Midwest weather puts some pretty harsh demands on a home’s exterior. Over the course of a year, your siding faces freezing temperatures, summer humidity, hail, and strong sun.
We help homeowners across the Quincy area choose siding and exterior finishes designed to withstand those conditions, with colors and textures that fit your style and budget. With several materials and styles available, knowing where to begin makes the process much easier.
This guide breaks down the main things to consider so you can find siding that looks great on your home and holds up to life in the Midwest.
Signs It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Siding
A siding project usually begins when you notice damage or problems on the exterior of your house. Damage may appear in one area or spread across several walls over time.
Walk around the exterior and inspect the panels, seams, and trim. A small damaged area may call for repair, while larger problems may call for replacement.
Take a closer look at your siding if you notice:
- Cracks, warping, bubbling, or loose panels
- Areas with uneven fade
- Rot, swelling, or moisture damage
- Peeling paint inside your home near exterior walls
- Higher heating or cooling costs without another explanation
- Boards turning soft or spongy under light pressure.
- Mold, mildew, or water stains beneath the siding or near seams and the foundation
- Gaps, holes, or missing panels after a storm
- Frequent repairs across several parts of the house
- An exterior that no longer suits the home
- The siding is original to a home older than twenty years
A contractor can inspect the wall system and determine how much material needs to be removed. An inspection may also uncover moisture issues or damaged sheathing that require repair during the project.
Start With the Siding Material
The material you choose affects the appearance of your home and the amount of upkeep it requires. WoodMart offers several exterior finish options, including vinyl siding, engineered wood siding, cement board siding, and natural stone accents.
Homeowners around Quincy often compare the following siding materials.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding remains a popular choice for its reliable performance and low maintenance. It does not require regular painting and comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and profiles.
WoodMart carries CertainTeed vinyl siding, including fade-resistant options and product lines backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Vinyl siding is a solid choice if you want:
- Lower maintenance
- An exterior that does not require repainting
- Color options that range from classic neutrals to darker shades
- Fade-resistant colors for long-term sun exposure
- Profiles that fit traditional and updated home styles
- Insulated options that add another layer of protection
- Product choices across several price ranges
Compare the profile, thickness, insulation, and warranty as you narrow down your choices.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding offers the warmth and texture of natural wood with less upkeep. Its defined grain and substantial profile add depth to traditional homes, modern farmhouses, and many styles in between.
WoodMart also carries Diamond Kote engineered wood siding. Its factory-applied finishes come with warranties ranging from 15 to 50 years depending on the product.
Engineered wood siding is a solid choice if you want:
- A more pronounced wood-grain texture
- Richer colors and wood-inspired finishes
- Matching trim and accent pieces
- Added resistance against hail and impact
- UV-resistant finishes that protect against fading
- Less maintenance than traditional wood siding
Diamond Kote’s coordinated product lines simplify the process of creating a consistent exterior.
Steel Siding
Steel siding combines lasting exterior protection with the character of traditional wood siding. It holds its shape through changing weather and provides a lower-maintenance alternative to materials that require painting or staining.
WoodMart carries TruCedar Steel Siding from Quality Edge. TruCedar comes in horizontal lap and vertical board-and-batten profiles, along with solid colors and finishes inspired by natural wood.
Steel siding is a solid choice if you want:
- Panels that resist warping, cracking, and swelling
- A non-combustible material for added fire protection
- Protection against insects, birds, and wood rot
- A finish made to retain its color through sun exposure
- Steel panels that can be recycled at the end of their service life
- A limited lifetime warranty for the original residential homeowner
TruCedar’s galvanized steel core and protective coating system guard against corrosion, abrasion, moisture, and changing Midwest conditions. Compare our available and finishes to find an exterior that complements your home.
Fiber Cement Board Siding
Fiber cement siding offers the appearance of painted wood in a durable, lower-maintenance material. Its substantial profile creates a classic exterior and withstands changing temperatures, moisture, and everyday wear.
Homeowners often choose fiber cement siding for:
- Resistance to moisture, rot, and insects
- Added protection against fire
- A painted-wood appearance without natural wood
- Color and profile options for many home styles
- A durable exterior for Midwest weather
Fiber cement is heavier than vinyl and requires careful installation. Be sure to compare labor, finishing, and material costs when reviewing your options.
Natural Stone and Stone Veneer
Natural stone accents add texture and character without covering the entire exterior. Homeowners often use stone around entryways, porches, foundations, columns, and other architectural details.
Natural stone accents offer:
- A distinct look using genuine stone
- Added texture around key exterior features
- Colors and patterns that vary naturally
- A durable material that handles Midwest weather
- An accent that pairs with several siding materials
Choosing locations that follow your home’s existing architecture will create a more connected exterior.
Choose a Color That Fits Your Home
New siding changes the look of your home, so it pays to see how a color fits with your existing exterior. Start with permanent features such as your roof or brick and look for shades that pull everything together.
Our showroom offers take-home samples so you can see them outside in natural light. The sun and shade can change how a color appears, and a shade that catches your eye in the showroom may look different against your home.
You can also mix siding profiles to add character without going overboard. Vertical siding or shakes can highlight a gable or entryway and create a little extra visual interest.
Find New Siding at WoodMart
Once you have an idea of the material you prefer, stop by WoodMart to see the options up close. Bring along a few photos of your home so our building material specialists can help you find colors and textures that fit the exterior.
Starting from scratch with a new build? We can help from the beginning too. Our team has years of experience recommending siding based on the home’s location and surrounding setting, including tree cover, shade, sun exposure, and nearby landscaping.
We carry vinyl, engineered wood, steel, fiber cement, natural stone options, and more from leading brands in the siding industry. Stop in or call (217) 223-3791 to compare samples and discuss options for your home with our team!