Are you considering a whole new look for your home? Or is your existing siding in need of a serious facelift? You might consider using vinyl siding to brighten your home to create a clean, beautiful curbside appeal. Today, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of vinyl siding.
There are many siding options out there. Vinyl cladding installation has been a popular choice since the 1990s when it came onto the scene. It is known to be versatile, affordable, and easy to maintain. What’s not to love?
Paramount Exteriors is here to help make your remodel projects easy breezy. We offer the experience, expertise, and high-quality customer service to make the process seamless and stress-free from start to finish. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us give your property a makeover.
What are the Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding?
Let’s get into it! There are many aspects to consider when you are choosing a new cladding for your home. Many things will factor into your decision. You will consider the property’s age, the aesthetics of your neighborhood, your budget, and your personal preferences.
Digging into it a little further, your long-term plans and your ability to maintain the siding are also valuable considerations. Again, weighing this decision with a trusted friend or partner is wise. Even better is consulting with a certified professional who can offer insights to steer you towards your best options.
To get you started on your way, let’s look at some great reasons to consider vinyl siding installation for your property. There are many advantages to installing vinyl, but there are also a few things you might want to think twice about. Weather, architectural considerations, and HOA regulations can all impact this decision.
PRO: Go Big and Go Vinyl!
The expense of vinyl quickly makes it stand out from the rest. Overall, vinyl is 25-50% less expensive than fiber cement or wood. So if you are on a budget, buy vinyl siding for your home renovation.
Thin sheets of PVC material lock together to create the vinyl boards. You can cover a lot of wall space for a great price, and the cost savings don’t stop there.
PRO: Low Maintenance is a Great Perk
There are multiple ways that vinyl is straightforward to maintain. First, the material itself has a lifetime of 20-30 years before needing to be replaced. That is an excellent return on investment for your remodeling budget because it will last a long time.
Additionally, it is easy to clean! You can hose it off to remove any dust or debris and have your exterior looking shiny and neat again.
Compared to wood cladding, you don’t have to worry about stripping, scraping, priming, or painting again! Vinyl siding’s color stays true for a good long time.
PROS: So Many Colors to Choose
Another great and low-maintenance aspect of vinyl is that the color is baked into the planks themselves. This means that if your house siding is scraped or scratched, it won’t show. Additionally, you have many more color options for vinyl than fabricated wood or fiber cement siding.
Many folks wonder if you can paint vinyl siding. It is possible but generally not recommended.
PROS: Did Somebody Say Texture?
Different texture choices give quality vinyl siding increased versatility and variety. You can pick from options like these:
- Smooth
- Wood Grain
- Cedar Shake
- Traditional Shake
- Hand-split Shakes
- Clapboard
- Board and Batten
- Beaded Seam
- Half-round (Scalloped)
- Log Vinyl Siding
- Traditional Lap
- Dutch Lap
PRO: Fastest For Your Money
Installing vinyl siding is a much faster process than other styles of cladding. This is particularly great for commercial properties where you need a quick turnaround on a job.
The speedy installation is integral to the structure of the siding as the planks lock together nicely. Additionally, this also makes it a cinch to replace if one of the planks becomes damaged over time.
While you can’t patch a plank of vinyl siding, an installer can easily remove and reinstall one plank when necessary.
PROS: Keeping the Damp Out
The PVC material that makes up the vinyl home siding is naturally water-resistant. This is great for our South Dakota summer storms and long winters.
Additionally, the unique way that vinyl siding is installed also helps mitigate water issues. There is a space between the siding and the plastic layer that protects the house. This pocket allows for air movement, which helps prevent moisture from collecting.
CONS: Architectural Considerations
When thinking of using vinyl for a historic home, you want to be thoughtful about how it’s used. Vinyl siding can sometimes hurt the value of historic structures because it doesn’t match the traditional look of those homes.
If you are considering vinyl for a historic house, talk to an exterior design contractor. They can help you assess how to use it wisely and not hurt the value of your home.
CONS: Homeowners Association Rules
Some HOA groups have specific rules about what style of remodeling is acceptable for your neighborhood. For example, vinyl siding facing the street may not be allowed. Be sure to check before you make any decisions.
You may be able to use vinyl in combination with other materials to help keep the costs lower.
CONS: Heat Sensitivity
Vinyl siding must be properly installed to ensure that the planks don’t warp or buckle in the hot summer months. Likewise, they will shrink by as much as a ½ inch in the winter.
If you choose vinyl siding for your home, be thoughtful about outdoor BBQs or fire pits. If they are too close to the house, the heat can warp the vinyl if it’s exposed to higher temperatures.
Proper Installation Makes All the Difference
When you’re installing new siding, having the right team for the job is crucial. While many homeowners want to try a DIY approach, there are many ways this can go sideways. Improper installation can void the warranty on your materials. Vinyl siding must be installed properly to ensure the lifetime of the material.
Paramount Exteriors is the leading choice for siding installation in South Dakota. Contact us today for a consultation. We can help you decide on the perfect siding for your home renovation project.