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When it comes to upgrading your home’s exterior, vinyl siding stands as a go-to choice for homeowners seeking that perfect blend of style and low maintenance requirements. If you are about to choose vinyl as your home’s siding material, I’m here with some valuable information every homeowner should know before making a final decision. In this blog post, you’ll learn all about this popular and versatile siding material, along with expert tips to keep your home looking stunning for years to come.
How Vinyl Siding Can Benefit You As a Homeowner
Vinyl, also known as PVC and uPVC, has plenty of qualities that make it an excellent choice for home siding. Let’s take a look at some of those features:
1. Exceptional Durability and Resilience
Vinyl is a sturdy form of fortified plastic material renowned for its waterproof and durable nature. It withstands rot, warping, and damage from insects, making it a long-lasting siding option. Vinyl can endure cold, humid, and rainy conditions much better than other types of siding, like wood or brick.
2. Low Maintenance
One of the major advantages of vinyl is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood siding, which needs regular care and treatment, vinyl siding maintains its appearance with minimal effort. A simple wash with a gentle cleaning solution, store-bought or homemade, is all it takes to keep your vinyl exteriors looking fresh. This means you can enjoy more free time, which you would otherwise have spent cleaning or sealing siding boards.
3. Energy Efficiency
Vinyl siding can contribute to improved energy efficiency in your home. Some vinyl siding options come with an added layer of insulation that helps to reduce heat loss during the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. This can lead to lower energy bills by lowering the need for your heating and cooling system.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Vinyl house siding is often more cost-effective than using other materials like wood, brick, or stone. Not only is the initial installation cost lower, but the long-term maintenance costs are minimal due to its durability and low upkeep requirements. Over the lifespan of your home, this cost-effectiveness can result in significant savings.
5. Increased Property Value
Investing in high-quality vinyl siding can increase the overall value of your property. The durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance appeal to potential buyers, making your home more attractive in the real estate market. Additionally, the wide variety of styles and colors allows for customization that can enhance the curb appeal and desirability of your home.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Vinyl is considered an eco-friendly siding choice. It requires less energy to produce than many other siding materials, and it’s recyclable. Choosing vinyl siding means opting for a material that can be recycled and reused, contributing to a more sustainable approach to home improvement.
7. Numerous Color Options
There are plenty of vinyl siding colors available, which provide homeowners with abundant options to suit their aesthetic preferences and match current home exterior trends. Whether you desire a classic, modern, or bold look, you can buy factory-finished boards or paint your vinyl siding any color you want. You just need to buy a paint that’s compatible with or made especially for vinyl products.
8. Designer Siding Styles
There are many vinyl siding styles available, including shake and shingles, board and batten, Dutch lap, and scalloped designs, allowing you to achieve a customized appearance that aligns perfectly with your home’s architecture and aesthetic vision. With the versatility of this siding material, you can truly make a design statement that sets your home apart from the rest.
If you are impressed with these features, it’s time to explore the design options that are available.
Vinyl Siding Styles: Designing Your Home’s Exterior
Let’s look at the most desirable and stylish types of vinyl panels.
1. Vertical Vinyl Siding: Stand Out in the Neighborhood
Do you want to break away from the norm? Vinyl board and batten siding is here to offer a contemporary twist. This design can add a sense of height and grandeur to your home, making it the talk of the town. Whether you choose a smooth pattern or a rustic texture, the vertical orientation of the panels will create an intriguing look.
2. Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding: Rustic Beauty
Capturing the timeless appeal of cedar shakes, this style offers a rustic, nature-inspired aesthetic without the maintenance requirements of real wood. The natural, uneven texture mimics the appearance of traditional cedar shakes, infusing a warm and inviting feeling into your home. It’s the perfect choice for those wanting a cozy, cottage-like exterior or a touch of farmhouse chic.
3. Vinyl Log Siding: Embrace the Wilderness
Do you admire the cozy ambiance of a log cabin? Vinyl log siding brings that historic wooden charm to your home without the expense and maintenance demands of real logs. The design forms the look of stacked logs, infusing a sense of nature and comfort into your home. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a country or lodge-inspired look, providing that snug, cabin-in-the-woods feeling wherever you reside.
Are you wondering if there are any drawbacks to choosing this siding material? Let’s go over the less appealing aspects of vinyl siding.
Potential Downsides of Vinyl Siding
While vinyl is known for its durability, it’s important to note that it’s not indestructible.
Storm Damage
Harsh weather conditions can take a toll, causing visible cracks or dents on the surface. This is a concern for homes in storm-prone areas. If high winds, falling trees, and hail are common in your area, it’s better to choose another option, such as fiber cement siding.
Color Fading
Over time, the vibrant color of this siding material can fade. The boards won’t lose their color entirely, but there can be an obvious difference. This is less of an issue if you don’t mind spending time or money painting vinyl siding boards every few years.
Eco-Friendliness
Vinyl contains a plastic coating, which is not considered eco-friendly. However, it’s essential to know that most vinyl products include recycled plastic, not newly manufactured. Another point to note is that uPVC is also an alternative. The most common vinyl material, PVC, has plasticizers that make it flexible, whereas uPVC doesn’t. It is rigid and inflexible, which can be an option for homes in normal to mild climatic conditions.
Thankfully, the siding industry is ever-evolving, and there are many eco-conscious alternatives available. If environmental protection and sustainability are close to your heart, consider exploring other types of house siding materials.
Now, let’s compare vinyl siding with other trending options.
Comparing Vinyl with Other Siding Materials
Metal and fiber cement are not new options, but have only recently gained popularity in the siding industry. They are considered to be more durable than vinyl siding due to their solid composition and weather resistance.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding stands out for its affordability, and resistance to rot, insects, and moisture damage while needing minimal maintenance to retain its appeal.
Metal Siding
Metal siding, on the other hand, has exceptional durability, withstanding harsh climates and fire, though it is susceptible to dents upon hard impact. It costs more than vinyl, but galvanized steel is an affordable choice for homes. Furthermore, metal siding is sustainable and is a good choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding strikes a balance, presenting a blend of strength and aesthetic versatility. For example, James Hardie siding offers options with the look of natural wood and long-lasting durability. However, the installation complexity of fiber cement siding contrasts with the relatively straightforward process of installing vinyl siding.
Getting into the financial aspect, let’s break down the expenses tied to vinyl siding.
How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost?
The overall cost of vinyl siding installation varies, depending on your home’s size, the specific type of vinyl you choose, and how intricate the installation process is. On average, you’re looking at a range of $2 to $7 per square foot. For a typical 1,500-square-foot home, this amounts to an investment falling between $5,000 and $22,000.
When compared to alternative siding choices, vinyl is gentle on the wallet. However, it’s crucial to recognize that quality isn’t without its price tag. Investing a little more in high-quality vinyl boards pays off in the long run. This not only ensures that you’ll save money, but that you’ll also have an exterior that’ll catch everyone’s eye.
The takeaway? Vinyl siding is a great investment that can spruce up your home without breaking the bank. If you are looking to upgrade your home’s siding in Pennsylvania, we’re here to help.
Schedule a Free Consultation for Vinyl Siding Installation in Pennsylvania
Ready to elevate your home’s exterior? At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we are ready to help you take the first step toward transforming your beloved home with the right kind of vinyl siding. We have years of experience installing residential siding and can also help you select any other siding material and design that speaks to you. Schedule a free consultation with our expert team specializing in vinyl siding installation in Pennsylvania. Let’s bring your vision to life!
