When it comes to the topic of siding, talk automatically gravitates toward what most people view as the best siding options � mainly high-end choices made of engineered wood or fiber cement. However, not everyone can afford high-end siding, so it�s always good to know that there are affordable alternatives such as vinyl siding.
Every now and then, people ask me if vinyl siding really has what it takes to keep up with more expensive siding alternatives, performance-wise. The answer is yes, and I�ll gladly tell you why.Vinyl Siding Does Not RotWood siding is good, but without proper maintenance, it can easily rot. Moisture is easily absorbed by the wood surface, causing discoloration and weakening the siding. In contrast, vinyl siding panels are non-porous, making them completely immune to wood rot.Vinyl Siding Does Not RustYou�d think metal siding � with its non-porous surface � would be a great alternative to wood, but even metal is not completely immune to water-related damage. Rust works in the same way as wood rot does, eating away at the metal and weakening the panels. The occurrence of rust can be mitigated with protective coating, but paint can still flake off. Vinyl panels cannot rust and don�t need paint, so you don�t have to worry about rust or flakes of paint peeling off and leaving an ugly mess.
Vinyl Siding is Versatile
Because vinyl siding is largely unaffected by humidity, it can be used on more homes than any other siding material. Whether your area typically gets a lot of rain or experiences very dry summers and winters, vinyl siding will be an equally suitable siding material for your home, requiring very little maintenance. Furthermore, vinyl siding can also be made to imitate the look of other, more expensive materials, and can be used both on traditional and contemporary home designs. Also, while vinyl siding is colored during the manufacturing process, it can also be painted over if desired.Vinyl Siding is Cost-EfficientWhen professionally installed, vinyl siding has proven to be more energy-efficient than most alternative siding materials. And because, as mentioned earlier, the material is impervious to rot and rust, vinyl siding helps cut down on your energy costs and maintenance costs.
Vinyl Pays for Itself
Vinyl doesn�t just help you cut down on energy consumption. Vinyl siding also boasts a relatively high return on investment of roughly 75%. This is great news for both budget-savvy homeowners and those who have plans of reselling their homes at a good price. The bottom line is low-cost doesn�t always have to mean low-value!
Are you convinced about the benefits of vinyl siding? If so, ask a reputable siding expert about the vinyl siding options available to you. Good luck with your siding project!
William Krech is a home improvement expert who specializes in home exterior projects such as door and siding installations. Bill is known to regularly share his experiences in the home improvement industry through blog posts and articles published online.