What Type of Siding Holds Up Best in Myrtle Beach?
Living near the ocean in Myrtle Beach has its perks: sunrise views, salty breezes, and easy beach access. But as any coastal homeowner knows, that beauty comes with a few trade-offs… especially regarding your home’s exterior.
Salt air, wind-driven rain, high humidity, and hurricane season can all take a toll on your siding. So if you’re building or remodeling, it’s worth asking: What type of siding works best this close to the ocean?
Let’s walk through what you should know and which materials best suit Myrtle Beach’s unique conditions.
Why Myrtle Beach Homes Need Coastal-Ready Siding
Myrtle Beach homes face more than just cosmetic challenges. The local climate brings long-term wear that’s hard to ignore, including:
Corrosion from salt exposure
UV damage that fades or warps materials
Heavy rains and wind that drive moisture deep into your home’s structure
Mildew and rot from year-round humidity
Your siding must do more than look good—it needs to perform well every season. That’s why material choice matters so much for homes near the coast.
Best Siding Options for Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Weather
Is James Hardie Siding a Good Option for Homes in Myrtle Beach?
Fiber cement siding (especially from James Hardie®) is one of the top choices for homes in this region. It’s built to withstand the exact kind of weather Myrtle Beach is known for.
Why homeowners trust it:
It resists warping, rotting, and swelling from moisture
It stands up to hurricane-force winds and salt air
It holds color longer, reducing repainting needs
It’s non-combustible and pest-resistant
Plus, the styles available from James Hardie fit right in with Myrtle Beach’s coastal architecture. Whether you want clean lap siding or beachy board-and-batten, it offers the look of wood with far less upkeep.
Is Vinyl Siding a Good Choice Near the Ocean?
Vinyl siding is still popular for homeowners across the Grand Strand, especially for vacation homes, rental properties, or more budget-friendly builds.
The pros:
Low maintenance (no painting required)
Easy to clean and available in many colors
But keep in mind:
Vinyl may crack or warp over time in direct sunlight
It’s less durable in strong winds or storms
Salt air can wear down cheaper panels more quickly
It’s not a bad option, just one that may need more frequent attention in a coastal setting like Myrtle Beach.
How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Myrtle Beach Home
Fiber cement siding is often the better investment if you’re close to the water, live here full-time, or plan to stay in your home for the long haul. It’s engineered for performance, holds up against the elements, and can increase your home’s value and durability.
If you’re focused on keeping upfront costs low or maintaining a property with fewer long-term commitments, vinyl siding could still be a solid option—just be prepared for eventual replacements or repairs.
Either way, the key is choosing materials rated for coastal climates and working with a team that knows how to install them correctly.
Get Coastal-Ready with Expert Help
At Contract Exteriors, we’ve been helping Myrtle Beach homeowners protect their homes for years. From James Hardie Elite installations to vinyl siding options, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons based on your location, your goals, and your home’s unique needs.
Let’s ensure your siding works with the coastal climate, not against it. Schedule your appointment today and get personalized recommendations from a team that lives and works in the Myrtle Beach area.
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Brooks was my contractor on the project. He was awesome! He was there with me every step of the way! Eugenia was very helpful in the office and assisted me in getting the HOA approval. Jason explained the warranty process and even brought me a cake!
Everyone we came in contact with was very cooperative and easy to work with. It was a pleasant experience from the first online chat. They listened to us and helped solve any issues we were concerned about
Wow, this company goes above and beyond. From the very first reach out to the very last interaction once the job was completed. Everything was done first class. The quality of work, the constant communication and level of service was like nothing I’ve ever experienced with any contractor. I priced out a couple different contractors compared to contractor exteriors and I will tell you I would have paid more just to have this experience with them. I had Jonathan as my project manager and he was exceptional.
Very happy with our new Timbetech front porch deck and steps with AZEK facia and risers. Everyone at CE was responsive and very professional explaining every step in detail! We have several homeowners in our community who have already asked for contact info info. Jonathan is a very good project manager and ensured we were satisfied with the quality, cleanliness, and appearance of our new front porch! Thank you!
In choosing a company to replace our deck, we researched and decided to use Contract Exteriors. We definitely made the right choice. We are very pleased with the results. Special thanks to Brooks, our Project Manager, who kept us updated and informed everyday.
Contract Exteriors did a great job for me. The entire group was very responsive, and my deck project turned out fantastic. My project, as all projects, had some surprises that were handled professionally and promptly. Randy, Brooks, and the office staff were great throughout the process. They proactively kept me informed on the status of the project. I never had to call twice to get a question answered or ask for an accommodation.
We couldn't be happier with contract exteriors and the job they did. Our beach house looks brand new with the new Hardie board and white trim. EVERYONE was friendly, well mannered, professional, and was always ready to answer any questions that we had. Miguel and his crew did an excellent job. Brooks the project manager was wonderful, and also Chad who helped us from the very beginning, also the girls in the office. We would not hesitate to use them again.
This company did an amazing job on my siding project. From start to finish they were very professional, helpful, and on time. Eugenia clearly communicated the whole process to me before they even started the project and Brooks was always available to answer my questions. He even came and ensured the cleanup was perfect and finished up the exterior lighting. Even after the project was finished this company ensured communicated to ensure everything was perfect. Super pleased. Thank you!
Everything about this group was extremely professional. Renovations can be challenging but they carefully made sure that their products and our original structures fit together seamlessly. We are truly looking forward to our new elegant deck that will be essentially maintenance free for many, many years. We will definitely use this company for future projects.
Matt Kuzdrall made our whole experience of purchasing two new roofs for our buildings at the Children's Recovery Center so easy. Matt was professional and had all the answers to any questions we had. He has followed up since our new roofs have been installed to make sure everything is still great. Matt is awesome and I would recommend him to anyone I know looking for a new roof.
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