How does vinyl cladding compare with other siding materials?

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for external cladding on homes, for a variety of reasons. If you are considering doing some renovations on your house with vinyl siding, you will want to take a few things into account before making your final choice. 

Cost

Here is where most people find vinyl to be the best choice. It is one of the most inexpensive options for exterior cladding.

At only a few dollars per square foot (compared to maybe $10 sq. ft. you would pay for brick), this type of cladding can work with just about anyone's renovation budget. Because it is easy to install, you can also save a lot on the overall project if you do it yourself. We will get to installation issues in a moment.

Durability

Compared to most other cladding options, this is where vinyl comes in last. It is insect-proof, which makes it better than wood, but it does not stand up well over time, especially if you have kids who are likely to knock toys or tools against the house. It does not take much to dent, scratch or even split a piece of vinyl. While, not too difficult to repair, not everyone wants to take on extra chores this way. 

Impact damage aside, it also fades significantly in the sun and will become more brittle when exposed to temperature changes (such as in areas with very cold winters and hot summers).

Even though this can be a serious concern, many people tend to balance this out with the low cost. After a few year and possible damage, it is not unreasonable to simply re-side the house for a fresh new look. 

Ease Of Installation

Again, consider this a checkmark in the positive column. Vinyl siding is lightweight and easy to manage for installation. You can cut pieces without special tools, and the required supplies are easy to buy at any home improvement store. For a handy homeowner, you may even be able to reside your home as a summer DIY project. 

Even if you do not do the work yourself, the speed at which vinyl can be installed will make it a short job for the contractor. That means the mess of construction does not last very long, and you pay less in time for the project. 

Color Options

Due to the widespread demand for vinyl cladding, manufacturers have created a huge palette of colors. Depending on the brand you choose, you may have an entire rainbow of color choices. Granted, the material color can not be changed once the siding is up, you can technically paint over vinyl if you want to update the shade. The right kind of paint is not as easy to find as typical exterior paint but the option is there. 

Overall, vinyl does come in strongly on most points, which is why it is so popular among homeowners. If it does not suit you, there is always a number of other options like stone, brick, wood or manufactured siding boards that may fit the bill better.