The vinyl siding of today is a huge improvement over the faux wood panels of even ten years ago. It more closely emulates real wood with textures and colours that make it hard to find the seams.
As homeowners we already have enough to keep up with around the house: cleaning, dusting, shoveling, mowing, painting and staining. Vinyl siding eliminates most of these maintenance items from your to-do list.
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It’s durable
Vinyl is one of the most durable materials for cladding. It’s less expensive and more practical than real wood or other products vinyl siding, such as fiber cement, that may require painting or frequent repairs. It’s also very hard-wearing, withstanding a variety of weather conditions.
Unlike other cladding, vinyl isn’t susceptible to color fading after exposure to sunlight. However, it does fade with age, and it is difficult to match the exact color of replacement panels if necessary.
Tom says he regularly uses a water hose and brush to clean his vinyl siding, which removes the mildew, algae, dirt and chalky oxidation that builds up on its surface. Occasionally, he might power wash it for a deeper clean that could remove stubborn debris or bugs. But he discourages homeowners from using high-pressure power washers, as this can drive moisture behind the vinyl and cause serious problems like rot, mold and mildew. It’s also an environmentally-friendly product, requiring no deforestation or mining to manufacture.
It’s easy to maintain
The amount of work that goes into maintaining a home is overwhelming for many homeowners. Painting, scraping, replacing wood rot and fighting insects are just some of the maintenance items that need to be done regularly. When you choose vinyl as your exterior cladding, this work is reduced significantly. You’ll have to hose it down once or twice a year, which is much easier than keeping up with your paint brushes.
Vinyl is made of a specialized type of plastic, so it doesn’t corrode or rust like aluminium and steel. It is also durable against the elements and can protect your home from heavy winds, sun and rain.
It is easy to install and comes in a range of colours and textures to give your house a unique look. It is also eco-friendly and energy efficient if you opt for insulated vinyl. This means that you are reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste.
It’s stylish
While the inside of a house is certainly important, the outside also adds to curb appeal. Whether you are trying to create a more rustic look or just want a fresh new exterior, modern vinyl siding can suit almost any style.
In addition to colors, vinyl siding comes in different designs, like clapboard and shakes. These styles mimic the appearance of handcrafted wood, without the maintenance headaches. They are especially popular in the Midwest, where ice storms can tear up other types of exterior cladding.
Aside from a hose-down occasionally, vinyl siding requires little from homeowners to keep looking its best. The material is non-porous, so it doesn’t rot or attract termites or other pests. It is also resistant to fading and won’t chip or peel over time. This leaves you with a fresh, clean exterior that will last for years.
It’s affordable
Vinyl siding has come a long way in the past few years. Today’s panels are thicker and more realistically mimic the look of wood, which is great news for those who want to make their home more energy-efficient.
The lower layer, referred to as the substrate, takes up 3/4 of the total siding thickness. It consists of 15% ground limestone (mainly calcium carbonate) and 85% vinyl resin. It’s also treated with lubricants and tin mercaptan during the extrusion process to allow for float created by expansion and contraction from weather conditions.
Homeowners can choose from beaded or smooth vinyl siding, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Beaded vinyl is more decorative and can give a more woodlike texture that helps to hide dirt and debris from the surface. Smooth vinyl has no texture, but it’s less likely to collect dirt and can create a cleaner appearance.