That Oklahoma sun is no joke. Here in the greater Oklahoma City area, when the summer heat settles in, our homes can feel like ovens, and our air conditioners work overtime just to keep up. From Mustang to Moore and Yukon to Edmond, homeowners know the struggle is real. While you might think of insulation and windows first, one of the most effective lines of defense against the heat is right on the outside of your house: your siding.
Your home’s exterior is its first barrier against solar heat gain. The right material and color can reflect a significant amount of the sun’s thermal energy away from your walls, keeping the interior cooler and lowering those punishing summer utility bills.
The Power of Reflection: It Starts with Color
Before we dive into materials, let’s talk about a simple but powerful concept: color. Think about wearing a black t-shirt versus a white one on a sunny day. Dark colors absorb light and heat, while light colors reflect it. The same principle applies to your house.
Siding with a high Solar Reflectance Value (SRV) will absorb less heat. Opting for lighter shades like whites, beiges, light grays, or pastels can make a measurable difference in the surface temperature of your home's walls.
Ask the Pro: Which Siding Is Best?
With so many options, where do you start? We asked Jason Taylor of TaylorMade Exteriors for his take on how the choices stack up.
"Well, it kind of goes in tiers," Jason explains. "The best siding is probably some form of SmartBoard. After that, maybe Hardie board. Then you get into the different levels of vinyl. With vinyl, you kind of get what you pay for. But in my personal opinion, I like the SmartBoard siding the best. It's low maintenance and tough as hell."
Let's break down these pro-grade choices.
Top Siding Materials for a Cooler Home
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)
Jason’s top pick, commonly known as "SmartBoard," is an engineered wood siding product. It's made from wood strands treated with waxes, resins, and zinc borate to create a board that offers the timeless look of wood without the maintenance headaches.
- Exceptional Durability: As Jason notes, it’s "tough as hell." It’s designed to resist hail, high winds, and moisture, making it a fantastic choice for the unpredictable Oklahoma weather.
- Aesthetic Flexibility: It comes in various textures and can be painted any color, allowing you to easily choose a light, heat-reflecting shade that boosts your curb appeal and your energy efficiency.
Fiber Cement Siding
Next in the hierarchy is fiber cement siding, a top-tier choice for homeowners seeking maximum durability and a long-term solution.
- Unmatched Resilience: Fiber cement is resistant to just about everything our climate can throw at it—hail, wind, pests, and fire.
- Superior Paint Adhesion: It holds paint exceptionally well, so you can choose a light, reflective color and trust it will last for years without chipping or peeling.
Modern Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for its value and low maintenance. But as Jason mentioned, there are different levels. According to Andy from the TaylorMade team, the key is knowing what to look for, especially on a full replacement.
"For a full replacement, I always try to upgrade to Alside Ascend," Andy advises. "I think it looks better than most products and is a little thicker, so it’s more durable."
The real secret to making vinyl work against the heat lies in that upgrade:
- The Pro Upgrade: Insulated Siding: "The [Alside Ascend] has insulation bonded to the back of it so you get a little extra R-value with it," Andy notes. This integrated foam backing wraps your home in a continuous thermal blanket, reducing heat transfer and boosting your home's overall energy efficiency. He adds that "it’s also pretty reasonably priced, so an upgrade can be done with minimal out-of-pocket expense."
The Smart Investment for Oklahoma Homeowners
Choosing the right siding is more than just a facelift for your home; it’s an investment in comfort, energy efficiency, and lasting curb appeal. By following the advice of the pros and selecting a durable, light-colored material like LP SmartSide, fiber cement, or a premium insulated vinyl, you can create a formidable barrier against the summer heat.
Ready to Make Your Home Cooler and More Beautiful?
If you’re tired of a hot house and high energy bills, it might be time to consider an exterior upgrade. The experts at TaylorMade Exteriors have been helping homeowners across Mustang, Yukon, Moore, and the entire Oklahoma City area select and install the perfect siding for our unique climate.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you explore your options and provide a detailed quote to transform your home’s comfort and curb appeal.
