Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior cladding options for homes today. Made from PVC, vinyl siding is touted for its low maintenance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, like any building material, vinyl siding has both advantages and disadvantages to consider. This detailed guide examines the pros and cons of vinyl siding to help homeowners decide if it’s the right choice for their home.
What is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding, also known as vinyl cladding or PVC siding, refers to exterior wall cladding made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It consists of vertical panels or planks that are nailed to the exterior walls of a house. Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors and can be smooth or textured to mimic traditional materials like wood grain.
Vinyl siding originated in the 1950s as a lightweight, low-maintenance alternative to wood siding. It rose in popularity through the 1970s and 1980s, and today it accounts for over 40% of the siding market in the United States and Canada.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
There are many benefits that make vinyl siding a popular cladding choice, including:
Low Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other sidings like wood or fiber cement. Vinyl doesn’t rot, crack, or peel like other materials can over time. As long as it is installed properly, vinyl siding will retain its color and appearance for decades with minimal upkeep.
Durability
Vinyl siding is highly impact resistant and can withstand dings, dents, and other damage that would mar more delicate materials. It won’t warp or buckle under normal weather fluctuations and is resilient against moisture, rot, insects, and other hazards. Vinyl holds up well under intense sun, wind, and rain.
Long Lasting
The best quality vinyl siding can last upwards of 50 years or more with proper installation and limited maintenance. Compared to natural wood cladding that may need repainting or replacing every 7-10 years, vinyl siding’s longevity saves homeowners money over time.
Affordable
Vinyl siding is one of the most budget-friendly siding options. It is significantly less expensive upfront than wood, brick, or stucco. Factoring in vinyl’s durability and long lifespan also makes it very cost effective. Installation costs are low since vinyl is lightweight and easy to work with.
Energy Efficient
Vinyl siding provides excellent insulation for homes. The hollow panels trap air to reduce heat transfer, keeping interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can lead to noticeably lower energy bills compared to uninsulated sidings.
Aesthetic Versatility
Vinyl siding comes in various styles, colors, and textures to complement any architectural style. Whether you want a historic wood look or sleek modern aesthetic, vinyl can be molded and painted to achieve the desired appearance. The color won’t chip, peel, or fade from sun exposure over time.
Easy Installation
Vinyl siding is relatively straightforward for professional installers to put up. The lightweight panels can be quickly nailed in place and molded around windows, doors, and trim. New siding can often be installed over existing materials, speeding up the process. Minimal disruption to homeowners makes vinyl a popular choice.
Increased Home Value
Quality vinyl siding can boost resale value for homeowners. The durable, low-maintenance cladding makes a home more appealing to buyers. Homes with older wood or fiber cement siding may especially benefit from replacement with newer vinyl panels.
Cons of Vinyl Siding
For all its benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to weigh when considering vinyl siding:
Upfront Cost
While vinyl siding is affordable compared to other sidings, the upfront installation cost is still a significant expense, often costing between $6,000-15,000 depending on the size of the home. This high initial investment may not work with some homeowners’ budgets.
Potentially Temporary
Although vinyl siding is durable, it may not permanently outlast other options like brick or fiber cement. Some vinyl products have a lifespan closer to 20-30 years rather than 50+. Homeowners should expect to replace vinyl siding at some point, adding additional future costs.
Not Environmentally Friendly
Vinyl siding is made from PVC, which is difficult to recycle. Most vinyl building materials wind up in landfills. The manufacturing process for PVC also produces toxic dioxins. Vinyl is therefore not considered an environmentally responsible choice by many.
Questionable Performance in Extreme Weather
There are concerns about how vinyl stands up to extreme weather over long periods. Hail, tornadoes, and strong storms can cause vinyl to dent, warp, or crack more severely than other materials. These flaws are often revealed slowly over time after such events. More data is still needed on vinyl’s extreme weather resilience.
High Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Vinyl expands and contracts more than other sidings as temperatures fluctuate, which can stress the nails and caulking holding it in place. Gaps may eventually appear, allowing moisture, insects, and debris to get behind the siding. Frequent inspection and maintenance is required to minimize expansion and contraction issues.
Can Look Cheap If Low Quality
While vinyl can mimic wood and other materials, lower quality vinyl often looks obviously synthetic. Subpar installation can also worsen its artificial appearance. Homeowners get what they pay for with vinyl, so cheaper panels may detract from a home’s value rather than improving it.
Potentially Damaged by Impact
Although vinyl is impact resistant, it can still become dented, cracked, or punctured by a forceful blow. Flying debris in high winds could potentially cause such damage. Other materials like metal and brick better withstand heavy impacts.
Not Ideal for Every Climate
Frequent temperature swings, very high heat, and very low temperatures can decrease vinyl siding’s lifespan and exacerbate its expansion/contraction issues. Vinyl may not be an ideal choice for some extreme climates as a result.
