Traditionally, wood siding or wooden clapboards protected homes from severe weather elements. But while many appreciated wood sidings for its function and beauty, it also created many problems for homeowners.
Besides requiring constant maintenance, homeowners have to replace and repaint their wood siding very often. The exterior finish also needed to be checked regularly for fading, cracking, warping, and wood rot.
In the late 1950s and early 60s, vinyl siding was introduced in the market. It may have the best reputation on its first release, but vinyl siding eventually became an exceptionally versatile and high-performing material thanks to technological advances and modern manufacturing techniques.
Recently, The Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) recognized vinyl siding as the most common principal siding material on new single-family homes, with 27% of them were clad in vinyl in 2015.
If you are considering siding for your home, here are five reasons why vinyl siding is an excellent option for your home.
- Durable and Long-Lasting
Following stone and brick sidings, vinyl is one of the most durable types of home exterior finishes available on the market. A home exterior needs to be durable and capable of withstanding extreme weather.
Vinyl siding will not let you down whether if you live in an area that gets intense direct sunlight or violent storms throughout the year. It is designed to protect your home from wind, water, and ice damage. This siding can also withstand high temperatures and even hurricane and tornado force winds.
Despite being exposed to direct sunlight and different weather conditions, vinyl won’t fade, crack, peel, rust, warp or corrode. It deters against termites and other pests. Unlike wood, vinyl siding is moisture resistant, so it doesn’t rot or split.
- Affordable
There are various reasons for appreciating vinyl siding, but perhaps the most noteworthy is its price. For many homeowners, affordability is crucial when budgeting for home remodeling. Unlike other options such as wood or brick, vinyl siding is typically much more affordable, both in upfront and maintenance costs.
However, it’s often likely that inexpensive materials have low quality. Vinyl siding is an ideal home exterior for plenty of homes as it’s not only affordable but is still capable of making a fantastic looking home.
- Versatile
While homeowners often choose vinyl for its practicality, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any charm or style. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Vinyl siding offers numerous options to give you complete versatility in designing the dream exterior in your home.
It is available in hundreds of different colors, sizes, and textures. Vinyl has the benefit of looking like traditional panel, cedar, shakes, scallops, and many more that can be mix and match with different colors to help design elements stand out. These textures can look so authentic that unless it’s touched, even the most discriminating eyes will never be able to tell the difference.
Plenty of vinyl siding styles available in the market works with both horizontal and vertical applications in a variety of patterns. The versatility of this home exterior is why it fits for different home styles, whether it’s contemporary, vintage, or anything in between.
- Low Maintenance
For many homeowners, the big appeal of vinyl siding is its little need for maintenance. Unlike other exteriors, vinyl siding doesn’t require a massive investment as its strength and durability makes it easier to maintain its original look for years with just simple cleaning.
Since vinyl siding is resistant to blights, pests, and weather damage, it only needs to be washed once annually. There is also no need for scrape, paint, or apply every year. It only needs to be painted every ten years or so.
Cleaning vinyl siding does not take too much effort. It only needs a gentle need a gentle cleaning once a year with a water hose, brush, and a mild cleaning solution. Occasionally, you can call in a professional to pressure wash your vinyl siding. This would free your siding from any buildup of pollen, dust, debris, mold, or bacteria.
Be mindful that not all vinyl sidings are compatible with pressure washing, so you should consult your manufacturer if they recommend it.
- Energy Efficiency
An insulated vinyl siding allows better insulation in your home, which can help your home stay green and lower your heating and cooling costs.
While most houses have insulation between their wall studs, the warm air inside can still escape through the studs in the exterior walls. This phenomenon is known as thermal bridging, which is a major source of energy loss in homes and a common reason for higher utility bills.
An insulated vinyl siding works like a blanket of protection over the studs to make sure that your home is warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. Additionally, installing an insulated vinyl siding can make you eligible for energy tax credits.
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