When you are updating your siding, you have a lot of different options to choose from. Vinyl siding has long been a popular option for a reason. But what is vinyl siding and how does this benefit your home?
Vinyl siding is primarily made from PVC and is used to wrap around the home. This siding is used for both weatherproofing and to add aesthetic appeal to the home. Due to the materials used and the construction of the vinyl siding, this is a durable choice that is resistant to the weather and is less likely to fade in the sunlight.
By reading on, you can learn about the most popular options to consider, as well as everything that you need to know about vinyl siding. This will help you decide whether or not vinyl siding is the best choice for your siding upgrade.
Is Vinyl Siding Better Than Wood?
Wood siding and vinyl siding are both options that homeowners consider when getting siding. This section will take a closer look at some of the differences between wood and vinyl siding.
Difference in Appearance
Wood siding has this elegant and incredible look to it, which is one reason why homeowners consider this option. There are different types of wood that you can choose from, which can vary in the sizes of planks and the different styles that you can choose from. If the paint fades, you can more easily repaint the wood siding.
However, vinyl siding does offer various customization options that you won’t necessarily get with wood siding. This is a durable option that can last for a long time, but if the vinyl fades you won’t have the option of repainting it.
Difference in Durability
Durability is another area where there is a major difference to consider. Wood siding is relatively durable, but it can be more vulnerable to weather conditions. This can mean that you will need to go through a process of stripping, sanding, and repainting the wood siding every couple of years. Wood is also more vulnerable to insect infestations, which can impact its durability.
This is where vinyl siding shines. This is an incredibly durable siding option, which doesn’t rot, warp, or anything else as a result of the weather. It can withstand most things and can last for sometimes over 40 years with proper maintenance and cleaning.
Difference in Energy Efficiency
These days, people are concerned about energy efficiency so it’s important to select the right siding. Wood siding does decently well with insulation, which helps with energy efficiency. The problem is that it can expand and contract with different weather, which means it doesn’t keep that tight seal for proper efficiency.
As previously mentioned, vinyl siding doesn’t warp or get altered by weather patterns, so it won’t leave your insulation as vulnerable. Adding a foam layer between the siding in your house can further improve energy efficiency.
Differences in Cost/Maintenance
Lastly, you need to look at the differences in cost/maintenance. Wood materials can get increasingly expensive with the higher quality materials. You should also factor in that this is a high-maintenance material that can be costly to maintain as well. It also doesn’t last as long as vinyl, meaning you need to cost out repairs or new siding.
Vinyl siding is far cheaper than wood. Even if you get the highest quality vinyl possible, it is still cheaper than most wood options. It’s also easier to maintain, only really requiring cleaning. You can buy a pressure washer to take care of this yourself, or you can hire someone to clean your siding regularly.
What is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding has been around since the 1950s, where it became an alternative to the traditionally used aluminum siding. However, the technology of the early types of vinyl siding has greatly improved and it has become a popular choice for siding.
Primarily created from PVC resin, these materials are made specifically so that they don’t fade due to the weather or sunlight. Today’s vinyl siding comes in a variety of different styles, colors, and designs that you can choose from. Many options mimic different siding types to give you the look of the other siding with the benefits of vinyl siding.
How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?
Typically, vinyl siding can last between 20 and 40 years, though it can sometimes last even longer than 40 years. There are a few reasons why vinyl siding can last this long. For one thing, it is resistant to the elements, which means that it doesn’t require as much maintenance. These are made to not have the color fade due to the sun. You just need to wash the siding once or twice a year.
It also isn’t susceptible to issues like insects, rotting, or warping. Insects can eat away at some siding types, which can cause moisture to get underneath, leading to issues like mold or rot.
Vinyl is a durable option that will last you for years to come.
What are the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?
There are plenty of benefits that you can get from choosing vinyl siding. This section discusses the top benefits of having vinyl siding.
Do Not Require Painting
Many other materials that are used for siding often require repainting, whether it’s because the paint has faded or chipped. Vinyl siding has its color “baked-in”, which means that many of these issues don’t affect the siding. You won’t have to worry about repainting your vinyl siding, and all of the headaches and costs associated with that task.
Cost-Effective
This is also the most cost-effective siding option. Vinyl siding is one of the least expensive options for siding materials. This will not only be the cheapest siding option, but the costs associated with maintenance is also cheaper. Aside from cleaning the siding, you don’t need to do much to maintain the siding. The only costs really associated with the maintenance is purchasing the supplies to clean the siding or hiring a professional to take care of this task for you.
Low Maintenance
Homeowners have a lot that they have to deal with when it comes to the maintenance of their home. They don’t need any more on their plate. This is why a low-maintenance siding option like vinyl can be a great decision for your home.
Durability
Vinyl siding is among the most durable of the siding options. This is especially true when you compare it to options like wood. Vinyl siding can last you for decades before it needs to be replaced, especially when you invest in quality siding and a reputable contractor to install the siding for you. If you want siding that you can count on for as long as you’re in your home, vinyl siding can be the best choice.
Versatility
These days, vinyl siding comes in so many options that you can select something that really works for your design ideas for your home. For instance, maybe you like the look of wood shaker siding, but want the durability of vinyl siding. You can get both with vinyl siding.
Energy Efficiency
Energy costs are always seemingly on the rise. Getting proper insulation from your siding can help with the energy efficiency of your home. Vinyl siding offers the best protection for your insulation and prevents issues like mold and rot, which can impact how efficient your home is.
Conclusion
As you can see, vinyl siding is a clear choice when you are selecting siding materials for your home. This is the low-cost option that offers durability, versatility, and little maintenance so that you can spend more time focusing on enjoying your home. When you talk to your contractor, they can help you decide on the right vinyl siding for your home.
