House Siding Through the Decades: Materials and Styles of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s

Introduction: Understanding Mid-Century Siding Choices

The period between 1950 and 1980 produced some of the most diverse siding materials ever used on North American homes. Each decade responded to different economic pressures, manufacturing capabilities, and design tastes. The post-World War II housing boom demanded affordable, mass-producible siding that could be installed quickly on thousands of nearly identical starter homes. Later decades introduced new synthetic materials, while the 1970s brought a shift toward natural aesthetics alongside the first wave of low-maintenance vinyl products. For homeowners restoring a mid-century home today, identifying the original siding material and understanding its characteristics is the first step toward an appropriate renovation. A solid grasp of the fundamentals in installing vinyl siding and other modern materials helps when deciding whether to repair, replace, or update the original cladding.

1950s Siding: Post-War Innovation and Material Diversity

The 1950s featured the greatest variety of siding materials of any decade in the 20th century. Builders had to construct millions of homes quickly and cheaply for returning service members and their families. The result was a mix of traditional materials and experimental new products, many developed during the war and repurposed for housing afterward. The typical 1950s starter home was a small bungalow or ranch under 1,000 square feet, and the siding choice often reflected the lowest-cost option available locally.

Cedar Shakes, Asphalt Shingles, and Wood Siding

Cedar shakes were widely used in the 1950s, particularly in regions where the material was locally available. These rough-cut shingles were applied in overlapping layers, both vertically and horizontally, with each layer covering the one below to shed water. The look conveyed a classic New England or cottage aesthetic that appealed to homebuyers seeking traditional character. Faux cedar shakes appeared as a lower-cost alternative, made from asphalt-impregnated felt or pressed wood fibers formed to resemble real cedar. While cheaper upfront, faux cedar proved difficult to repair when storms damaged individual pieces, often requiring whole sections to be stripped and replaced. Asphalt shingles designed specifically for siding were another 1950s innovation, offering a lightweight, inexpensive option that could be nailed directly over sheathing. These shingles typically had a textured surface and came in muted earth tones popular at the time. The primary weakness of asphalt siding was its relatively short lifespan of 20 to 30 years, which means it has often been covered or replaced by later owners. Homeowners dealing with siding damage from wildlife should review methods for preventing woodpecker damage to house siding, as mid-century cedar and wood sidings are especially vulnerable.

Permastone, Lustron, and Asbestos Siding

Three distinctive siding products emerged in the 1950s that homeowners still encounter today. Permastone, also known as Formstone, was a faux stone veneer developed in 1937 but not widely adopted until the 1950s and 1960s. It came in large sheets that were fastened to the wall as a thin veneer, then finished to resemble natural stone. Many homeowners mistake Permastone for real stone because the texture and color variation were convincing. The material is extremely durable and many examples remain in excellent condition 70 years later. Lustron siding offered a completely different aesthetic: porcelain-enameled steel panels produced in a range of pastel colors, including pink, green, and yellow. Lustron homes were sold as kits and erected on site, with the steel panels forming both the interior walls and exterior siding. Fewer than 3,000 Lustron homes were built before the company folded, making intact examples rare and sought after by preservationists. Asbestos-cement siding shingles were another common 1950s product, valued for their fire resistance, durability, and low cost. They contained 10 to 15 percent asbestos fibers bound in Portland cement. The material poses no health risk if left undisturbed and painted, but removal requires professional abatement in most jurisdictions due to airborne fiber risks. The diverse array of 1950s siding reflects the era’s willingness to experiment with new materials. For homeowners and designers looking at ranch-style homes from this period, one-story ranch house siding ideas offer useful renovation inspiration that respects the original architectural character.

1960s Siding: The Shift Toward Synthetic Materials

The 1960s saw the decline of many 1950s experimental sidings and the rise of three dominant materials: aluminum siding, hardboard siding, and improved wood products. The economy was strong, suburban expansion continued at a rapid pace, and manufacturers invested in siding products that promised lower maintenance than traditional wood. The 1960s also marked the beginning of the do-it-yourself home improvement movement, with siding products designed for easier installation by homeowners rather than specialized tradespeople.

