Vinyl siding is one of the most common options for home siding, and while it can be a convenient choice, it’s not without flaws. Explore the pros and cons of vinyl siding, which is made from a plastic resin, to determine if it’s the right choice for your home.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is inexpensive and low maintenance: once it’s installed, you won’t need to paint or stain it, although a periodic scrubbing is necessary to prevent mildew development.
Vinyl siding can last for as long as 40 years and holds up well in a range of weather extremes: rain, snow, ice, heat, and humidity. The material is durable enough to resist chipping and cracking when hit with objects (whether a hailstone or a ball), and it will not warp or rot.
The siding comes in a range of colors and styles, so you can choose something that works with the style of your home.
Cons of Vinyl Siding
While vinyl siding has many advantages, there are a few downsides to know. If it wasn’t properly installed, vinyl siding can leak.
The material cannot be repaired or replaced piecemeal. If there’s an incident (for example, perhaps a tree falls and damages siding on one corner of the house), you can’t simply replace a few pieces of siding. You will need to replace an entire panel of siding. Since the siding’s color can fade over time, replacement siding may not match the color of existing siding.
Vinyl siding can crack and develop holes, a problem that increases if you attempt to handle the siding in freezing temperatures. These cracks leave the home facade vulnerable to insects, moisture, and other problems.
Since vinyl siding is composed of plastic, it has a large environmental footprint. The material, however, can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, to keep waste out of landfills.
Vinyl siding is among the most common types of home siding. If you want your home to look unique, this is not the best material for you. The material isn’t well suited to historic homes, as the modernness of the material can clash with the home’s expression.
Get a Quote for Siding Replacement
Whether you’re interested in vinyl or another material, reach out now to obtain a quote on home siding repair or replacement from our Cincinnati professionals: Contact us now.
