Vinyl Siding: Pros and Cons
Whether replacing your existing siding or building a new home, selecting exterior siding is no small task. Without high-quality siding, your home will be vulnerable to damage from the outside elements, so you must do your research on the materials available to you.
To help you get your research process started, below, the siding contractors at Eastern Roofing & Siding discuss the pros and cons of installing vinyl cladding on your home.
Vinyl Siding-Pros
Vinyl siding became increasingly popular in the mid-20th century and skyrocketed into the most-used siding in North America. Let’s look at all the reasons why!
No Paint Necessary
Unlike most other siding materials, vinyl does not need painting after the siding installation is complete. Vinyl’s coloring is baked into the material during the manufacturing process, which means you’ll never need to repaint it for as long as it remains. Even better, the color is entirely homogeneous, so there’s no variance in hue from slat to slat.
High Cost-to-Benefit Ratio
Whether you’re on a budget or looking to get the most value for your money, vinyl siding delivers. Few siding materials are as inexpensive as vinyl, and because the material has a relatively long lifespan, you’ll get substantial longevity in return for a small investment.
Low Maintenance
Though vinyl siding can be manufactured to mimic classic wood siding, vinyl needs just a fraction of the maintenance that wood requires. Because vinyl’s surface is slippery, it doesn’t collect dirt and grime the way wood siding does, and a quick spray with a garden hose is all that’s necessary to clean it.
Even better, vinyl siding, unlike wood, is impervious to rot, warping, and insects, which can dramatically reduce the need for siding repair.
Ease of Installation
Vinyl siding is a lightweight material designed for a simple installation. The slates on vinyl siding make for a quick pop into place and repeat. However, vinyl siding isn’t foolproof. The average homeowner may have trouble installing vinyl siding on their own and usually contact a trusted exterior contractor.
Highly Customizable
You have plenty of color options with vinyl siding since it’s pre-coated before shipment. You’ll be able to sift through hundreds of different color combinations and find the style that fits best for you and your home!
Vinyl Siding-Cons
Like every type of exterior material with the potential of installation in your home, there are a few drawbacks to vinyl siding.
Potential for Splitting and Fading
Dramatic temperature fluctuations can cause vinyl siding to spit or crack as it ages. Over time, sun exposure can also result in color fading, and unfortunately, painting typically isn’t a viable solution for reviving the color. If the siding is well-aged and faded, a new coat of paint will likely crack and peel quickly.
Low Return on Investment
Because vinyl is a low-cost siding option, it doesn’t add considerable value to your home. However, if you’re not planning to sell your property anytime soon, you probably don’t need to worry about the potential ROI of vinyl siding.
Vulnerability to Impact
Vinyl siding can withstand specific low-level impacts; however, it is not entirely impact-resistant. When objects hit vinyl siding with enough force, they can crack the material or put holes in it, and unfortunately, damaged vinyl cannot be repaired. Siding replacement is the only suitable option to remedy damaged vinyl cladding.
Shorter Lifespan
If you never want to replace siding in your life ever again, vinyl siding may not be for you. Vinyl siding lasts up to 25 years if properly maintained. More costly siding like metal or fiber cement lasts over half a century at times. However, if you're looking for an affordable siding that you already plan to replace in the future, vinyl siding is a great option.
Harmful to the Environment
Vinyl siding’s structure contains harmful chemicals to the environment when burned. Additionally, once the vinyl siding is uninstalled, it cannot be recycled, producing more waste in a landfill.
Need Siding Installation in the Twin Cities? Contact Eastern Roofing & Siding
If you’re in the market for siding installation, replacement, or repair, get in touch with our team at Eastern Roofing & Siding. We’ve proudly served homeowners throughout Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Inver Grove Heights, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years, and we’d love to get started on your project too!
To learn more about our services, request an estimate, or give us a call today at 651-238-1313!