Aluminum Siding: The Low-Maintenance Promise

Aluminum siding became the premier siding material of the 1960s. Manufacturers promoted it as a maintenance-free alternative to wood that would never rot, warp, or require painting. Early aluminum siding was roll-formed on site and installed in horizontal lap profiles that mimicked traditional clapboard. It was available in a range of factory-applied baked enamel colors. The material’s popularity stemmed from real advantages: it did not rot, resisted insect damage, and required only occasional washing. However, early aluminum siding had significant drawbacks. The baked enamel finish was prone to chalking, fading, and scratching. Dents from hail, ladders, and lawn equipment were permanent and difficult to repair. The material conducted heat and cold, causing condensation issues in some climates. And the color, once faded, could not be successfully repainted with standard house paint. Despite these issues, aluminum siding remained popular into the early 1970s and is still found on millions of American homes.

Hardboard Siding and Its Reputation Problems

Hardboard siding, sold under brand names like Masonite, consisted of wood fibers compressed with resin into sheets or planks, then primed and painted. It was inexpensive, easy to install, and took paint well. In the 1960s and 1970s, hardboard became one of the most widely used siding materials in new construction. Unfortunately, early formulations were susceptible to moisture damage. When water penetrated the factory-primed surface through unsealed edges, nail holes, or cracks, the hardboard absorbed moisture and swelled, causing the siding to blister, delaminate, and rot from the inside out. A major class-action lawsuit in the 1990s resulted in billions of dollars in settlements from manufacturers, but the damage to countless homes was already done. Exterior siding installation for long-lasting results hinges on proper flashing, sealing, and ventilation practices that 1960s builders did not always follow.

1970s Siding: Wood, Aluminum, and the Emergence of Vinyl

The 1970s were a transitional decade for siding. Wood siding in the form of cedar shingles, redwood, and pine boards remained popular for higher-end homes. Aluminum siding continued to dominate the mid-range market. But the most significant development of the decade was the introduction of vinyl siding as a commercially viable product. Initial vinyl formulations from the early 1970s had problems with brittleness in cold weather and excessive expansion in heat, causing buckling and cracking. By the late 1970s, improved formulations with UV stabilizers and impact modifiers had largely resolved these issues. Vinyl siding installation techniques also matured during this period. Builders learned that vinyl needed to be hung loosely, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction, and that nailing too tight was a primary cause of buckling. The solo clapboard siding installation methods developed by contractors during this era, including specialized hangers and alignment tools, laid the groundwork for the techniques still used today.

Installation Techniques That Varied by Decade

The installation methods used for mid-century siding tell a story of changing construction practices. In the 1950s, siding was typically installed over solid wood sheathing using galvanized nails, with building paper providing a weather-resistant barrier. The nailing patterns were not always consistent, and flashing details at windows and corners were often skimped to save time. The 1960s introduced pneumatic nailers that sped installation but sometimes led to over-driving and cracked siding. Aluminum siding installers in the 1960s used specialized tools for cutting and forming the material, including locking tongs and rivet tools that were unique to the trade. The 1970s brought improved moisture management, with builders beginning to understand the importance of ventilated air gaps behind siding. The evolution toward cedar shake and shingle siding techniques during this period emphasized proper overlap, flashing at all penetrations, and adequate ventilation behind the cladding.

Flashing and Weatherproofing Standards

One area where all three decades fell short is flashing details. Mid-century homes often lack proper flashing at window heads, door openings, and wall-to-roof intersections. Builders relied on caulking and paint to seal these joints, both of which fail over time. When homeowners today strip old siding from a 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s home, they frequently find evidence of water infiltration at these unflashed locations. Adding proper step flashing, head flashing, and sill pan flashing during siding replacement is one of the most valuable improvements possible. The investment in proper flashing during a re-siding project protects the structure for decades and prevents the rot and damage that eventually afflicts many mid-century homes lacking these details.

Preservation, Restoration, or Replacement

Homeowners confronting mid-century siding face three basic approaches. Preservation involves maintaining the original siding through careful repair, painting, and spot replacement of damaged pieces. This approach retains the historic character and material authenticity of the home but requires ongoing maintenance and may not address underlying moisture management problems. Restoration returns the siding to its original condition by replacing deteriorated sections with matching materials and correcting installation deficiencies. This is often the most expensive option because matching vintage materials can be difficult or impossible. Replacement strips the old siding and installs new cladding, typically modern vinyl, engineered wood, or fiber cement. This approach allows for updated insulation, proper flashing, and improved weather resistance, but alters the appearance and material authenticity of the home.

Each approach has a place depending on the home’s architectural significance, the homeowner’s budget, and local preservation regulations. For homeowners considering a facade upgrade that respects the home’s mid-century roots, transforming a plain house facade with porch and siding upgrades shows how thoughtful design choices can modernize a home’s exterior while preserving its essential character. The most successful renovations honor the original design intent of the mid-century house while bringing building science and material durability up to current standards.