Siding is much more important on the OBX than most other areas... why? Because it doesn't rain straight down here very often, so it pays to think of the siding as performing the same function as a roof - it MUST be designed and installed in such a way to channel water away from the vulnerable openings and structural elements of the home.
I'm going to list the different types of siding, and their relative advantages and problems, but first, let's talk about what's under the siding - the "vapor barrier" or "house wrap". Siding can and will fail, so it's VERY important to have an waterproof material underneath, and there is only one proven material for this purpose on the OBX - saturated felt paper, more commonly known as "tar paper". Some builders try to use Tyvek or Typar plastic house wraps - and this tends to be a very bad idea. Both of those materials will allow moisture to penetrate through to the sheathing, and I've seen homes that needed all the framing and sheathing on an entire side replaced due to rot.
Tar paper is MUCH more water resistant, and has stood the test of time on countless oceanfront homes taking the full beating from mother natures storms. It seems to allow the sheathing to dry out better too when water does make it in through a crack or knot hole somewhere when compared to plastic house wraps.
Ok, on to some common siding materials, and the good and bad points of each one:
Vinyl Siding - It's quick and easy to install, and doesn't need paint. However, it's also the first to come off in a windstorm, and it's color will fade over time with sun exposure. The fake shingle is generally the best type, as it's heavier and less prone to tearing off in high winds. Vinyl tends to "hang" on the house rather than be attached securely to it, as the nails must not be nailed tight to the siding to allow for expansion during hot weather.
Textured Plywood Siding (T-111, etc) - Cheap and easy to install, you'll find this on many older homes. It must be kept painted though, as it will break down over time with sun exposure, to the point it will erode off the walls.
Wood Lap Siding - Commonly found on older homes, it generally performs well if kept painted and caulked. However, the quality of the wood has dropped while the price has increased, so you will rarely find it on newer homes. Keep an eye on knots, cracks, and splits that might let water penetrate.
Cedar Shake Siding - My personal favorite, and a traditional choice on the OBX. It can be painted, but it generally works well without paint if it's the red cedar variety. Some oils can prolong the shingle life, especially where exposed to strong sun. It's the most waterproof of the wood sidings, as there is a triple layer of wood at each point - the shingles are 18" long, but only 6" is exposed, so you have a bit of redundancy should one shingle crack or split, plus the nails in each shingle are protected from the elements so they don't rust.
HardiPlank Siding - This is a material made from concrete and wood fibers, and is generally found as Lap Siding, though it can be used in sheet or shingle form too. It must be painted, but the paint will last much, much longer than paint will on wood. Care must be taken to use stainless steel nails or rust streaks will mar the home eventually - "Blind Nailing" will help with this, but the end of each board will still require a face nail or two. HardiPlank has the potential to be the longest lasting and lowest maintenance of any of the siding types generally used - it's only been in widespread use for 15 years or so, but with no failures I know of, and many homes still have the original paint.
