7 Vinyl Siding Styles to Transform Your Home’s Exterior: A Calgary Homeowner’s Guide
Your home’s exterior says a lot about you — and in a city like Calgary, where curb appeal meets climate durability, choosing the right siding matters more than ever. Vinyl siding continues to be one of the most popular choices for Calgary homeowners thanks to its affordability, weather resistance, and wide variety of styles.
Whether you’re renovating for resale or just looking to refresh your home’s exterior, here are seven vinyl siding styles that can dramatically upgrade your home’s look — while standing up to Calgary’s ever-changing weather.
Why Vinyl Siding Works for Calgary Homes
Before diving into styles, it’s worth noting why vinyl is such a smart choice for Calgary homeowners:
- Durability: Withstands extreme cold, snow, and intense UV exposure.
- Low Maintenance: No painting or staining required.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a great look at a fraction of the price of wood or fiber cement.
- Weather Resistant: Resists cracking in winter and fading in summer.
Now, let’s explore the top vinyl siding styles and how they can transform your home’s exterior.
1. Traditional Lap Siding
Overview:
This is the classic horizontal style most people imagine when they think of vinyl siding. It’s clean, timeless, and works well with almost any architectural design.
Best for:
Colonial, ranch-style, and suburban homes.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
Its simplicity and ease of installation make it cost-effective, and it performs well in high-wind zones.
2. Dutch Lap Siding
Overview:
Similar to traditional lap siding, but with a subtle groove at the top of each board. This creates more shadow and depth for added visual interest.
Best for:
Traditional and craftsman homes.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
It gives the illusion of thicker, hand-cut wood while maintaining the low maintenance benefits of vinyl.
3. Board and Batten
Overview:
A vertical style that alternates wide boards with narrower strips (battens) over the seams. It’s increasingly popular for modern farmhouse designs.
Best for:
Rustic homes, cottages, and bold contemporary styles.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
It stands out among a sea of horizontal siding and adds height to smaller homes.
4. Shake and Shingle Siding
Overview:
Mimics the look of cedar shakes or shingles, with a textured finish that brings warmth and detail.
Best for:
Cape Cod, cottage-style, and lakefront homes.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
Perfect for accent walls or gables, especially in areas like Canmore-style neighborhoods or near the foothills.
5. Scalloped Siding
Overview:
Features a curved edge on each panel, giving a soft, rounded appearance often seen on historic or Victorian homes.
Best for:
Decorative touches on gables, dormers, or accent walls.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
It adds a charming, custom-crafted look without the upkeep of wood.
6. Vertical Siding
Overview:
Unlike board and batten, this is a smoother vertical option with cleaner lines, often used in modern designs.
Best for:
Contemporary or commercial-style homes.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
Creates a bold, architectural look — especially popular in newer infill projects in inner-city neighborhoods.
7. Insulated Vinyl Siding
Overview:
Comes with a layer of rigid foam insulation behind the panel, improving energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Best for:
Energy-conscious homeowners, older homes needing added insulation.
Why Calgary homeowners love it:
The insulation helps reduce heating costs in the winter and improves overall comfort during Calgary’s long cold seasons.
Tips for Choosing the Right Style
- Consider your home’s architecture: Match the siding style to your house’s design era and structure.
- Use a mix of styles: Combining lap with shake siding or board and batten adds visual depth.
- Think long-term: Choose colors and textures that will stand the test of time — and Calgary’s unpredictable weather.
- Ask about wind ratings: In a city known for its chinooks and windstorms, choose siding rated for high-wind areas.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your home’s exterior with vinyl siding is one of the smartest investments you can make — especially in Calgary, where looks and resilience go hand-in-hand. From timeless lap siding to eye-catching shakes, there’s a vinyl style to match every home and every personality.
Before you decide, consult with a local siding expert to explore samples, compare durability, and ensure proper installation that stands up to Calgary’s climate.