Vinyl Siding

If you are considering re-siding your home there are several choices in material to choose from; vinyl siding, wood, and composite siding. All are good choices and have their advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl siding is an excellent choice as it is quite easy to install as a DIY project by the homeowner. It is relatively maintenance free however, once you select the style and color you are stuck with it as vinyl comes with a pre-painted finish and is  not normally repainted as new paint will not adhere to vinyl very well, if at all. If you plan on keeping your home for the rest of your life it is a good choice as it requires almost no maintenance except for cleaning periodically to clean the dust and dirt that is attracted to it.

Vinyl siding came into use in the sixties as an alternative to aluminum siding. Vinyl siding is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and is less expensive than wood or composite siding. It doesn’t chip, blister or flake. It is available in a wide range of styles and colors and is applied to your home in either horizontal or vertical panels. The big advantage is that it never requires painting. The  price ranges from the $2.50 per square foot panels that you can easily install yourself as a DIY project over a few weekends. Thickness ranges from .035 to .055 inches, with the better grade materials in the .040 to .048 inch. Vinyl doesn't fade over time, doesn't crack and resists insects. The cost can often be recouped when you sell your home because potential buyers recognize vinyl's low maintenance and long life.

Proper installation is critical to prevent buckling or warping because it expands and contracts significantly in direct sun light.  It is not a natural insulator, so it is typically installed over a solid or flexible insulating material.  Newer and more expensive vinyl siding has insulation attached which saves the homeowner an installation step and a great deal of time.

Although Vinyl is attractive, inexpensive, resistant to blisters, rust and insects it is easily dented and cannot be repaired (except by replacing the damaged panel) and warps if installed incorrectly. If you are a very busy homeowner and do not have the time to paint your house every four or five years, vinyl siding is a good choice either for new construction or a re-siding project.  By doing it yourself you can save a bundle of money but you must have the patience and take the time to do a professional job.

See:

Composite Siding

Wood Siding