Your home’s exterior siding depends on your personal tastes. Your preferred choice comes down to various factors, and aesthetics are likely near the top of the list.
Sure, pricing and budget will dictate your choice, but liking how your home’s exterior looks is paramount. After all, you’ll have to see it every day, and it’s reflective of your entire identity.
This preamble leads nicely into the topic of vinyl siding. It has benefits beyond aesthetics–many of them, in fact–but its addition to your home’s exterior will rest upon whether you appreciate the aesthetic it offers.
As we’ll find out in this blog, there are vinyl siding options with heightened visual appeal. From there, while pleasing your eyes, vinyl siding’s other advantages–increased durability, limited maintenance, optimal value, etc.–become increasingly apparent.
What Is Vinyl Siding Made From?
Used for aesthetics and weatherproofing, vinyl siding is a durable exterior wrapping for a home. It’s made of plastic and primarily engineered from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
For over a quarter century, vinyl siding has been a top choice for new homes for multiple reasons. One such reason is the high return on investment it offers. On average, the ROI for vinyl siding is 80%, outperforming all other siding materials in this avenue.
Of course, you might not be planning to sell your home any time soon, but the impressive ROI should offer some assurance and peace of mind for when your house hits the market.
Plus, the benefits go beyond curb appeal when it’s time to sell. We’ll delve into them further in the next section.
What Are the Advantages Of Vinyl Siding?
This section will detail the direct benefits of adorning your home’s exterior with vinyl siding:
High-Level Durability for Minimal Maintenance
Vinyl is the easiest siding material to maintain and doesn’t require constant upkeep to uphold its brand-new appearance. Typically, once-yearly cleanings are all that’s necessary for successful vinyl siding maintenance.
Generally, when a material doesn’t necessitate much maintenance, it’s due to its sturdiness. Vinyl siding supports this notion, withstanding severe weather conditions (e.g., hail and strong winds). Plus, it repels the following:
● Rust.
● Rotting.
● Corrosion.
● Excessive moisture.
● Termites.
● Warping.
Lifetime warranties typically apply to vinyl sliding–speaking to the overall quality of the manufacturing.
Easy on the Wallet
Wood and brick sidings are costlier than vinyl siding. It’s one of the primary reasons vinyl siding is so popular. The installation process is straightforward, considerably reducing the related labor fees.
Installing hardwoods, for instance, can cost between $7 and $26 per square foot. Meanwhile, installing vinyl siding costs between $2.50 and $10.75 per square foot.
That might seem like a minor difference in pricing between the two. However, wood is far more prone to long-term damage. Also, the required maintenance for wood siding is more intensive, adding to your investment costs.
Conversely, vinyl siding doesn’t involve the additional expenses–on top of being less costly upfront than hardwood siding.
No Painting Needed
How do you feel about painting your home’s exterior? If the very idea of it turns your stomach, then vinyl siding should be highly appealing.
Design and color are already baked into vinyl siding, and the color is entirely homogenous. In other words, the paint won’t be obliterated by mechanical scratches or abrasions because it goes all the way through.
Save On Energy
Homes are more energy efficient when their exteriors consist of insulated vinyl, which implements thermal bridging to prevent heat loss.
Due to thermal bridging, vinyl sliding turns into an enveloping blanket, preventing warm temperatures from escaping through your walls.
Thus, your home will keep you toasty during frosty winters and cool and refreshed during sweltering summers.
Most crucially, your heating and air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to provide their desired effects, increasing the chances of a reduced energy bill.
Versatility Personified
When investing in vinyl siding, you can achieve your desired aesthetic without breaking your budget.
Vinyl can be manipulated to resemble the appearance of other siding types, such as cedar or stone. It’s also available in a multitude of profiles, textures, and colors, blending with many architectural styles.
Installation Is Straightforward
Vinyl’s lightness makes it easier to install than other sliding types. Its pre-drilled holes allow contractors to fit it into studs without much hassle.
It’s wise to still hire a professional to handle this process, whether a home improvement contractor or a professional home builder. This way, you can ensure it gets done right the first time. Plus, since installation is more simplified, the fee will be affordable.
Choosing The Best Vinyl Siding For Your Home
Not all vinyl siding is created equal. Here are some factors to consider before deciding on your purchase:
● The choice between vertical and horizontal vinyl siding is crucial. Note how vertical styles better suit modern homes while horizontal options fit traditional houses.
● Examine stickers and fact sheets with the American Society of Testing and Materials (ATSM) name on the packaging. If you can’t find any such documentation, you won’t have proof it passed quality standards.
● Raw vinyl can easily be damaged by direct sunlight. Alternatively, vinyl sidings should be able to withstand prolonged UV exposure. Still, discuss anti-weathering protection with your contractor or dealer to ensure it’s part of the package.
● Most vinyl siding comes with a 50-year warranty. Sometimes, it comes with a lifetime warranty that can be transferred to the next homeowner when you eventually sell. Prorated warranties are also possible, where the company pays less the longer the siding endures. Discuss warranties before purchasing and examine the fine print.
Contact Midwest Today To Learn More About Vinyl Siding
The roofing experts at Canopy are well-versed in the topic of vinyl siding. We can help you make informed investment decisions that offer aesthetic, functional, and financial benefits.
Do you want to learn more about vinyl siding and ensure it’s the best option for your home’s exterior? If so, contact Midwest today with your inquiries. We’d be thrilled to lend you our specialized insights.