Can Cause Condensation Issues
In cold climates, differences in temperature inside and outside a vinyl-clad house can cause condensation to form underneath the siding. This trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and rot if proper moisture barriers aren’t installed during siding application.
Fades Over Time
While vinyl resists fading better than other options, its color does slowly fade, loses gloss, and chalks when exposed to sun and weather over many years. Eventual fading could detract from home appearance.
Needs Careful Installation
Vinyl siding must be installed over a perfectly smooth, flat surface for best results. Uneven walls or improper installation over old siding can exacerbate problems like buckling and gaps down the road. Not all installers have proper vinyl siding training.
Key Considerations for Your Climate and Home
Certain factors related to your local climate and specific home will determine whether vinyl siding will perform well or not:
- Temperature Extremes – Vinyl is best suited for temperate climates without extreme highs or lows. Severe cold or heat cycles can damage vinyl.
- Impact Hazards – Areas with regular heavy storms, hail, or snow may cause vinyl to dent, warp, or crack more easily than other materials.
- Moisture Concerns – Homes in rainy, humid climates need proper moisture barriers to minimize condensation risks. Proper drainage and ventilation are also essential.
- Sun Exposure – South/west facing homes will experience the most UV fading. Maximizing shade with landscaping helps slow vinyl fading.
- Existing Home Quality – Vinyl performs best over new, flat substrate. Irregular or deteriorating walls make problems more likely over time.
- Home Value – More expensive homes in exclusive neighborhoods may benefit less from vinyl versus other premium materials expected in higher price ranges.
- Personal Factors – How long you plan to live in the home can dictate if vinyl’s cost savings outweigh the potential for replacement 20-30 years down the road.
Is Vinyl Siding Right for Your Home?
Vinyl siding offers many attractive benefits, but also comes with some drawbacks to weigh. Keep these key tips in mind as you evaluate options for your specific home:
- Prioritize quality over cost if choosing vinyl – higher initial investment means longer-lasting, better performing siding.
- Carefully vet your installer – proper vinyl application is crucial to minimizing problems.
- Make sure suitable moisture barriers are installed – reduces condensation and water damage risks.
- Consider your climate – vinyl excels in temperate zones but can struggle in extreme heat or cold.
- Inspect vinyl frequently – catch minor issues before they become major.
- Prepare for eventual replacement – budget for new siding in 20-30 years.
- Compare resale value impact – vinyl may help or hurt value depending on your area and home type.
- Weigh environmental factors – PVC isn’t the most eco-friendly choice but can last longer than other materials.
For many homeowners, vinyl siding is an affordable, low-maintenance cladding that adds protection and curb appeal to their most important investment. Taking the time to carefully evaluate if vinyl meets your specific home needs will ensure it delivers on its promise of durable, long-lasting performance and improves your property value. Consult with professional installers and do thorough research before choosing the best home siding option for you.
FAQs
How much does vinyl siding cost to install?
Vinyl siding installation costs range from $6,000-$15,000 depending on the size of your home and the quality of materials used. More complex homes with lots of angles, trim details, and multi-story sections can increase costs.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Quality vinyl siding can last 50 years or longer. However, lower quality vinyl or improper installation may result in a lifespan closer to 20-30 years. Proper maintenance helps maximize longevity.
What thickness of vinyl siding is best?
Look for vinyl siding with a thickness of at least .040 or higher. Thicker vinyl is more impact resistant and rigid, reducing the risk of warping, buckling, and denting that leads to early failure.
Is vinyl siding high maintenance?
Vinyl is considered low maintenance compared to wood, fiber cement, and other siding options which require frequent painting, staining and more hands-on care. Besides occasional washing, quality vinyl requires little upkeep over its lifespan.
Can you install vinyl siding over existing siding?
In some cases, new vinyl siding can be installed over old wood siding if the underlying walls are flat and in good condition. This avoids the cost of siding removal. Professional assessors determine if over-siding is feasible.
Does vinyl siding increase home value?
Quality vinyl siding – properly installed and well-maintained – can moderately increase home value. Buyers typically prefer vinyl over older wood siding that requires excessive upkeep. But other premium materials like brick may increase value more significantly.
Conclusion
Vinyl siding can be an attractive, affordable, and low-maintenance cladding option when homeowners weigh the pros and cons carefully. Vinyl stands up well to weather, requires minimal upkeep, comes in many stylish colors and textures, and provides insulation for energy savings. But drawbacks like high upfront cost, questionable extreme weather performance, and eventual fading and replacement must also be considered. Applying high quality vinyl properly is key to maximizing its durability and minimizing common problems that lead to early failure. Homeowners who take the time to thoroughly evaluate if vinyl siding meets their home’s specific needs will make the most informed decision and invest in durable, long-lasting curb appeal.