Siding is your home's first line of defense against the weather, and in New York that weather includes coastal winds, salt air, freeze-thaw cycles, and nor'easters. Choosing the right material and installing it correctly matter just as much as how it looks.
Common siding materials
Vinyl Widely used on Long Island homes. Vinyl does not need painting, is relatively lightweight, and comes in many profiles and colors. Thicker panels and insulated vinyl resist impact and wind better. It can crack on impact in very cold weather and can warp from intense reflected heat. Look for products rated for higher wind loads in coastal areas.
Fiber cement Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It resists rot, insects, and fire, and holds paint well, especially factory-finished products. It is heavier than vinyl and requires specific cutting methods and dust control, plus careful installation to the manufacturer's specifications. Fiber cement is a common choice where fire resistance matters.
Wood (cedar shingles and clapboard) Cedar shingles are classic on Long Island, particularly on the North and South Forks and in coastal neighborhoods. Wood looks great and can be repaired piece by piece, but it needs regular maintenance: staining or painting, and attention to moisture. Salt air and wind-driven rain speed up weathering.
Engineered wood Made from wood strands with resins and treatments. It is lighter than fiber cement, comes pre-primed or prefinished, and offers a wood look with improved resistance to moisture and insects compared with natural wood when installed and maintained properly.
Aluminum Found on many older homes. It does not rot, but it dents and the finish can chalk and fade. Replacement panels to match existing aluminum can be hard to find, so repairs may be difficult.
Stucco and brick veneer Stucco and brick are common in parts of the five boroughs and on some Long Island homes. Both can be very durable, but they depend on proper drainage behind the surface. Cracks in stucco and failed mortar joints in brick let water in and should be repaired promptly. Freeze-thaw cycles can make small cracks worse each winter.
Weather resistance in New York
- Wind. Coastal areas of Long Island and the boroughs see high winds during storms. Proper fastening per the manufacturer's high-wind instructions is key.
- Salt air. Near the water, use corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing, such as stainless or hot-dipped galvanized, as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Freeze-thaw. Water that gets behind or into siding can freeze and expand. Good flashing, a drainage plane, and sealed penetrations keep water out.
- Wind-driven rain. Nor'easters push rain sideways. A properly lapped weather-resistant barrier and flashing at windows, doors, and roof intersections are the real defense.
What good installation includes
Siding is only one layer of the wall. A quality installation includes:
- Removing old siding where appropriate and inspecting the sheathing for rot.
- A weather-resistive barrier, such as housewrap, properly lapped and taped.
- Flashing at windows, doors, roof-to-wall intersections, and penetrations.
- Proper clearances from roofs, decks, and the ground.
- Fastening per the manufacturer's instructions, including spacing for expansion with vinyl.
- Sealants used where specified, not as a substitute for flashing.
Repair or replace?
Repair may make sense for isolated damage such as a few cracked panels, storm damage to one wall, or a small area of rot. Replacement is worth considering when you see:
- Widespread cracking, warping, or loose panels.
- Rot or soft sheathing in several areas.
- Peeling paint inside the home or water stains on interior walls near exterior walls.
- Mold or mildew growing on or behind siding.
- Frequent repainting with failing finishes.
- Rising energy bills, which may indicate poor insulation and air sealing in the walls.
Replacing siding is also a good time to add exterior insulation and improve air sealing.
Permits and approvals
In New York City, DOB permit requirements depend on the scope and the building. The NYC Building Code limits combustible exterior wall coverings in certain buildings and locations, so material choices should be confirmed before ordering. Landmarked buildings and properties in historic districts need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval for exterior changes.
On Long Island, many towns and villages require a building permit for re-siding, and some have architectural review boards. Check with your local building department.
Older siding and asbestos
Some older homes have asbestos-cement siding shingles. Do not cut, break, or remove them without testing and, if they contain asbestos, using licensed asbestos professionals. See our guide to asbestos and renovations.
From Staten Island colonials to South Shore capes and East End shingle-style homes, the right siding, properly installed, protects your home for decades.
Need help with this?
If your siding is damaged or worn out, we can look at the walls and help you choose and plan a repair or replacement. Valley Brothers Construction works across all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), plus Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island. Call 516-737-4713 or 516-300-2199, or request a free estimate.
This article is general information for property owners, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the agency or utility involved.