Vinyl Vs Wood Siding: Which is Better for Your Home?

Homeowners replacing their siding typically struggle between two material options: vinyl vs wood siding. Wood siding has been around for ages and was the go-to for house siding up until the last couple of decades. There’s a reason vinyl siding has become increasingly more popular and is the choice more and more homeowners lean towards each day. Learn more about why the vinyl siding market is skyrocketing while wood siding continues to become less and less considered.

Siding Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider with vinyl vs wood siding.  While many homeowners are quick to look at appearance and costs right off the bat, it’s important to consider durability, energy efficiency and ease of maintenance when making your choice as well.

Energy Efficiency

Though wood siding is a decent insulator, vinyl takes the cake when it comes to keeping your home properly insulated. Since wood is a natural material, it expands and contracts as the temperature changes. As a result, it’s almost impossible to have tight-sealed wood siding.

Vinyl siding takes the lead because it doesn’t warp as the seasons change and moisture cannot seep into the panels. Not only that, but you can add more insulation to your vinyl siding by opting for a layer of foam between the siding and the walls of your home.

The foam will increase the siding’s insulating ability, also known as the R-value, by acting as a blanket covering your entire home. No doubt insulated vinyl siding will keep your home warm during the winter, but it also helps keep you cool in summer by keeping the sun’s rays from infiltrating your home.

As a result of properly insulated siding, you’ll be using less energy to heat and cool your home. With less energy consumed, the lower your energy bills will be over the long run.

Appearance

It’s no secret that real wood siding has a beautiful appearance. Its traditional, regal look is one of the top reasons homeowners consider wood siding in the first place. Depending on the type of wood, it can come in a variety of styles, enough to fit the design needs of any home.

However, vinyl siding offers more freedom when it comes to customization. No other material offers as big of a style and color range. From all of the design combinations you can create with your vinyl siding, it is the perfect choice to fit the look of any home.

Don’t think you have to compromise the look of wood when going with vinyl either. Homeowners have the option of a grain-finished surface that looks and feels like real wood.

Durability

As mentioned, vinyl will not expand or contract as the weather changes, ensuring your home is tightly sealed. In addition, it will not rot, crack or warp when faced with any weather or temperature extremes. This makes vinyl siding extremely durable and perfect for any climate.

Another downside of wood is that it is more likely to experience an insect infestation. Termites are the most common and destructive of the pests that homeowners must be aware of to protect their homes.

A long-term termite infestation can do great damage not only to the exterior of the home, but its structure as well. Homeowners also have to look out for certain ants and beetles that love to eat wood.

Maintenance

This is where vinyl siding really stands out against wood. When your wood siding is installed on a home, it needs to be treated and painted immediately. On the other hand, vinyl doesn’t require any additional work before or after installation. It comes treated with the color of your choosing and looks great as soon as its installed on your home.

In addition to immediate maintenance on your wood siding, it must be regularly maintained over time. This means that it must be painted or stained every few years which can be costly in terms of both time and money. Without regular maintenance wood can rot, warp or twist, potentially causing damage to the home’s structure.  Not only is maintaining the wood pricey, but repairing such damage can be even more costly.

Vinyl siding, on the other hand, needs nothing more than a cleaning with your garden hose, soapy water and a rag to retain its look.

Cost

Real wood siding does vary in cost depending on the type of wood you choose. The better quality wood the higher price tag attached to it. Vinyl is a relatively inexpensive material, but much like wood, the quality of vinyl you go for affects the price you will pay.

What’s important when taking into consideration the costs of vinyl and wood siding are the maintenance costs that can accrue after installation is completed.

Since wood can warp and rot when not properly cared for, its maintenance is quite frequent and therefore can cost quite a bit. This is especially true when treating termite and pest infested wood.

With vinyl, you’ll save money over the years as it needs no additional painting and staining. Additionally, it’s very low-maintenance therefore no need to spend extra money on maintaining its original look. Insulated vinyl siding will also save you on energy bills due to the excellent amount of energy efficiency it provides your home.

In Vinyl Vs Wood Siding, The Clear Choice

In the battle of vinyl vs wood siding, it’s no doubt vinyl siding is the way to go if you’re looking at everything from good looks to cost efficiency. Not only is it inexpensive, durable and low-maintenance, but it can be customized to fit the style and design needs of any home. You are sure to enjoy the benefits of your vinyl siding for years to come.