Your home’s exterior is battered and beaten by the weather every day. Whether it is being attacked by the hot sun, hail, rain, strong winds, or bitter cold, your siding needs to be able to take the punishment that Mother Nature dishes out. Plus, in addition to keeping the elements out, it must remain attractive and reliable year after year. Because of this, it is crucial that you take your time when choosing a new siding product. More and more homeowners are investigating the pros and cons of vinyl siding to see if it might be the siding solution they need. Is it the right choice for your home?
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has come a long way since it first came onto the market in the 1960s. Today’s vinyl siding has more sizes, shapes, textures, and colors than ever before. It’s possible to get siding that looks like finished wood, vertical and traditional clapboard, cedar shingles, scallops, and cabin board. Take a look at these beautiful examples for some inspiration.
Vinyl is an undoubtedly popular home siding option. In fact, according to US Census data, more homeowners have replaced the siding on their homes with vinyl than any other material. However, before you choose vinyl for your new siding, check out the pros and cons of vinyl siding listed below . . .
Pros of Vinyl Siding
- Vinyl siding is easy to install. Because of this, you can spend less money on installation costs as well.
- Its color lasts without chipping or flaking. The color is baked through the siding so it will never rub, flake, or wear off. And if your siding becomes scratched, the color will remain the same.
- Vinyl is inexpensive when compared to other siding choices, offering the lowest cost per square foot.
- It will make your home more energy efficient. Because vinyl is often installed over existing siding, it adds another layer of insulation to your home. You can increase this efficiency by purchasing insulated vinyl siding.
- Newer vinyl sidings are recyclable, so you will not have to worry about replaced siding slowly decomposing in a landfill.
- Vinyl resists insects, preventing them from burrowing into or eating the siding (as often happens with wood siding).
Cons of Vinyl Siding
- Vinyl siding is not watertight. It needs to be washed once or twice a year, typically using pressure washers. However, the high-pressure water can become trapped under the siding, causing mold or mildew to develop.
- It will fade to some degree. This will not be a particularly troubling issue unless you have to replace one piece of the siding. That replacement piece may be a bit brighter or have more gloss to it than the older siding.
- It can be dented or cracked.
- The color is permanent, so don’t make a rushed, slapdash decision when you’re choosing between different shades.
- The vinyl used to make the siding, PVC, can release carcinogens at high temperatures.
Choosing new siding for your home is an expensive project, so it pays to consider all of your options carefully beforehand.
Are you considering adding vinyl siding to your home? If you live in southwest Missouri, be sure to contact Taylor-Made Roofing. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warrantee, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you, and we would be happy to discuss the siding options available for your home.