New England weather doesn’t go easy on your home’s exterior. From coastal salt air along the Seacoast to heavy snow loads inland, your siding takes a beating year after year. Choosing the right siding material — and the right contractor — makes all the difference in how your home looks and performs for decades to come.
Why Vinyl Siding Dominates in New Hampshire
Vinyl siding accounts for the majority of siding installations across Southern New Hampshire, and for good reason. Modern vinyl siding (especially premium lines like CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions and Monogram) offers durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility that’s hard to beat at the price point.
Key Advantages of Premium Vinyl Siding
- Weather resistance: Premium vinyl is engineered to withstand winds up to 130+ mph, resist impact from hail and debris, and perform through extreme temperature swings without cracking or warping.
- Zero maintenance: Unlike wood siding that requires scraping, priming, and painting every 5-7 years, vinyl siding never needs painting. A simple wash with a garden hose keeps it looking fresh.
- Color retention: Modern vinyl siding uses through-body coloring technology — the color goes all the way through the material, so scratches don’t show and fading is minimal even after decades of UV exposure.
- Variety: Today’s vinyl siding comes in styles that genuinely replicate the look of natural cedar shakes, traditional clapboard, and architectural shingle patterns. Dozens of colors are available to match any home style.
What Makes a Good Siding Installation
The siding material itself is only half the equation. How it’s installed determines whether it performs as designed or fails prematurely. Here’s what a proper siding installation should include:
- Complete tear-off: New siding should always go over fresh, inspected sheathing — not layered on top of old, deteriorating siding.
- Moisture barrier inspection: Before new siding goes up, the existing house wrap or moisture barrier should be inspected and replaced if compromised.
- Proper fastening: Vinyl siding needs room to expand and contract with temperature changes. Nails should never be driven tight — experienced installers know to leave roughly 1/32″ of space.
- Detail work: Windows, doors, corners, and trim transitions are where most siding jobs succeed or fail. Proper J-channel installation, flashing, and caulking at these points prevents water infiltration.
When Should You Replace Your Siding?
Watch for these signs that your current siding is past its prime:
- Warping, buckling, or sections pulling away from the house
- Cracks or holes (even small ones let moisture in)
- Fading that no longer responds to cleaning
- Mold, mildew, or fungus growing on or behind the siding
- Increased heating or cooling costs (siding contributes to your home’s thermal envelope)
- Rotting or soft spots when you press on the siding
Choosing the Right Contractor
When selecting a siding contractor in New Hampshire, look for:
- Manufacturer certifications (we’re a CertainTeed certified installer)
- A workmanship warranty (Compass Exteriors offers a 10-year workmanship warranty on all siding installations)
- A portfolio of completed local projects with before-and-after photos
- Transparent, detailed quotes with no hidden fees
- Proper licensing and insurance in New Hampshire
At Compass Exteriors, we use advanced 3D visualization technology that lets you see exactly how different siding options will look on your actual home before installation begins. No guesswork, no surprises. Contact us for a free consultation or call 603-219-1523.