Siding Material Guide

Choosing the right siding for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make for long-term protection and curb appeal. The exterior siding is your home’s first defense against water, wind, sun, and snow, and the wrong choice—or improper installation—can lead to costly repairs.

At Arvada Handyman, we help homeowners in Arvada, Candelas, Leyden Rock, Five Parks, and Westminster navigate their siding options, understand the benefits and drawbacks of each material, and maintain or repair existing siding for maximum durability.

This guide covers the most common siding materials, including LP SmartSide, Hardie Board, fiber cement, vinyl, and wood, with a focus on water resistance, rot prevention, installation best practices, and maintenance requirements.

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LP SmartSide Siding

LP SmartSide is a popular engineered wood siding option that provides the natural look of wood with increased rot and insect resistance.

Key features:

  • Pre-primed and treated panels for water and insect resistance

  • Lightweight and easier to install than fiber cement

  • Cost-effective option for homeowners wanting a wood-like appearance

  • Requires proper caulking, sealing, and flashing to prevent water intrusion

LP SmartSide performs well in Colorado when maintained properly. Homes in Candelas and Leyden Rock with south-facing exposures or frequent snow accumulation benefit from inspections and timely repairs to prevent water damage.

Hardie Board Siding

James Hardie fiber cement siding is a cement-based product reinforced with cellulose fibers, offering superior durability and resistance to fire, rot, and insects.

Advantages:

  • Highly water-resistant and low-maintenance

  • Can mimic wood siding, shakes, or panel designs

  • Long lifespan, often 20–30 years before repainting

  • Requires proper flashing and professional installation due to weight

Hardie is ideal for neighborhoods like Five Parks and Westminster, where sun exposure and wind-driven precipitation can accelerate wear on less durable materials.

Wood Siding

Natural wood siding remains a classic option for many homeowners seeking warmth and character. Common types include cedar, redwood, and pine.

Considerations:

  • Beautiful, natural appearance

  • Requires annual inspection, painting, or sealing to prevent rot

  • Vulnerable to insects and moisture if not maintained

In Arvada and surrounding areas, homes with wood siding often need more frequent attention, particularly on west- and south-facing elevations exposed to sun and precipitation.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is widely known for its low maintenance and affordability.

Highlights:

  • Resistant to rot, moisture, and insects

  • Lightweight and relatively easy to install

  • Less prone to fading or paint peeling

  • Can crack or warp in extreme temperatures or hail

While vinyl requires less upkeep, proper flashing around windows and doors is still critical to prevent water intrusion. Many homes in Leyden Rock and Candelas rely on vinyl siding for cost-effective durability, though aesthetic choices may lead homeowners to opt for LP SmartSide or Hardie for a more premium appearance.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding includes Hardie board and other similar cement-based products. It’s renowned for long-term durability and resistance to rot, fire, and insects.

Benefits include:

  • Excellent moisture resistance

  • Can mimic natural wood textures

  • Long lifespan with minimal maintenance

  • Requires careful installation and cutting, heavier than wood

Fiber cement is ideal for areas with heavy sun exposure or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, such as Candelas, Leyden Rock, and Five Parks, where siding panels must withstand extreme weather.

Common Siding Problems

Even the best siding can fail if water, snow, or poor installation compromises the exterior. Common issues include:

  • Rot or swelling in LP SmartSide or wood siding

  • Paint peeling or cracking on wood and fiber cement

  • Gaps and failed caulking allowing water intrusion

  • Damage to siding edges from improper flashing

At Arvada Handyman, we inspect siding for damage, repair or replace compromised panels, and ensure flashing and caulking are installed correctly for long-term protection.

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Most siding repair estimates can be done from photos. No sales pressure. No unnecessary upselling.

Text Photos for a Quick Estimate: 303-335-9920
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We are a small local team. We do the work ourselves. And we do repairs the right way so it lasts.

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