Siding is one of the most important parts to any house. Its purpose is to protect the home from a variety of weather elements, such as rain or snow. The siding can even serve to protect your house from the sun’s rays in those hot summer days. When you’re deciding on which type of siding you want to get for your home, you will run into a few options, including natural wood siding, metal siding and of course vinyl siding.
This type of siding is made from a durable plastic design that works as an exterior wrap or finish for your home. In this article, we’ll concentrate on the best features along with some of the cons that vinyl siding offers. It is considered to be a great alternative for protecting your home. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on your investment.
Low Maintenance – One attractive feature from vinyl siding is low maintenance. In fact, because of its slick surface and material, it can be easily cleaned with a water hose. Any dirt, cobwebs and other types of debris will quickly fall off with a spray of water.
Affordable – Saving money is important when you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. Costs can quickly add up and investing in vinyl siding can actually save you money in the end. When you compare it to other sidings like fiber cement or wood siding, you may be able to spend somewhere between 30 to 50 percent less. Why? Well, the cost of vinyl has an edge amongst its competitors because it features panels that interlock together, which makes it easier to install. Make sure that you browse different siding suppliers to find the right choice for your home.
Durability – Even though vinyl siding is much more affordable than other types of siding, it doesn’t mean that it’s composed of cheap materials. Vinyl siding is one of the most durable and reliable sidings on the market. When the siding is properly installed, it will protect your home from for many years. Some homes with vinyl have lasted with the same siding for 20 years or more. It is also perfect to keep your home insulated, which can help to keep your home comfortable.
Beautiful Designs – Vinyl siding has certainly changed a lot within the past 30 years. Nowadays, it provides both a dependable alternative to protect your home and many designs that you can choose. This will include different vinyl colors, trims and more. You’ll also find different textures and profiles that can fit the layout of any home.
Installation – While installing vinyl siding is fast and easy, make sure that you hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Since this type of siding comes in panels with interlocking features, it’s important to lock these panels securely. Any missed panel that is not locked correctly can result in an open space into your home. This open space can let in moisture within boards leading to damp wood or mold in the future. With time, these panels will begin to separate if they’re not installed properly.
Property Value – Vinyl siding has many great advantages. However, when it comes to evaluating the value of your property, it can actually do more harm than good. The market usually values other types of siding more than vinyl, such as wood or even fiber cement. If you’re concerned that vinyl could devalue your property value, it may be best to opt for another alternative.
Painting – Can you paint vinyl siding? Many experts have had different opinions when it comes to painting vinyl siding that has faded. While a fresh coat of paint may brighten up the siding’s color, it’s essential to use quality paint and experienced painters to do the job right. Vinyl can be tricky to successfully paint over. If it’s not done correctly, the paint can begin to crack within just months. Another downside to this is that the overall paint job will come out more expensive than your regular painting project.
Cracking – Quality matters greatly in vinyl siding. Because vinyl is prone to cracking and much more easily breakable than other materials, you want to invest in quality. Although most siding can last for many years, your location can affect its overall lifespan. Natural weather elements in extreme conditions can damage your vinyl. This can include prolonged exposure to sun, rain, wind and freezing temperatures. With time, your siding will begin to crack.
Fading – As with any other material, fading happens sooner or later. However, with vinyl siding, the process can happen much faster, which depends on a variety of factors. First, you have to consider the color. Darker and bolder colors tend to fade much faster compared to lighter colors. Second, your vinyl siding will fade much faster if it’s situated in a place where direct sunlight hits the home.
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