Choosing the right exterior building materials for your home isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about long-term comfort, durability, and peace of mind. Whether you’re preparing your home for retirement or simply looking to reduce future maintenance, investing in high-quality, climate-appropriate materials can help you enjoy your space for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular and effective materials for siding, windows, roofing, and more, specifically selected for Raleigh’s humid summers, unpredictable storms, and seasonal weather patterns.
How to Choose the Best Materials for Your Raleigh Home
When planning an exterior renovation, consider more than just the look of your home. These key factors can help you make the right choice:
- Local climate: Raleigh’s weather includes high humidity, heavy rainfall, and the occasional tropical storm. Materials must be moisture-resistant and durable.
- Budget and ROI: Consider not just the upfront cost, but how long the materials will last and how much maintenance they’ll require over time.
- Maintenance level: No one wants to spend weekends repainting siding or repairing wood rot, so it’s important to choose durable, quality materials.
- Neighborhood aesthetic: Blend personal taste with the character of surrounding homes to boost resale value and enhance curb appeal.
Need personalized guidance? Raleigh Windows and Siding offers free consultations to help homeowners like you select the materials that best fit your goals and lifestyle.
Popular Exterior Siding Materials
Your home’s siding is its first line of defense, and a big part of its overall look. Here’s what’s trending in Raleigh:
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is one of the most reliable options for Raleigh-area homes. It resists rot, insects, fire, and moisture while offering the warm, classic look of wood, without the high upkeep.
At Raleigh Windows and Siding, we offer fiber-cement siding from James Hardie that stands up to the elements and time, making it a smart, long-term investment for low-maintenance living.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood gives you the charm of traditional wood siding with added durability—and LP SmartSide® siding is a standout option in this category. Made from treated wood fibers and industrial-grade resins, LP SmartSide is engineered to resist rot, pests, and warping, making it an excellent choice for North Carolina homes.
If you’re looking for a wood-like appearance without the ongoing maintenance of traditional wood, LP SmartSide siding offers long-lasting performance and a beautiful finish that holds up in a variety of climates.
Wood Siding
Natural wood siding offers timeless beauty, but Raleigh’s humid climate and rainy season mean regular sealing or staining is required to prevent moisture damage. It’s best suited for homeowners willing to commit to upkeep, or for accent areas that aren’t fully exposed to the elements.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners trying to manage costs. It’s often a more affordable, low-maintenance option and is available in a variety of colors, offering flexibility without a high price tag. However, vinyl siding may not offer the same level of durability or long-term performance as materials like fiber cement and engineered wood.
Learn more about the wide range of available siding options on our siding services page.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer offers a long-lasting, sophisticated finish that can elevate your home’s exterior. While installation can be more complex and costly, requiring specialized skills and tools, many Raleigh homeowners choose to use stone as an accent around entrances, pillars, or the lower portion of their home’s exterior for added visual appeal.
Composite and Aluminum Siding
Composite siding offers a durable, low-maintenance option that can mimic the look of wood without the upkeep. Aluminum siding is lightweight and resistant to rust, but it can dent easily and may not provide the same visual warmth as other materials. Both can be good choices depending on your budget, priorities, and your home’s aesthetic.
Best Materials for New Windows and Frames
Updating your windows can help improve insulation, boost energy efficiency, and enhance curb appeal. Here’s how different window frame materials compare:
Vinyl Window Frames
Vinyl window frames are a top choice among many homeowners due to their cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance requirements. They resist warping and peeling, which makes them a great fit for Raleigh’s changing weather. If you’re considering vinyl windows for your home, Raleigh Windows and Siding offers high-quality, OKNA windows–an established brand known for delivering reliable performance and long-term value.
Learn more on our window installation page.
Fiberglass Window Frames
Fiberglass window frames are strong, energy efficient, and low maintenance, making them a reliable choice throughout the seasons. They expand and contract less than other materials, helping to prevent warping and ensure a tight, long-lasting seal. As a certified Marvin Windows dealer in North Carolina, we offer Infinity by Marvin windows, crafted with Ultrex fiberglass for lasting durability and superior insulation.
Explore all frame options here.
Wood Window Frames
Wood frames offer a timeless, classic appearance that adds warmth and character to any home. However, they do require more upkeep than other materials, especially in Raleigh’s humid climate. If you’re drawn to their traditional charm, it’s important to consider whether you’re prepared for the ongoing maintenance needed to keep them looking beautiful and performing their best.
Composite Window Frames
Composite window frames are a premium choice that combines materials for maximum durability and design versatility. They provide excellent insulation while offering a sleek, modern appearance.
Roofing and Trim Materials to Consider
When choosing materials for your roof and exterior trim, it’s important to balance appearance, durability, and how well they complement your home’s other features. Raleigh’s seasonal storms and high humidity levels make it especially important to choose roofing and trim options that hold up well over time.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles remain one of Raleigh’s most popular roofing materials for good reason. They’re affordable, durable, and come in a wide range of colors and textures.
At Raleigh Windows and Siding, we recommend premium shingles from GAF and CertainTeed, two of the most trusted brands in roofing. Explore options on our roofing page.
PVC and Composite Trim
PVC and composite trim boards hold up exceptionally well against North Carolina’s moisture, making them an ideal low-maintenance choice for exterior accents and fascia.
Aluminum or Vinyl Wrap
Wrapping wood trim with aluminum or vinyl protects it from the elements, reducing future painting and repair needs—a smart upgrade for homeowners focused on low-maintenance living.
Front Door and Entryway Materials That Make a Statement
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Choose materials that combine security, beauty, and durability.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
Fiberglass doors offer excellent insulation and can mimic wood grain textures while standing up to moisture and heat. They’re also easy to paint or stain, making them highly customizable.
Steel Doors
If security is your highest priority, steel doors are a top contender. They’re energy-efficient and perform well in Raleigh’s storm-prone seasons.
Wood Doors
For unmatched character, wood doors are a go-to. Just make sure they’re installed in a covered area to prevent weather damage. They’re best suited for entryways with ample protection from direct rain and sun.
Explore your options on our doors page.
Best Gutter Materials to Protect Your Home’s Exterior
Gutters are essential in Raleigh, where heavy rainfall and sudden storms are common. They protect your siding, foundation, and roof by directing water away efficiently.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are a great choice for Raleigh homes. They’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in seamless options that reduce leaks. If you’re interested in adding or replacing your aluminum gutters, we offer custom-fit options to match your home’s needs.
Learn more on our gutter services page.
Copper Gutters
While copper gutters have a higher price tag than other materials, they can add a high-end touch to your home and offer unmatched longevity. This material requires minimal maintenance, and over time, the copper develops a beautiful patina that adds timeless character.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters tend to be budget-friendly and easy to install. However, they’re more vulnerable to cracking and warping in extreme weather, so they may not be the right fit for homes in high-risk areas.
Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters are a strong and effective choice, but to withstand Raleigh’s damp conditions, they need to be properly coated and maintained to prevent rust.
Ready to Renovate? Let Raleigh Windows and Siding Help
Choosing the best house exterior materials is a major investment in your home’s comfort and value. From siding and windows to roofing, trim, and gutters, Raleigh Windows and Siding has the experience and local expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation and start your exterior renovation with confidence.
