Tired of repainting your house every 5 to 10 years? Vinyl siding may just be the right solution that you have been searching for. This type of siding will usually entail a lower cost upfront as compared to conventional siding such as a traditional cedar siding. Some may believe this exterior finish looks plastic in appearance, but many siding manufacturers have made great strides to give the product a more painted 'wood like appearance' with grain accents and a lower gloss finish.
Over one-third of home exteriors in the US have this siding. When choosing exterior cladding, a budget friendly solution that is aesthetically appealing is what most homeowners look for. Past concerns with vinyl siding including yellowing, fading, rigidity and warping. Thanks to titanium oxide and other innovations, this siding is manufactured to resist weathering and maintain a fresh appearance over extended periods of time. Low maintenance exteriors on a home are also typically desired by most homeowners. Vinyl siding offers a piece of mind and is easy on the pocketbook. Let's look at some of the various ins and outs of this exterior finish.
Color, Appearance & Other Options
In the past, vinyl siding was passed over because of the color fade over time. However, most siding manufactured today shows limited fading over the years. Another advantage of vinyl siding is the full range of color choices available. The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) has certified over 300 colors of vinyl for colorfastness. There are quite a few options available for this siding including fish-scale shingles, simulated wood grain, smooth panels and the list goes on. Different sizes in siding is also possible with the most common being 3, 5 or 8 inches.
The Elements
This type of siding can withstand sub-zero winter temperatures up to the hottest of summers. It is also built to withstand high winds and hail.
Installation
A unique advantage of vinyl is that it can be installed over almost any type of surface. Even over stucco or brick. Vinyl siding is not for every home as it may not match the character and style. And, not all siding installers are created equal. The majority of siding companies offer comparable products, whereas the installer's craftsmanship will vary much more. Because this type of siding expends and contracts more than other conventional siding materials, the more knowledgeable the installer is with this siding the better.
Maintenance
While vinyl siding does offer low maintenance, it may not be entirely maintenance free. Homeowners will not need to paint or stain it like traditional wood siding, but the cleaning of the vinyl may need to be done to mitigate any grime or mold build-up. Simply scrubbing or power washing the siding will go a long way in giving it new life and maintaining it for years to come. If fading of the siding does occur, a coat of exterior latex paint can be applied (as major paint manufacturers have exterior paint products specifically designed for this type of siding). And, vinyl does not have the ability to hide potential problems. When a house is sided with wood, the paint may chip or peel away when there is a problem.
Vinyl siding can be used in a variety of exterior home applications. This type of siding offers durability and often comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. According to the VSI, vinyl offers the lowest installation cost of all types of home siding. Whether it's new construction or upgrading an existing home, vinyl siding offers a cost efficient and low maintenance alternative to homeowners. In most cases, vinyl siding will have a positive effect on the home value.