Here in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we like to say the weather keeps us on our toes. One day it’s sunny and 75°, the next day it’s snowing sideways, and then by the weekend we’re grilling in T-shirts again. As much as we enjoy our seasons (except road construction season), the constant temperature swings are hard on our homes—especially siding.
At Weather-Tite Exteriors, siding is one of our specialties. We’ve encountered our share of obstacles come up when it comes to different types of siding. Our mission is to restore trust in the contractor experience by serving people, restoring property, and improving lives. That means when your siding fails, we don’t just fix boards and panels—we educate, advise, and help you choose the best long-term solutions for your home.
Let’s break down some of the most common siding issues we see in extreme climates like ours, and how to fix them.
Cracking and Splitting from Freeze-Thaw Cycles
When water seeps into tiny cracks and freezes, it expands, causing siding to split apart over time. This is especially tough on vinyl and wood. James Hardie fiber cement siding is designed to resist this kind of stress. Its dimensional stability means it doesn’t shrink and swell as dramatically with the weather.
Warping from Heat and Sun
We all know South Dakota summers can get hot, and that heat can cause certain siding materials to warp or buckle. Once siding loses its shape, gaps form that let moisture and pests sneak in. James Hardie siding is engineered to stand up to heat, keeping its form and protecting your home through every season.
Hail and Impact Damage
This one needs no introduction—hail is practically part of life in the Black Hills. Unfortunately, vinyl siding dents and cracks easily under hailstones.
Unwanted Critters
Termites, carpenter ants, and even woodpeckers love natural wood siding a little too much. With fiber cement siding, pests don’t stand a chance. It’s one less thing you have to worry about while you’re enjoying your backyard deck.
Why We Recommend James Hardie Siding
We’re educators first, and we’ve tested a lot of siding materials over the years. We recommend James Hardie siding because it checks all the boxes: durability, beauty, low maintenance, and performance in our extreme South Dakota climate. With its baked-on ColorPlus finish, you also get long-lasting color that resists fading from our big, beautiful prairie sunshine.
Part of the Weather-Tite Family
At Weather-Tite Exteriors, we’re more than just a siding contractor. We’re your neighbors, your educators, and your advocates when it comes to protecting your home. That’s why we’ve been voted Best of the Black Hills for seven years in a row. Follow through on our promises and treat every customer like family.
If you’re noticing cracks, warping, or storm damage on your siding, don’t stress. We’ll walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons, and help you make the best choice for your home. That’s the Weather-Tite way: serving people, restoring property, and improving lives.