Over the years, vinyl siding has gotten a bad rap. Homeowners think they need to invest in more expensive, high-maintenance siding options, such as brick, fiber cement, or wood in order to avoid a cookie-cutter appearance or prevent damage from the elements. But the truth is that vinyl siding is affordable, durable and comes in various shapes, colors and textures. Take a look below at four major misconceptions about vinyl siding and the truth about its benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, vinyl siding comes in many different forms, textures and colors to help you achieve any look you desire for your home. Vinyl siding does not limit you to the standard horizontal clapboard. You can choose from Dutchlap, shakes, scallops and fish scales to create a unique look. You also have a wide range of color options, from neutrals to brilliant jewel tones to wood grain. Vinyl siding can create a more traditional look for your home without the maintenance that comes with wood or stucco.
Did you know that vinyl siding can withstand winds up to 110 mph? When properly installed, it also resists damage from extreme heat, cold and moisture. These benefits are all turnkey. It does not require any maintenance of the homeowner in order to withstand damage. To show how confident vinyl siding manufacturers are in their product, most offer a lifetime warranty for the homeowner at the time of purchase, plus a 50-year warranty for the following homeowner.
You may think that vinyl siding is a big investment, but compared to other home sidings, it is actually the cheapest. When comparing the total cost of siding including installation, vinyl comes in at $201 per square, when a square covers 100 sq. ft. It is followed by fiber cement, polypropylene, stucco, wood siding, and finally brick at $935 per square. In addition, fiber cement, stucco and wood siding require the added expense of paint or stain for maintenance, but vinyl siding never needs to be repainted.
When you factor in the impact of manufacturing, transportation, installation, service life and waste management of vinyl siding on the environment, you find that vinyl is one of the greenest choices for your home. In a Life Cycle Assessment it scored better than brick and fiber cement, only coming in behind cedar. On top of that, vinyl has the option of insulation, which prevents heat from escaping your home. Investing in insulated vinyl siding can boost your home’s energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling costs.
Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free, only requiring occasional cleaning with mild soap, water and a sponge. It never needs to be painted, caulked or re-pointed, and you never need to worry about rotting, splitting or damage from insects. That means you can spend more weekends with your family, traveling or getting started on your next home project.
We have been siding homes for 100 years, and we can help you design the perfect look for your home based on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a trusted source to save your Saturdays by installing maintenance-free vinyl siding, contact us today.