When it comes to choosing an exterior siding type for your home, there’s no shortage of options. From natural, rustic materials like stone and wood to manufactured materials such as aluminum, stone veneer, fiberglass and stucco, the options can be overwhelming for those who don’t have a definitive siding type in mind.
One of the first questions asked by homeowners in the market for siding is “how long will it last?” The answer depends on a multitude of factors, from the base material to how thick the panels are to how well the siding is maintained over the years. In areas more prone to severe weather patterns, wind resistance also becomes a major consideration.
Advantages of Vinyl Siding
As it turns out, vinyl is one of the most durable materials available for siding–and it has excellent durability with little maintenance compared to other siding types. On top of all that, it’s one of the most affordable siding materials available, with a cost per square foot of $3 to $7. It’s therefore no surprise that vinyl remains the most popular siding option for homes across the US. For its price and ease of installation, vinyl siding is surprisingly resilient. It can withstand extreme temperatures as well as high winds, with some manufacturer warranties covering winds of up to 150 mph! Vinyl siding doesn’t rot like wood, doesn’t dent easily like aluminum, and is widely available, making repairs and replacements a breeze. On top of all that, vinyl siding offers a wide variety of thicknesses, styles, and textures that emulate fancier, more expensive materials.Vinyl Siding Lifespan
Vinyl siding lasts anywhere from 20 – 40 years on average, but actual lifespan depends on a variety of factors.Panel Thickness or “Grade”
Vinyl siding comes in a range of “grades” with .35 mm thickness at the lower end and .55 mm thickness at the higher end. While most homeowners are satisfied with “builder’s grade” residential vinyl panels, a thicker grade will result in a longer lifespan (at a higher cost). An extra thick grade (.50 mm) vinyl panel, though more expensive, will look better, last longer, be more resistant to fading, and often comes with longer warranties. Siding contractors typically install builder’s grade (.40 mm) vinyl siding if a thickness is not specified, so make sure to let them know your preference beforehand.Sun, Weather, and Temperature Exposure
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions has substantial influence on vinyl siding longevity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, for example, can cause siding to fade, crack, and dry out vinyl siding, making it brittle. Homeowners located in certain areas of the country will also want to take extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes into account, as frequent high winds, hail, and rain will take their toll on vinyl siding in no time. Likewise, extreme temperature changes (like those in Colorado!) will deteriorate siding at a higher rate than usual.
