Hi community, what siding types are best for mold prevention in snowy conditions with hot dry summers? We're going to be replacing just a section of the siding of a house (the lower horizontal section) -- the mostly-above-ground basement was just fully remediated by a professional remediation company (which ended up involving removing all the drywall, insulation, and, because there was mold between the tar paper and siding, the tar paper was removed from inside and they removed the mold from the siding interior. We’re going to replace the tar paper with Tyvek, but from the outside of course, and then put rainscreen and siding. I'm trying to decide between cedar, fiber-cement, and a PET-based T&G plastic-wood composite with a built-in rain screen. We have dry summers, and alternating snow and rain in the winter, and unfortunately the roof drops snow there (we can't afford to increase the overhang on the roof, it's an existing 1960 house). Which of those three types of siding is best for those conditions? (I realize it's not just siding, and we are going to address drainage etc. so this is a general question about the types of siding best for avoiding mold in situations where snow will sometimes drop off the roof and be in contact with the siding). Thanks!

Update: we're now also considering metal.

More details: We just had mold remediation on a walk-out basement laundry room in a 1960 Northern California mountain cabin, and all the mold was successfully eliminated (all the drywall, insulation, and tar paper was removed, and the back of the siding was sanded as mold had extended all the way there). We’ll need to replace the siding and WRB on that section from the outside, in a way that doesn't make the problem recur. The mold inspector recommended that to avoid the issue, that there be no wood between the siding and insulation, and that if we are to install insulation it can only be outside the studs/sheathing.
That room is mostly above-ground (at least the top 5 feet of it are). That basement room is unheated, and there’s snow that falls off the roof near that wall. We plan to insulate the subfloor i.e. ceiling (he said that was fine), and put insulation on the pipes (the waterheater and laundry is in that room). Although unheated, there are some items there that naturally produce heat, including the water heater, laundry machines, and dehumidifier (we’re leaning towards a desiccant dehumidifier since the room is unheated, to prevent pipes from freezing).
Which insulation foam board product (if any) is best for the following, and is this assembly one that minimizes the risk of mold (in addition to a french drain to lead water away from there).
Inside the studs: nothing
Outside the studs: ACX or CDX plywood sheathing, then tyvek (seams taped), then continuous rigid foam insulation (seams taped), rainscreen, then siding (leaning towards metal or fibercement rather than wood, due to the fact that the roof dumps snow at the base of this siding).
The challenge is the mold inspector said to avoid wood on the outside of the insulation, but many sidings require furring strips (to create a rainscreen). If we install Mortair Vent Rain Screen between the rigid foam insulation, and the siding (metal with ridges vertical, or fiber-cement) would we not need the furring strips for a rain screen / air gap?
What types of water resistant sidings can be screwed through foamboard into the sheathing/studs, rather than requiring furring on top of the insulation (the mold remediation inspector said avoid any wood between the siding and insulation).
Also, we're leave it unfinished inside, but for a cleanable surface, would it be ok to paint the inside-facing part of the wood sheathing? Or would that impede breathability?
Of course, these are all questions I’d ask the contractor but want to do some research first specifically about mold prevention. Thanks!

fiber-cement siding is the best choice because it’s highly resistant to moisture, mold, and temperature swings. Cedar ldoes ook great, it’s more vulnerable without constant maintenance, and plastic-wood composites can trap heat and moisture if not perfectly installed.

For mold prevention in a snowy California climate with hot, dry summers, opt for siding materials like fiber cement or vinyl, which resist moisture and withstand temperature swings. Since you're replacing the lower horizontal section of a house with a remediated basement, ensure proper ventilation and a weather-resistant barrier behind the siding to prevent future mold growth. Cedar or treated wood can work too, but they need regular sealing. Consult a local contractor familiar with your area’s conditions for the best fit and long-term durability.