Vinyl siding is something every homeowner has considered for their newly constructed or renovated home. They are low maintenance, durable, and very stylish. It’s no wonder they appeal to a lot of people. Like other siding materials, vinyl has its advantages and disadvantages. This article will discuss all you need to know about this exterior siding trend.
Exterior paneling is an important factor to be considered in every home project. Sidings protect the house from elements like water, debris, etc. These come in a wide range of materials like wood, fiber cement, PVC, etc. They also come in different styles and designs. This means that other than protection from the elements; sidings also give the structure aesthetic appeal.
In this article, we will also discuss other kinds of sidings like wood composite siding, to help you compare which one is right for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Also called vinyl cladding or vinyl clapboard, this plastic exterior siding material is used for houses and small buildings. They are made from polyvinyl chloride resin or PVC. One of the more popular brands, Encore vinyl siding, uses a custom-formulated PVC resin blend to produce durable, fireproof, and aesthetically-pleasing sidings.
It is the one of the least expensive siding materials.
Cost of vinyl siding:
Vinyl siding prices range from $1200 to $26000 depending on the size of the house. On average, installation costs about $5 dollars per square foot.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Like any other building material, vinyl cladding has its pros and cons. Let’s start with the advantages.
- It does not need painting.
- It’s durable and long-lasting.
- Vinyl siding cost less than other siding materials.
- It requires very little maintenance.
- It’s made up of durable inorganic material, so it does not rot.
- It’s recyclable unlike other types of siding materials.
- It’s termite- and ant-proof.
Now, for the disadvantages.
- It requires professional installation.
- In the long run and depending on location, it can age faster than advertised.
- It can lower your home’s market value.
- It can lead to moisture build up.
- While it’s recyclable, manufacturing PVC siding emit greenhouse gases that are bad for the environment.
Fiber Cement Siding
Also known as fibro, fiber cement siding is an exterior building material used for both residential and commercial buildings. It is made up of cement strengthened with cellulose fibers, hence its name. Using fiber cement sidings offer the following advantages:
- They are very low maintenance
- They are termite-resistant.
- They don’t rot.
- They are fireproof.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is just what the name implies, they are exterior siding materials made of wood. They are very versatile, stylish, and timeless. More importantly, they are the more sustainable option. Installation of wood siding is quite simple, however, they are not resistant to ants, termites, fire, and other elements. Therefore, they do require more maintenance, as well as regular treatments, compared to other kinds of exterior siding. Wood siding prices can really add up when you factor in treatment and maintenance cost.
Composite Siding
Another common exterior building material used in homes and commercial structures is composite siding. They are made from a variety of materials like scrap wood and other more durable products. Examples of composite sidings include fiber cement siding which is made up of cement, cellulose fibers, and sand; and oriented strand board (OSB) which is made up of sawdust and a bonding agent.
Whether you are building or renovating your house, we hope this article helped you choose an exterior siding material that will protect the inhabitants from the elements and make your home beautiful.
