Pros & Cons of Vinyl Siding

Upgrading your home’s siding is no small feat, nor is it a small cost. A little research into the world of siding will tell you there are quite a few material types to choose from and you’ll quickly find that vinyl is among the top sellers. vinyl siding that looks like wood

The Advantages of Vinyl Siding

Ever since vinyl siding made its debut, it has firmly held its position as one of the most widely selected materials for homes across the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide of the numerous benefits you can enjoy with new vinyl siding:

Budget Friendly

Your budget is likely the most important variable in choosing new siding. As you are probably already aware, there are several factors behind the overall cost of vinyl siding for your house. Labor costs in your area, the quality, brand, and type of vinyl, the size of your house, and the style of your home will all impact the final bill for your siding project. Vinyl has the lowest cost to install out of all other exterior cladding materials. Depending on where you live, the labor costs could be the biggest expense you’ll need to pin down so follow the rule of thumb of getting at least three quotes from different contractors.

No Paint, No Problem

The great thing about vinyl is what you see is what you get. The material you purchase from the beginning will be that color throughout the vinyl’s lifetime. Unlike wood siding, there’s no need to paint, so you can ditch the paintbrush and expensive paint you’d need to buy every couple years. Vinyl siding is manufactured so that the color is “baked-in”, meaning, the material has a unique coating that penetrates the siding through-and-through. Vinyl’s coloring cannot be scratched off, stripped, or suffer from abrasion or scuffing. Therefore, vinyl will never need painted. No longer will you need to spend hundreds on new paint, caulking, or hiring a painter to refinish your exterior siding.

Low Maintenance

You don’t need to paint vinyl and you don’t need to reapply caulking, patch, prime, or scrape the vinyl siding to maintain it. Vinyl is made to have a slick surface and tends to resist most debris, dirt, dust, and grime. It’s not impervious to dirt, however, and you will need to give your siding a good power wash every once in a while, but vinyl still is arguably requires the lowest maintenance out of all exterior cladding.

The Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding

There’s always another side to the coin and for vinyl, there are a few cons to consider before investing in this siding option. Vinyl isn’t so much a one-size-fits-all option and may not be the best choice for your climate or need.

Poor Performance in Certain Climates

Vinyl may not perform well in certain climates. Planks can often break, crack, or split under expansion and contraction, which is caused by temperature changes. For homeowners who reside in a climate that experiences drastic temperature swings, vinyl might not be the best option. Vinyl isn’t the strongest exterior cladding material, either. Hail, falling debris from trees, and high winds have been known to easily damage vinyl siding by puncturing holes in the planks or by ripping them off the house. Vinyl is designed to last 20 to 30 years, but its lifespan can be cut short if it’s installed in an area where the material is doomed to an ill performance. If you live in an area with serious storms, you might want to consider choosing a stronger, more resilient siding material.

Lower Resale Value

Although vinyl siding may be the right choice for you as the current homeowner, future potential homebuyers may not agree. Vinyl is inexpensive, which is why it’s so popular, but in the grand scheme of the housing market, it’s not an attractive feature compared to wood or something fancier like stone veneer. If your home is historical, vinyl siding can degrade this value (even if installing vinyl over original wood would protect the structure). If selling is on your mind, then you may want to consider another material or at least investigate neighborhood trends.

Damaged Siding Means Expensive Repairs

Vinyl’s design is a double-edged sword. It rarely requires maintenance and doesn’t need to be painted or patch, however, if the vinyl is damaged, the entire plank needs to be replaced because of this design. Although it is entirely possible to replace a single plank of vinyl siding, it’s advisable that you have a professional contractor do the job. Incorrect installation can mean issues down the road. If a vinyl plank isn’t installed right, you could be opening your home’s exterior up to moisture exposure. At Feldco, we offer high-end vinyl siding made up of a full thermal support system that includes quality insulation and energy efficiency. Additionally, the superior appearance of vinyl siding with traditional and architectural colors will drastically improve the curb appeal of your home. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today.