When it comes to the exterior of your home, siding plays a crucial role! Not just in protecting your home but also in defining your home’s quirky character and curb appeal. In New England, where harsh winters and humid summers can take a toll on your home’s exterior, choosing the right siding is a must.
Let’s take a closer look at some popular siding options, brands, color trends, and everything else you need to know about siding in this region.
Popular Siding Options
- Plank Lap Siding: This classic style siding features long, horizontal boards that overlap each other. Plank lap is a great choice for both traditional and contemporary homes. Brands like James Hardie offer high-quality fiber cement plank lap siding that’s durable and low-maintenance, which makes it ideal for New England’s varying climates.
- Panel Siding: This type of siding consists of large panels that create more of a modern look and are often seen in contemporary homes. Panel siding can be made from materials like vinyl or fiber cement, similar to plank lap.
- Clapboards: A staple in New England architecture, clapboards are narrow boards that are typically installed horizontally. They are often made of wood and give homes that traditional New England feel. A brand to look out for is Maibec, which specializes in high-quality wood clapboards and other siding.
- Shingle / Cedar Shake Siding: Shingles and shakes add a unique texture to your home and can be found in various colors and styles. Cedar shakes are particularly popular in New England for their natural, rustic look and excellent durability. While real wood can require more maintenance, products like James Hardie’s fiber cement shakes offer a wood-like appearance without the constant need for upkeep.
- Board & Batten: This cool style features wide boards with narrow strips (battens) that cover each seam. Board & batten is often used in more rustic or country-style homes. Both wood and composite materials are available for this siding option.
Real Wood vs. Composite Siding Options
When choosing between real wood siding and composite options like vinyl or fiber cement, you should take some time to research key differences and consider the maintenance and durability of each material. Real wood, while aesthetically pleasing and timeless, requires regular upkeep such as painting or sealing to protect against moisture and pests. Popular choices like cedar shakes offer natural decay resistance but can still be susceptible to weather-related issues.
In contrast, composite siding mimics the look of wood while providing enhanced durability and lower maintenance needs. Composite materials resist rot, insects, and extreme weather, which makes it ideal for New England’s climate (especially during a winter storm). Composite siding also often comes with warranties for added peace of mind.
If you love the authentic beauty of real wood, and don’t mind the ongoing maintenance this siding requires, then this option might be best for you. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance, long-lasting alternative that has a similar charm of real wood, composite siding might be the way to go. Do the research and compare your options to make a decision that best suits you.
Color Trends in New England
New England was established back in the 1600s and is cherished today by its rich history, natural surroundings, and beautiful architecture (to name a few). Color significantly influences the architectural identity of New England homes and tells a story of our region’s heritage. Early settlers were known to use muted, earthy tones derived from local materials which blended in with the natural landscape. Today, you can see vibrant victorians and charmingly colored colonials, each reflecting the town’s unique character. If you’ve ever been to the historic district in Portsmouth, NH, I’m sure you’ve noticed the pastel pinks, blues, greens, and yellows that add a soft pop of color to the city’s predominantly brick architectural landscape.
While color trends may shift over time, certain hues have become timeless staples in New England’s architectural palette. Here are some popular color trends that continue to resonate throughout the region:
- Rich Reds and Burgundies: Shades like “Roycroft Copper Red” by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore’s “Heritage Red” are often seen on colonial and farmhouse style homes.
- Soft Grays: Colors such as Sherwin-Williams’ “Roycroft Mist Gray” and Benjamin Moore’s “Gray Owl” are popular gray tones that pair well with white trim.
- Warm Neutrals: Earthy hues like Benjamin Moore’s “Chestnut” and Sherwin-Williams “Craftsman Brown” create a rustic feel, and are ideal for cedar shakes and board and batten style homes.
- Bold Blues: Coastal shades such as “Powder Blue” by Sherwin-Williams and “Philipsburg Blue” by Benjamin Moore are great colors for beach cottages, as they reflect the nearby ocean and tides.
- Tranquil Greens: Colors like Benjamin Moore’s “Avon Green” and “Rookwood Jade” by Sherwin-Williams are great green hues for both modern and traditional homes.
- Classic Whites: Timeless whites such as “Simply White” by Benjamin Moore” and “Classical White” by Sherwin-Williams create a clean and fresh looking New England home.
Photographed by: Rachel Sieben
Beyond the main siding colors, many homeowners in New England are choosing accent colors to highlight architectural details, doors, and shutters. Bright yellows, oranges, and greens can be seen used as a contrast against the more subdued primary colors of the home, but each house is different, of course. For more popular siding color options, check out the America’s Heritage exterior color palette by Sherwin-Williams and the Northeast Color Palette by Benjamin Moore.
Design Highlight: Silverbell Bungalow
Meet the Silverbell Bungalow, a charming and thoughtfully designed home nestled in the seacoast of New Hampshire. This cozy bungalow accommodates four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a dedicated home office, making it an ideal choice for families and urban living.
As you approach the Silverbell Bungalow, you are greeted by a welcoming covered porch that enhances the home’s curb appeal. The exterior of the home features high-quality White Cedar Shingle siding by Maibec, finished in the warm, inviting hue of their Rattan Palm 370. This choice of siding not only adds a timeless aesthetic but also ensures durability and weather resistance, especially important during the cold winter months and wet summers. Some architectural details of the bungalow include Brosco 8” width square columns, stair risers, water table detail, and window and door trim, all painted in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White OC-117.
If the Silverbell Bungalow captures your eye, be sure to visit Abrigo Home to explore this home plan and discover a variety of other stylish designs that cater to your lifestyle needs. If you would like to learn more about the different exterior siding options available for your home, consider booking a free 15-minute consultation with Amy, here!
