Siding and other exterior parts of a house play an important role in enhancing the overall value of a property. It goes without saying that well-maintained siding not only enhances the appearance of the home, but also affects how people first view the property. Ideally, siding improves the “curb appeal” of the house.
Generally, the two most popular materials for house siding include wood and vinyl. Both have positive and negative attributes that may make you decide on one over the other. Get the scoop on two common siding materials to help you select the right one for your place…
Vinyl Siding -Is Incredibly Versatile
Nowadays you can get vinyl siding in hundreds of colors, textures, and profiles. This wide range of options in vinyl siding gives you complete versatility in designing your dream exterior. Like the look of cedar shakes but prefer the qualities of vinyl? You can find a vinyl siding that authentically looks just like wood– and there are plenty of inexpensive vinyl options for that, too! There are several vinyl siding style options available these days.
Vinyl Siding Is More Durable Than Wood Siding
Vinyl sidings are specifically designed to withstand the elements, including heavy wind and impact from hail. Moreover, vinyl as a siding material resists excessive moisture, meaning it won’t rot or corrode over time. In many cases, you can get a lifetime warranty on your vinyl siding that is often prorated for 40 to 50 years on successive owners. Wood sidings can last for about 20 years before needing repairs or replacements.
Vinyl Siding Is Not Susceptible To Pests
Generally, wood siding is often susceptible to some types of wood-eating insects or pests. Some types of wood siding are less vulnerable than others, and the wood may be treated to help prevent this… That said, vinyl siding is not susceptible to damage from wood-eating insects or pests because it is made from a type of plastic. If there are gaps in the vinyl, however, pests may still enter and eat the home’s wood frame where it is less noticeable.
Vinyl Siding Can Stay Strong In Extreme Temperatures Or Harsh Weather Conditions
When it comes to temperature changes, wood swells and contracts slightly with humidity in the air. Vinyl is not impacted by humidity or by temperature. Vinyl siding doesn’t crack in extreme cold. Generally, wood siding can grow brittle and crack as it ages in areas that see extreme temperature highs and lows throughout the year. In locations with high temperatures, the vinyl material may soften but won’t damage the house. This is true of any type of heat, whether from the sun, a grill placed too close, or light reflecting off a nearby window coated with low-emissivity. In some cases, vinyl siding can melt a small amount and warp, and in severe cases, it may require complete replacement.
Vinyl Sidings Are Virtually Maintenance Free
When it comes to house siding, vinyl material does not require high maintenance. Since it resists pests such as termites and blights such as rot, it will keep its original qualities for many years, giving you your money’s worth. Also, you’ll never need to paint your home — a simple cleaning once a year or so is more than adequate to maintain its original good looks. Once your vinyl siding is installed, you won’t have to tax your budget with unexpected costs to keep it looking great.
Summary:
Choosing the best, most durable material is central to designing a siding exterior that withstands the elements and looks good for more than a season. Moreover, of all the types of siding on the market, vinyl is the most DIY-friendly, because it comes with everything you need, including starter strips, fascia, channels, and outside corners that cover the rough-cut ends of the siding, and these pieces simply snap together as they’re installed. People tend to avoid wood sidings since they require precise measuring and cutting, which means wood siding will take a little longer to install.