Vinyl siding is a type of exterior cladding for houses and other structures. Manufacturers make it primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, which is where it gets its name. It became available in the U.S. in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum siding. Over the years, manufacturers have continued to improve and innovate their products. It’s now on about 30% of American homes and the second most common material for new houses.
1. Price Point
Its price point has always been an appealing aspect of vinyl siding over other materials. Vinyl is dramatically less expensive to purchase and install than wood siding and its popular alternatives, such as fiber cement. Not only is the price of the material relatively low, it’s stable. There tends not to be significant fluctuation in price due to supply chain issues. Tax credits aimed at promoting sustainability initiatives can further reduce the cost of certain types of vinyl siding, particularly insulated varieties.
2. Ease of Installation
Labor costs associated with vinyl siding installation are lower than most other materials. The material is lightweight and easy to transport. Few specialized tools are required, and the skill barrier is relatively low. Cutting the material is easy, which simplifies siding unique elements of a home. There’s also little finishing work needed, such as painting and caulking.
The preparation is also relatively simple. If replacing vinyl siding, the team only has to remove the old material and install the new siding. You can often put vinyl siding on top of the older material for new installations. As long as the underlying material is sound and you can create a moisture barrier, there’s no need for removal or advanced preparation.
3. Curb Appeal
A knock against vinyl early on was that it gave a house an artificial appearance compared to wood and fiber cement. That has changed a lot over the years. There’s certainly been an evolution in perception, but siding manufacturers have also made great strides. Modern vinyl siding is less boxy and often has sophisticated curves. An expansive selection of colors is available, and some manufacturers will custom-dye their products to suit your preferences. Manufacturers also do a great job of mimicking other siding materials. This includes traditional clapboard but also slate and cedar shakes and shingles. There are also many options other than horizontal boards, including board and batten and stone facades.
4. Product Lifespan
Siding a home is a significant investment. Homeowners want a siding material that will stand the test of time, and vinyl does that well. The typical modern vinyl siding product can last about 50 years. Some manufacturers claim that their products can last 60, 70, or even more years with proper maintenance. Whether those claims are true will become clear with time. What is known is that the longevity of vinyl siding has increased dramatically over the years.
5. Low Maintenance
Vinyl is also a low-maintenance siding material. You never have to paint it or re-caulk the corner boards. Most manufacturers recommend washing it annually to keep it clean. After cleaning it, it’s an excellent time to inspect it for any punctures and other issues. If you do find imperfections, you should correct those right away. The good news there is that vinyl siding is relatively easy and affordable to repair. A professional can often patch it. Alternatively, you can replace only the affected panels if the damage is more substantial.
6. Energy Efficiency
Siding is a key aspect of your house’s building envelope. A tighter building envelope enhances comfort, improves air quality, and lowers heating and cooling costs. Even basic vinyl siding is an excellent insulator. The industry measures the thermal efficiency of siding using R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Basic vinyl siding has an R-value of about 0.61. For comparison, fiber cement has an R-value of about 0.37.
7. Resistance to the Elements
One of the most crucial qualities of any cladding material is its ability to protect a home from the elements, and vinyl siding excels in this area. Manufacturers design modern vinyl siding to resist damage from prolonged sun exposure, with specialized products offering enhanced UV protection for homes that experience intense sunlight. It’s also highly resilient against strong winds, with standard products rated to withstand speeds of at least 110 mph and advanced options providing even greater wind resistance. In addition, vinyl siding forms a durable barrier against moisture and pests, ensuring long-lasting protection for your home.
8. Impact Resistance
Vinyl siding has seen significant improvements in impact resistance, making it an excellent option for protection against hail and other forms of damage. Additionally, you can safely pressure wash the material with a PSI of up to 3,000 without risking damage. Standard vinyl siding typically offers an impact resistance of at least 60 pounds per foot. If you need more protection, you can talk to your installer about more durable products.
9. Insulation as an Option
Insulated vinyl siding is a popular alternative to basic vinyl siding. It has a foam core that makes the product more expensive up front but adds many benefits. It has even better thermal resistance and can lower heating and cooling costs by over 10%. Insulated siding also provides better dampening of external noises. In addition, the vinyl used to manufacture the insulated variety is also much thicker, which gives it even better wind and impact resistance.
10. Improved Home Value
There was a time when vinyl siding reduced home value, but that isn’t the case any longer. Reasons include the curb appeal and high quality of modern vinyl siding products. Real estate experts estimate that vinyl siding can increase home value by over 75% of the project cost.
11. Total Cost of Ownership
Vinyl siding is affordable in the short term and offers excellent long-term value for homeowners. Several factors contribute to this cost-effectiveness. Its low initial costs make it an attractive option for those on a budget. Additionally, vinyl siding can last around 50 years with minimal maintenance, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This longevity means that an investment in vinyl siding pays off over time, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s value without incurring high ongoing expenses.
12. Eco-Friendly
Vinyl siding may be plastic, but that doesn’t make it bad for the environment. The National Association of Home Builders recognizes vinyl siding as a green material. Manufacturing vinyl has a lower environmental impact than fiber cement. In addition, you can recycle vinyl siding, which significantly reduces its carbon footprint.
Do You Need Help With Vinyl Siding in Greensboro?
At Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing, we have served the residents of Greensboro, NC and surrounding areas for years. We repair siding, replace, and inspect all types of siding, including vinyl, fiber cement, and wood. Additionally, we can help with all your roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable team members for siding replacement.
