Benefits of Vinyl Siding for Residential Homes
Installing vinyl siding provides many benefits to a home. Strong and durable, vinyl siding combines the longest life with the least amount of maintenance of any residential home siding option. Vinyl siding not only reduces maintenance costs, it increases energy efficiency and improves appearance, all of which not only adds value to a home, but will pay for the cost of installing the siding in just a few years. Able to withstand high winds, blazing sun and freezing temperatures, and available in an almost unlimited selection of colors, vinyl siding is an option every homeowner should at least consider.
Lower Installation Costs
Vinyl siding can often be installed for less than comparable options, such as wood or stucco. Per square foot, vinyl siding generally cost less than half of wood siding. Most often, existing siding does not have to be removed before vinyl siding can be installed, save greatly on labor costs. For the experienced do-it-yourselfer, siding is not overly complicated to install; the average homeowner-handyman can install vinyl siding themselves and save significantly on costs.
Because of its unsurpassed durability, many manufactures offer fully lifetime warranties against not only defects in workmanship, but also breakage. Vinyl siding is available in different grades and pricing options, so even homeowners on a budget can afford to have vinyl siding installed on their homes.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Adding vinyl siding to a house will drastically reduce the amount of maintenance the home requires. Unlike wood and painted surfaces, vinyl siding won’t ever rot, peel, chip or dent. Vinyl siding’s color is permanent and saves homeowners from the arduous task of having to continually scrape, sand and repaint their homes every few years. Additionally, vinyl siding never needs to be caulked or sealed.
Vinyl siding is easy to clean, usually requiring no more than an annual washing with a garden hose and spray nozzle. Because of advancements in the manufacturing process, vinyl siding is virtually indestructible; it is watertight, unassailable by termites and will most often last for the life of the house. If one section of siding does becomes damaged it is easily replaced, making the repair quick, painless and invisible.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl siding greatly increases the energy efficiency of the home. Before the vinyl siding is installed, sheets of foam board insulation are usually placed on the exterior of the house for two reasons. First, the foam board provides a flat and flexible surface for the siding to be installed on, cushioning the siding and allowing it to move instead of cracking as the building expands, contracts and settles. With the added insulation from the foam board and the sealing properties of the siding itself, yearly heating and cooling costs will not only be reduced, by as much as 20 percent in some cases, the home will be more comfortable, being noticeably warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Two other benefits of adding insulation that are often overlooked, installing vinyl siding will make the home more soundproof and help to keep dust from penetrating through the walls.
Customized Look
Vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns. From the historical to the contemporary, the traditional to the unique, installing vinyl siding allows homeowners to choose a look that meets their needs and desires. Additionally, many styles and colors of vinyl windows, shutters and additional trim features are available to complete, complement and enhance the home’s look.
Increased Value and Sales Appeal
Depending on the current condition home’s exterior, adding vinyl siding will often increase the value of the home, bring a higher sales prices or increasing the equity if refinancing or a home equity loan is needed. In addition to increasing a home’s value, installing vinyl siding increases curb appeal, making it more attractive to buyers. Additionally, many vinyl siding warranties are transferable to the new homeowner.