Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding

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Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home exteriors. First introduced in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum siding, vinyl has come a long way over the past 70 years. Despite the passing of decades and the introduction of numerous new materials, vinyl still reigns as the most popular siding option in North America. This enduring popularity can be attributed to vinyl’s many advantages, but it’s crucial to learn about the drawbacks as well. Let’s explore vinyl siding pros and cons and how to do vinyl siding right.

The Pros of Vinyl Siding

  • Affordability: One of the biggest draws of vinyl siding is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to alternatives like wood, brick, or fiber cement, vinyl siding is often much less expensive. This makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
  • No need for painting: When comparing wood vs. vinyl siding benefits, the fact that vinyl doesn’t require painting is a huge plus. Wood requires routine repainting and care to prevent decay, but vinyl siding maintains its color, even after years of sun exposure. This translates to less upkeep and more savings over time.
  • Water resistance: Vinyl siding is highly resistant to water intrusion, helping it withstand rainstorms and protecting your home against water damage.
  • Low maintenance: This material is easy to clean, often requiring just a power wash to restore its original appearance. This feature makes vinyl a convenient choice for busy homeowners.
  • Easy to repair: If a section of your vinyl siding becomes damaged, replacing just the affected part is usually easy, making repairs straightforward and less intrusive.

The Cons of Vinyl Siding

  • Installation challenges: While some homeowners may attempt to install vinyl siding themselves, the process isn’t foolproof. Incorrect installation could allow moisture to seep beneath the siding, potentially leading to mold or rot. For this reason, it’s important to leave vinyl siding installation to a properly trained professional.
  • Potential for warping: Vinyl siding can warp or buckle when exposed to extreme heat. This means you must be careful not to place heat sources, like barbecue grills, too close to the side of the house.
  • Difficult to paint: Although vinyl siding doesn’t require painting, it can be challenging to repaint if you decide to change the color of your house.
  • Environmental impact: Vinyl is not as eco-friendly as other siding options because it contains PVC, a non-recyclable plastic that releases toxic chemicals when burned.

When looking for replacement vinyl siding, remember that not all products are created equal. Quality can vary greatly between manufacturers and product lines, so it’s important to select high-end vinyl siding for the best results and longevity.

At Window Depot of Eastern Iowa, we install premium insulated solid core vinyl siding that addresses many common concerns associated with traditional vinyl siding. Our products from Prodigy and Charter Oak Energy Elite boast excellent energy efficiency, weather resistance, and reduced noise transmission. They also resist warping, buckling, and impact damage.

No company can provide you with more features at a better price! Call us today at (319) 294-7000 to request a free estimate for vinyl siding replacement in Eastern Iowa.