A Brief Guide to Vinyl Siding
by Bonnie Phillips on May 30, 2020
Vinyl siding is, by far, the most popular siding choice in the world nowadays. It is built using PVC resin in a panel structure that is installed over the walls of houses for a smooth and clean finish. It was originally introduced as an alternative to aluminum siding, which tended to dent and fade easily, and was costly too.
Vinyl siding is also a suitable choice for those who love to change the look of their house with changing times, due to more color and pattern options than others.
Why Get Vinyl Siding?
The benefits of vinyl siding over others are:
- Vinyl siding is manufactured in numerous colors and patterns and even with wood, brick, stone, and cement finish.
- Vinyl siding is the most affordable siding option, both material-wise and installation, maintenance, and repair-wise.
- Installation, maintenance, and repair of vinyl siding are also fast, easy, and hassle-free.
- Vinyl siding is highly durable, weather and corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance. A yearly wash and a good sealant or weather-barrier coat every few years is enough to last it for 40-50 years.
- Vinyl siding is thermally efficient and
- Saves a significant amount in thermostat expenditure.
What Costs are Involved?
Thicker vinyl is costlier but brings durability to the table. Greater the sides and complexity of the house, greater the cost too. By complexity, we mean more corners and edges due to more doors, windows, balconies, arches, more sides, and so on. It is also due to the greater customization required on the panels and the linear footage from soffits, moldings, and trims, that adds to the cost.
Besides that, greater patterns and color variety, especially custom ones will increase the cost. Longer panels are more aesthetic but more expensive. You should also not choose the cheapest siding manufacturer or contractor for your house as a badly done job becomes more costly in the long run for siding repairs.
The things you must pay special attention to buying Vinyl Siding:
- Material - The quality of siding increases from Regrind, recycled PVC, Virgin PVC, Virgin PVC with strengthening additives, and acrylic capped vinyl. For greater insulation, you can choose foam-backed vinyl. Check for ASTM D3679 quality standard and wind-speed rating to know more about it.
- Color - Vinyl siding with high-quality, high-concentration pigments throughout the thickness, with titanium dioxide additives and following ASTM D6864, ASTM D7251 or ASTM D7856 standards are least likely to fade.
- Construction - Thicker vinyl siding is more durable. Your choices are economy grade (0.038”), builder’s grade (0.040”), light residential grade (0.042”), standard residential grade (0.044”), thick residential grade (0.046”), and premium grade (0.048”).
A thickness between 0.040” and 0.045” is the right balance between cost and quality. Among available profiles, like board and batten, beaded, clapboard, and Dutch lap, Dutch lap exhibits maximum strength.
- Installer - Always choose an installer with years of experience, good reviews and references, all necessary certificates, insurance and a written warranty for the job.
Although vinyl siding installation has some cons like no fire-resistance, melting and warping tendency, high coefficient of thermal expansion, the pros far outdo the cons and make vinyl the top siding choice for most people.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94899 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74292 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71742 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52733 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30574 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Fix a Broken Air Conditioning Unit
It is not that hard to find an emergency furnace repair contractor in your area. All you need to do is to Google the right keywords and you will...
Home Renovate: Breathe New Life into Old Furniture
There is no denying the fact that old and antique furniture is any day better than fancy ones that line the market. You must do everything you can...
How to Prepare Your Home for this Years Hurricane Season
With the hurricane season fast approaching, it is best to ensure that you and your family are well prepared. The season will peak around mid-August...
Things to Do Before Deciding to Remodel Your Bathroom
Remodeling your bathroom could be the next best project to have at home. Your current bathroom is not good enough, and these changes are necessary....
What Is the Best Roof Replacement Material for 2021?
If you are considering tackling some much-needed home improvement projects in the new year, there is no better place to start than with a roof...