How long does vinyl siding last?

It can last over 50 years, but you should note that warranties for vinyl siding can range from 20-40 years.

Is pressure washing bad for vinyl siding?

It can be. If you want to pressure wash your siding, hire a pro. Doing it yourself can severely damage your vinyl. It's a little more tender than you may think.

Does vinyl siding lower home value?

It usually doesn't, but in some cases, it will, like if you have a historic home, for example.

Why is my vinyl siding buckling?

A few things can cause buckling. One is if the vinyl was nailed too tight. Sunlight can also do this, or more obviously, if a grill is on too close to your siding.

Can I paint vinyl siding?

Surprisingly, yes! Just note that your siding will only be as maintenance-free as the paint that you use.

Is Insulated vinyl siding worth it?

It does add some R-value to the siding. However, it's not significant enough to make a notable difference in your home's energy efficiency. The benefit of the insulation is that it makes your siding look sturdier and more robust.

Should I remove wood siding before installing vinyl siding?

Yes, but there is some prep work involved. You need to make sure the wood doesn't have rot or mold. It's also crucial that there aren't any decorative trims or beveling, as vinyl needs to be installed over a flat surface.

Can you put vinyl siding over rotted wood?

No, you'll have to remove any damaged boards and then ensure that you install new boards so that vinyl can be installed on a flat surface.

Is cedar siding better than vinyl?

Cedar is high maintenance but naturally attractive. It lures woodpeckers and requires repair and refinishing about every five years. Vinyl is cheaper. If you can afford the cost of buying and maintaining it, and want authentic siding and go with cedar. If you wish to install siding with the least amount of work to keep it looking good, vinyl is the way to go.

How much does vinyl siding cost?

Vinyl siding cost $0.85 to $2.50 per square foot, for materials only. Installation and material costs can be impacted by the shape and location of the house. A house with intricate features such as dormers will be more expensive to clad.

In-Depth Product Guide

Vinyl Siding

FAQs

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Vinyl siding is a type of plastic siding made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is available in many shapes and often mimics the appearance of the wood grain so that it looks like painted clapboard or shingle siding. It is a popular choice for a few reasons: affordability, durability, and relatively low maintenance requirements.</p><p>Vinyl siding is most commonly installed horizontally with long, interlocking strips.

Look for vinyl siding with recycled content. Also, note that sometimes, vinyl siding will have a rigid foam backing that adds insulating value to the wall. This is called 'insulated vinyl siding' and is typically R 2.0 to R 2.7. However, if you have a rainscreen installed between your siding and sheeting, then the insulated siding may not be providing added insulating value. A 'rainscreen' is made of wood strips or lattice and acts as a spacer to create a half-inch drainage cavity behind the siding. The presence of a rainscreen is good for the health of the wall. Still, it means that any insulation that comes with the siding layer is ineffective because cold airflow gets behind the siding.

The primary benefit of vinyl siding is its long, maintenance free lifespan of over 50 years with low embodied energy impacts relative to other siding such as brick and aluminum (but still higher embodied energy than wood). However, if it is not recycled properly, it will remain in landfills for a very long time without breaking down.

Vinyl siding also doesn't require maintenance or a protective coating, though to maintain it's appearance, it may need to be cleaned periodically.

On the negative side, small amounts of toxic and carcinogenic substances are associated with the production of PVC, such as dioxin, ethylene dichloride (EDC), and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM).

Vinyl siding has quickly become a popular siding option and was first manufactured during the 1950s.

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