The best siding material for most Calgary homes is fibre cement or insulated vinyl, because both stand up to hail, wind and big temperature swings with very little upkeep. The right choice for your home comes down to your budget, the look you want and how long you plan to stay.

Siding is your home’s first line of defence against the weather, and it plays a big role in curb appeal, energy efficiency and resale value. In this guide, we break down the most popular siding options, how they hold up in Calgary’s climate, and how to choose the right one for your home.

siding materials on a home Lincoln Exteriors

What Makes a Siding Material Right for Calgary Homes?

Calgary is tough on exteriors. Hailstorms, strong chinooks, intense summer sun and freezing winters all put siding to the test, often in the same year. Before comparing materials, it helps to know what to look for:

Durability: how well it handles hail, wind and impact without cracking or denting.
Weather resistance: whether it can expand and contract through rapid temperature swings without warping or gaps.
Maintenance: how often it needs painting, sealing or repairs.
Energy efficiency: whether it helps keep heat in during winter and out during summer.
Cost: both the upfront price and the long-term cost of upkeep.
Appearance: the colours, textures and styles available to match your home.

It’s also worth thinking about the rest of your exterior. Siding is often replaced alongside windows, doors or a new roof, and planning them together can make the whole home look more cohesive.

Fibre Cement Siding (James Hardie)

Fibre cement is one of the most durable siding materials available. It’s made from a blend of cement, sand and cellulose fibres, which makes it strong, fire resistant and resistant to rot and pests.

James Hardie siding is the best known fibre cement brand, and its products are engineered for different climate zones, including cold climates with freeze and thaw cycles like Calgary’s. Fibre cement can convincingly mimic the look of wood, with lap siding, shingle and panel styles in a wide range of factory finished colours.

Best for: homeowners who want maximum durability, a premium look and a long term investment. As a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, Lincoln Exterior Renovations installs Hardie siding to the manufacturer’s standards. You can see finished projects in our James Hardie gallery.

Pros	Cons
Excellent impact and hail resistance compared to vinyl	Higher upfront cost than vinyl
Non combustible, which adds fire protection	Heavier material that requires experienced, certified installers
Holds its shape through extreme temperature swings	May need repainting eventually, though factory finishes last many years
Premium, high end look that can boost curb appeal and resale value

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Insulated vinyl siding is standard vinyl with a layer of rigid foam insulation bonded to the back of each panel. That foam backing makes the siding stiffer and more impact resistant, and adds a layer of insulation to your walls.

For Calgary homeowners, that extra insulation can help reduce drafts and make the home more comfortable through cold winters. Lincoln carries Enfusion insulated vinyl siding, available in a range of colours and profiles.

Best for: homeowners who want the low maintenance of vinyl with better comfort, efficiency and durability, without the higher cost of fibre cement.

Pros	Cons
Better energy efficiency than standard vinyl	Costs more than standard vinyl
More rigid and dent resistant than standard vinyl	Not as impact resistant as fibre cement in severe hail
Very low maintenance, with no painting required
Straighter, flatter look on the wall

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most popular siding choice in Canada, thanks to its affordability, wide colour selection and low maintenance. Modern premium vinyl, like Royal Woodlands, is thicker and more realistic-looking than older vinyl, with wood grain textures and long-lasting colours.

Best for: homeowners looking for a cost effective, low maintenance update. Take a look at our before and after vinyl siding gallery to see the difference new vinyl can make.

Pros	Cons
Most budget friendly option	Can crack or dent in heavy hail, especially in very cold temperatures
No painting or sealing required	Less insulating than insulated vinyl or fibre cement
Huge selection of colours and styles	Colours can’t be changed easily later (read more in our blog, Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?)
Quick to install

How Do the Top Siding Materials Compare?

Material	Hail and impact resistance	Maintenance	Energy efficiency	Relative cost
Fibre cement (James Hardie)	Excellent	Low	Good	Higher
Insulated vinyl	Good	Very low	Very good	Moderate
Vinyl	Fair	Very low	Fair	Lowest

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home

Set your budget. Vinyl is the most affordable, insulated vinyl sits in the middle, and fibre cement is a premium investment. Ask about financing options if you’d like to spread out the cost.
Think about how long you’ll stay. If you plan to stay for many years, the durability of fibre cement or insulated vinyl usually pays off.
Consider hail risk. If your neighbourhood sees frequent hail, fibre cement offers the most protection.
Match your home’s style. Browse our gallery for colour and style ideas.
Choose an experienced installer. Even the best siding can fail if it’s installed poorly, so look for a contractor with proven experience and manufacturer certifications. Learn more about why Calgary homeowners choose Lincoln.

Siding Solutions Lincoln Exteriors

The best siding material depends on your home, your budget and your goals. Fibre cement offers top tier durability and a premium look, insulated vinyl balances comfort and value, and standard vinyl is a reliable, affordable choice.

Family owned since 1979, Lincoln Exterior Renovations has helped Calgary homeowners choose and install the right siding for decades. Read what our customers say in our testimonials, browse more tips on our blog, or request a free quote and our team will help you compare options for your home.