Winnipeg winters are no joke! With extreme cold, heavy snowfall, ice storms, and unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles, homeowners in this region face some of the harshest, most extreme weather conditions in Canada. These factors can take a toll on your home’s exterior, especially siding, which is your home’s first line of defence. That’s why it’s essential to choose a siding material that not only looks great, but is also durable enough to withstand Winnipeg’s tough winters. Siding for cold climates is essential, especially in Winnipeg!
We’ll guide you through the best exterior siding options for Winnipeg’s unique climate, focusing on materials that can handle freezing temperatures, resist moisture, and reduce maintenance. From vinyl to fiber cement, wood, engineered wood, to other new siding materials, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each material, including how they perform in extreme cold temperatures. Plus, we’ll offer tips on insulation, maintenance, and expert insights to help you make the best choice for your home.
Understanding Winnipeg’s Climate
Winnipeg’s climate is characterized by long, harsh winters with average temperatures often dipping well below freezing. Snowfall is heavy, and wind chill can make it feel even colder. Additionally, the freeze-thaw cycle—where temperatures hover around freezing, causing snow to melt and then refreeze—can wreak havoc on poorly protected homes. Moisture from melting snow can seep into cracks, refreezing and expanding, leading to structural damage over time.
Because of these extreme conditions, it’s crucial to choose siding that not only looks good but can also handle the rigours of winter. Your siding needs to resist moisture, withstand the weight of heavy snow, and stand up to freezing temperatures without cracking or warping. Keeping your home well-insulated during winter is also essential, and certain siding materials are better at this than others.
Let’s dive into the top siding materials that are up to the challenge.
Top Siding Materials for Winter in Winnipeg
When it comes to choosing siding for your Winnipeg home, not all materials are created equal. Below, we’ll explore four popular options: Vinyl Siding, Fiber Cement Siding, Wood Siding, and Engineered Wood Siding. Other siding materials include: aluminum siding, wood fibre siding and brick siding are all options as well, but they are not materials we use or install. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, especially in extreme winter conditions.
Vinyl Siding
Pros:
- Affordable
- Offers a variety of colours and designs
- Provides decent insulation (especially insulated vinyl)
Cons:
- Can crack in extreme cold
- Less durable than other materials
Why it works for Winnipeg: Vinyl siding is a popular choice because of its affordability and decent insulation properties. While standard vinyl siding might struggle with Winnipeg’s extreme cold, insulated vinyl siding offers a better solution. Insulated vinyl siding is reinforced with a foam backing that helps reduce heat loss and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. However, homeowners should be mindful that even insulated vinyl can crack under extremely low temperatures, so regular inspections are recommended.
Fiber Cement Siding
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Fire, pest, and moisture-resistant
- Can mimic the look of wood without the maintenance
Cons:
- Heavier than other materials, requiring professional installation
- Higher upfront cost
Why it works for Winnipeg: Fiber Cement siding (or spelt fibre cement in Canada), also known as Hardie Board siding, is a great option for homes in Winnipeg because of its toughness and resistance to moisture and pests. Fiber Cement siding can withstand heavy snowfall and the freeze-thaw cycle without warping or cracking, making it a low-maintenance option for harsh winters. It also holds up well against strong winds, which are common in the prairies. While it’s heavier and requires a professional for installation, its durability and long lifespan make it a smart investment for Winnipeg homeowners.
Wood Siding
Pros:
- Natural aesthetic appeal
- Acts as a good insulator
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping and moisture damage
- Can be more expensive in the long run due to upkeep
Why it works for Winnipeg: Wood siding gives your home a classic, natural look while providing excellent insulation against the cold. However, wood is prone to moisture absorption, which can cause it to warp or rot, especially during Winnipeg’s freeze-thaw cycles. To mitigate this, homeowners should opt for more durable types of wood, such as cedar, which is more resistant to moisture and insect damage. Regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, is crucial to keep wood siding in good shape.
Engineered Wood Siding
Pros:
- Offers the look of wood with enhanced durability
- More resistant to moisture and pests than natural wood
- Withstands freeze-thaw cycles well
Cons:
- More expensive than vinyl and traditional wood
- Requires professional installation
Why it works for Winnipeg: Engineered wood siding combines the aesthetic of natural wood with the durability of composite materials. At Above All we use KWP Engineered Wood siding for its superior duribility. It’s specifically designed to resist moisture, pests, and the harsh elements, making it well-suited for Winnipeg’s winters. Engineered wood is less likely to warp or crack compared to traditional wood and can withstand the extreme freeze-thaw conditions. While it comes at a higher price point, its low maintenance and long-lasting performance make it a top contender for cold climates.
Insulation Considerations
Choosing the right siding is only part of the equation when preparing your home for winter. Insulation plays a key role in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during the long winter months. Certain siding materials come with built-in insulation, while others can be paired with external insulation to boost energy performance.
For instance, insulated vinyl siding features a foam backing that improves heat retention and reduces your home’s heating costs. Fiber cement and engineered wood siding, when paired with a well-insulated home, can provide excellent thermal protection. It’s worth discussing insulation options with your contractor to ensure your siding complements your home’s energy efficiency.
Pro Tip: Well-insulated siding can significantly lower your heating bills and make your home more comfortable during the coldest months.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Siding
Even the most durable siding requires some level of maintenance to stand up to Winnipeg’s winters. Here are a few tips to ensure your siding stays in top shape all season long:
- Clear Ice Dams: Ice dams can form when snow melts and refreezes at your roof’s edge, causing water to back up and potentially damage your siding. Keep your roof and gutters clear to prevent this.
- Inspect for Damage: After particularly heavy snowfalls or ice storms, check your siding for cracks, warping, or other signs of damage. Catching issues early can prevent larger problems down the road.
- Deal with Snow Buildup: Large amounts of snow resting against your siding can lead to moisture damage. Be sure to clear away snowdrifts to avoid this.
- Spring Checkup: Once winter is over, inspect your siding again to see if any repairs are needed before next year.
Cost vs. Durability
While cost is always a consideration, it’s important to weigh the long-term durability of each siding material. For example, vinyl siding is more affordable upfront, but it may require more frequent repairs and replacements in extreme cold. On the other hand, fiber cement siding and engineered wood have higher initial costs but offer superior durability, potentially saving you money in the long run.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your budget, talk to a local contractor for a breakdown of upfront costs vs. long-term maintenance. A free home inspection can also help you evaluate your home’s current siding and determine the most cost-effective solution for winter protection.
Choosing the right siding for Winnipeg winters is about more than just aesthetics. You need a siding material that can withstand freezing temperatures, resist moisture, and provide good insulation to keep your home warm and energy-efficient. While vinyl siding offers affordability and decent insulation, fiber cement and engineered wood provide greater durability and protection in harsh conditions. Wood siding can also work well if properly maintained, especially if you opt for moisture-resistant types like cedar.
Before winter hits, it’s a good idea to contact us and schedule a home inspection or free consultation to evaluate your current siding. We’ll be able to discuss your siding and insulation options and provide only siding solutions you need. We can ensure your home is ready to face the worst that Winnipeg winters have to offer!