An Overview of Vinyl Siding

by Grace Motley

Vinyl siding has come a long way since it was first introduced. If you are in the market for new siding, learn more about your options when it comes to vinyl.

1. Durability

Durability ranks high as one of the reasons to choose vinyl siding. Vinyl siding won't rot like wood, won't rust like metal, and won't chip or crumble like bricks. It can withstand moisture, wind, and the intense rays of the sun with little to no damage.

As long as the siding is properly installed and there are no issues with the siding clips and attachments, the only real risk to vinyl siding is impact trauma. Hailstones and errant baseballs, for example, can crack vinyl siding if they hit just right and with enough force. Fortunately, modern vinyl is becoming even more resistant to this type of damage, so even impact cracks are becoming rarer.

2. Design

One of the drawbacks of vinyl in the past was limited design options. Vinyl came in a few fairly neutral colors and was only available as horizontal boards. This had changed in recent years. You can find vinyl options in nearly every color of the rainbow, so you are sure to find something to fit your home and your personal aesthetic. There are even paintable vinyl options available on the market now, so you can have your vinyl in a custom color and even update it later if you like.

Vinyl also comes in more styles than just horizontal boards. There are vertical board designs of varying width, for example, that look quite attractive on a modern home. There is also vinyl that is designed to look like wood shingle siding. This type comes in a variety of designs from shake to fish scales, so you can find an option to fit any type of architecture.

3. Maintenance

One thing about vinyl that hasn't changed over the years is how low maintenance it is. It never needs to be painted, patched, or checked for rot. Modern vinyl doesn't even fade as easily as older varieties once did.

The only real maintenance required is periodic cleaning. This can often be achieved with a garden hose, or you can use a deck brush or pressure washer for more stubborn dirt. You may also need to occasionally replace a clip if a vinyl panel becomes loose over time. Wind is usually the culprit when it comes to broken siding clips.

Contact a vinyl siding service in your area to learn more about your siding options.

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