Pros and Cons of Vinyl House Siding
Vinyl house siding has been the king in the housing world for years for its no-maintenance characteristics and long warranties (up to 50). It comes pre-painted, with color infused throughout the panel.
Aesthetically, it has come a long way from the ugly seams that marred faux wood panels of just a few years ago. But it is important for homeowners to look at the whole picture when considering vinyl siding.
Low Maintenance
A major advantage that vinyl offers homeowners is the low maintenance it requires compared to other siding options. It’s not susceptible to the warping, rotting, or insect infestation that can occur in wood or other natural materials. Additionally, it’s not susceptible to the corrosion of metal or aluminum and won’t rust or conduct electricity.
Another benefit of vinyl is that it doesn’t require painting, staining, or scraping to keep it looking new. Generally, the only work it needs is to be washed down once or twice per year with a soft brush and hose. This helps remove dirt, grime, and mold that can accumulate over time, which keeps the house looking great and avoids the need for costly re-painting.
While vinyl is a durable material, it can be damaged if exposed to direct heat. It can become warped or melted when it’s placed too close to an open flame, such as when you use your grill. Additionally, it can become damaged when exposed to intense sun or wind, which is why it’s important to install it in a shaded area of your home.
The lower layer of a vinyl siding panel is typically made of limestone, calcium carbonate, and tin mercaptan. This layer, which takes up 3/4 of the total thickness of the siding, is what helps the top layer to maintain its shape while extruded. The tin mercaptan also serves as a stabilizing agent and prevents cracking, warping, or bubbling in extreme temperatures.
Unlike real wood, this type of siding is made without chemicals that release greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change. However, some of these chemical products can still escape during the manufacturing process, including styrene and butadiene, which are known carcinogens that affect human health. These pollutants can also be released when the vinyl is burned or discarded.
Durability
As plastic, vinyl does not decay and can hold up against harsh weather elements such as rain, snow, ice and hail. It has been known to resist high winds up to 110 mph, though the quality of the product and proper installation by Amarillo Siding are key factors. It also does not rot, and is insect-proof. In fact, some homeowners have reported a lifespan of up to 30 years.
Another benefit is that, since it's man made, it's one of the most inexpensive cladding options on the market. Homeowners can purchase it in a wide range of styles and colors, including various textures, clapboard sizes and horizontal or vertical styles. In addition, it can be cut to fit tight or unique spaces, which gives homeowners control over the final look of their home's exterior. It's also possible to get vinyl in a variety of wood-like details, like cedar shakes or Victorian scallops, and some manufacturers can even produce the exact color that the homeowner is looking for.
Unlike painted wood, the color of vinyl is imbued throughout the PVC material, so there's no need for re-painting over time. In addition, vinyl reflects light rather than absorbs it, which helps keep the exterior of your home looking bright and new for a long time.
However, while the durability of vinyl is an obvious advantage, it can become brittle or crack if exposed to very cold temperatures and ice, or if it becomes scratched or dented by hard objects. It's also not as fire resistant as other cladding materials, and it can become brittle if overheated. The 'loose' fastening system used by some companies, where rails are nailed into the wall in a 'float' fashion that allows for expansion and contraction from varying temperature conditions, can make replacement panels difficult to find and expensive.
Aesthetics
Being a home owner means making countless decisions, from flooring types to paint colors. Exterior materials are another important one, and one of the most significant is choosing vinyl siding. There are many benefits to using this product, from its low price tag and durability to the fact that it comes in a wide array of styles and colors.
Vinyl is made out of a plastic resin, which makes it incredibly strong and resistant to damage. It won’t rust, conduct electricity, or dent. In addition, it holds up well against rain and the sun’s harsh UV rays. It also doesn’t fade over time, which can be a concern with other materials.
Because of this, vinyl siding is extremely attractive to look at. It can add to a house’s curb appeal, making it stand out among others in the neighborhood. It can also increase a property’s resale value if it is replaced in the future.
Another benefit of using vinyl is that it’s easy to install. It can be done as a DIY project on the weekend, which will save money in labor costs. Additionally, it is easy to maintain and clean. Simply washing it a few times each year can keep it looking like new.
Although vinyl is very durable, it does have some drawbacks that need to be considered. One is that it does not insulate the house very well, especially without insulation installed underneath it. Its R-value is lower than wood and brick. Moreover, vinyl can become brittle over time due to the freeze to thaw cycle and other environmental factors. Another concern is that studies are still being conducted on whether or not vinyl siding can cause health problems.
Energy Efficiency
The insulating properties of vinyl house siding help you save on energy bills, too. Poorly insulated structures see higher utility costs, but a well-sealed vinyl product prevents heat from escaping during the wintertime and keeps your home cooler in the summertime. Adding vinyl can also reduce humidity levels, helping you keep your air conditioning bills lower.
A drawback of vinyl house siding is that it can ding or dent quite easily, even the heavier gauge products, and can be damaged by sharp objects like ladders or toys. This type of damage can lead to the need for replacement panels, which can be costly. Similarly, it has been known to buckle in hot temperatures, and paint can crack or peel under certain conditions.
While purists sneer at the idea of wrapping their historic houses in plastic, modern vinyl siding has come a long way in terms of both durability and aesthetic appeal. Its relatively low cost and ease of installation make it one of the least expensive siding options for homeowners. It looks almost like wood, and can be molded into a variety of shapes and patterns to mimic more traditional designs.
In addition to its aesthetically pleasing look, vinyl requires very little maintenance, as it doesn't need repainting. All it needs is a rinse with a hose or pressure washer a few times each year to stay in good condition. This can significantly reduce the amount of work you have to do around your property, and free up your time to spend on other tasks or leisure activities. And, as an added benefit, the lack of painting means fewer toxic chemicals are being released into the environment.
Cost
Vinyl is a more affordable option than other siding materials, especially natural-looking options like wood and slate. This low cost, combined with the durability and attractiveness of vinyl, make this a popular choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their home exteriors without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the lightweight design of vinyl makes it easy for a renovation team to work with. This cuts down on the overall project time, which saves money on labor costs as well.
Another significant cost benefit is that vinyl house siding requires significantly less maintenance and upkeep than other siding options. Homeowners only need to clean their vinyl a few times a year (an easy, DIY weekend project) and conduct regular inspections to ensure that there are no cracks or other damage to the material. This drastically cuts down on the homeowner’s ongoing expenses and leaves them with more money in their pockets to invest in other home improvement projects.
While the initial costs of vinyl house siding are lower than other options, the upfront price tag may deter some potential homebuyers. This is because some people view homes with vinyl siding as a cheaper, lesser-quality alternative to those with other materials. As such, it is important for homeowners to take into consideration how they plan on selling their home before investing in this cladding.
Another drawback of vinyl is that it can crack or melt under high heat conditions, which can lead to moisture build-up and the growth of mildew. While this is not a major problem for most regions, it can be an issue for homeowners who live in areas with extreme weather conditions. As a result, it is important to consult with an experienced renovation team to ensure that your vinyl siding is prepared for the local climate before committing to this project.
Vinyl house siding has been the king in the housing world for years for its no-maintenance characteristics and long warranties (up to 50). It comes pre-painted, with color infused throughout the panel. Aesthetically, it has come a long way from the ugly seams that marred faux wood panels of just a few years ago. But…