability. Turner says, “For whole-house color, Abyss Black, Rapids Blue and Summit Blue are very popular. LP’s testing data on the durability and fade resistance of these colors gives us confidence in our product.” 

Myth: High humidity causes siding to swell and absorb water.

Reality: It depends on the siding. Amit Gupta, president of SAGA Construction, Inc. in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, certainly knows a thing or two about humidity. He advises his clients to choose dependable siding materials that can weather moisture, heat, humidity and summer extremes. “LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding stands up to the stress of our coastal environment and is the best siding for humid climates,” says Gupta. His friend and distributor Chris Gardner of Kempsville Building Materials agrees: “If installed correctly, swelling should not occur. In my 15 years working with LP SmartSide siding products, I’ve never seen an issue.”

Myth: Paint warranties don’t cover darker colors beyond two years**.**

Reality: Not all siding manufacturer warranties are created equal. “The majority of paint-related issues occur in the first three years,” says Turner. “With the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish limited warranty, we cover 100 percent of the labor and materials to refinish in the first five years. Other competitors may cover only one or two years. For homeowners, this is a big deal.” In addition to the 5-year full labor and materials warranty, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products offer a 15-year warranty on the finish and a 50-year limited warranty on the substrate.

The LP SmartSide ExpertFinish limited warranty also protects against flaking, peeling and blistering; color change due to extreme chalking; excessive fade; and paint erosion that causes substrate exposure.

Myth: Hot sun can melt siding.

Reality: “On darker colored, traditional vinyl siding melting has occurred and there have been lawsuits regarding this issue,” explains Turner. “If a double or triple pane window loses its gas between the layers of glass, it can cause a concave shape in the window. With the right angle of the sun, the sun’s reflection off the window can hit a neighbor’s vinyl siding and quickly degrade and melt the vinyl.”

She goes on, "LP SmartSide siding products are thermally stable at high temperatures. During the manufacturing process the product is pressed at 425° F, making it one of the leading dimensionally stable products on the market."

Gardner agrees that LP SmartSide products are the best siding for humid climates. "I've seen and heard about other types of siding not being able to withstand regions that have extreme summer conditions. That is not a worry with LP SmartSide siding products because they are extremely durable materials."

Myth: Hot temperatures make siding brittle.

Reality: Just as wintertime temperatures cause materials to contract high heat triggers some siding products to expand, which can fatigue materials and make them extra vulnerable to damage. 

"Infrared energy, which is heat from the sun, can put strain on exterior paints for siding. The mechanical stress of expansion and contraction as well as thermal stress can cause fatigue in the elasticity of the paint's polymer," explains Turner. "The high-quality polymer in LP SmartSide ExpertFinish siding serves to protect the exterior paint against hot temperature's effects."

Looking for home siding ideas and a siding material that can stand the test of summer extremes? Read this article on Five Tips for Getting an Accurate Siding Estimate, then connect with an LP® BuildSmart™ Preferred Contractor who can answer your questions and provide a quote.