Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners who want to improve the look of their home without painting. While vinyl is relatively inexpensive and durable, there are some pros and cons when it comes to choosing vinyl for your home. There are many factors to consider when looking to install vinyl siding.
Installing vinyl siding in your home has several benefits. Vinyl siding is durable, long-lasting, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. Vinyl comes in a variety of grains, thicknesses, and colors, making it a practical choice for many homeowners.
Vinyl Siding Benefits
Durability: One of the main reasons homeowners want to install vinyl siding is because it is durable and long lasting. Most vinyl siding companies offer siding that should last a long time.
Vinyl siding can withstand most weather conditions without worry of severe damage. Newer vinyl is even stronger than older versions and is less likely to crack and become brittle. Additionally, vinyl siding can withstand years of sunlight without fading.
Maintenance: Vinyl siding is easy to maintain. There is no need to paint the siding and it will never fade from the elements. The only regular maintenance vinyl siding needs is to spray wash it once or twice a year.
Vinyl siding looks new year after year. If moisture becomes a problem, you will need to re-caulk the joints between the siding and the trim.
Economic: In the long run, vinyl siding can be profitable. Siding is much cheaper than repainting and rewooding a home. The initial cost of vinyl siding will vary depending on the size of the home and the quality of the siding.
Vinyl siding comes in many grains and thicknesses that will affect the overall cost. Some also believe that vinyl siding can help lower energy bills by serving as an extra layer of insulation.
Appearance: Vinyl siding comes in many grains and colors to suit most homes. The good news about newer liners is that the color is baked through the vinyl instead of being applied.
This means that the color stays true over a long period of time and will not show scratches or small blemishes.
While vinyl siding is becoming more popular, there are many misconceptions about siding. Some of those misconceptions are that the siding is indestructible and requires no maintenance. This is not always true. There are a few precautions to keep in mind before choosing vinyl siding.
Cons:
Severe Weather Conditions: While it is true that most vinyl siding can withstand most weather conditions, some siding can be damaged in very severe weather conditions. It can often be less durable than wood in extreme weather conditions.
Very strong and violent winds can penetrate under the siding and lift the wall panels. Windblown debris can puncture the liner.
It is also important to remember that when vinyl siding is damaged, the entire panel will need to be replaced.
Moisture Trap: While vinyl siding requires little maintenance to keep it looking new, it can trap moisture. When moisture is trapped under siding panels, it can rot and cause mold and mildew to grow. This can become a breeding ground for insects. Also, if moisture is left untreated, moisture can seep into the interior of the home and cause damp walls.
Cost: While vinyl siding can be cost-effective over a long period of time, it may not cut energy bills substantially. The siding is backed with Styrofoam, but even with the thicker varieties, it doesn’t sufficiently insulate a wall.
Damage control: Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, however if a panel becomes damaged it can be difficult to match the color. Some fading could occur with cheaper siding after only five years. This could be a real problem if the colors don’t match.
Whether you choose vinyl siding for its appearance or durability, it’s always important to research vinyl siding before putting it on your home. Siding can be beneficial to homeowners looking for a long-lasting, yet maintenance-free way to enhance their home. Also, if you live in an area that has a neighborhood association, it’s always a good idea to check to see if vinyl siding is allowed.