Whether you are selecting exterior materials for a new build property or want to upgrade the home you already live in, vinyl siding is a smart choice.
A lot of decisions go into the home building or remodeling process. Between paint colors, flooring types, windows, roofing materials, and countless other choices, property owners spend plenty of time picking and choosing. One of the biggest decisions homeowners must make is what material to use on the exterior walls of the home.
Common building materials include brick, stone, and many other options. But one of the most popular exterior options is vinyl siding. There are many reasons why countless property owners opt for vinyl siding for the exterior of their homes, and we are diving into all of that below.
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What is Vinyl Siding?
Siding, also called wall cladding, is a protective outer layer of a property. Much like a warm, waterproof coat a person would wear in the winter or a raincoat on a rainy day, siding helps protect your property from harsh elements. Without it, your home is extremely vulnerable. One of the most commonly used materials on the exterior of a home is vinyl siding. It is made from a durable form of plastic and comes in many styles and colors.
What Makes Siding So Important?
Siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather, animals, and other environmental factors. A good, effective home exterior is essential, not just for curb appeal (but vinyl siding gets the job done in that aspect, too!), and vinyl siding is just the ticket! The right vinyl siding installation will keep you, your family, and your property safe.
Why is Vinyl Siding a Popular Choice?
There are many reasons why countless homeowners choose to wrap their properties in vinyl siding. Here are seven reasons why it is so popular:
1. It is a Low Maintenance Material
When determining which exteriors you want for your home, it is important to consider how much time, care, and maintenance it will require. Vinyl siding is among the lowest maintenance options available. It requires little to no work and upkeep to keep it looking its best.
After your siding installation is complete, you are good to go. It is almost like you won’t have to budget for any maintenance costs over the coming decades because of how low maintenance it is. All you will need to do is clean it once or twice each year, and the good news is that it is a fairly easy task, something homeowners can do themselves!
More major low-maintenance perks of vinyl siding include:
- You won’t ever have to paint the exterior of your property.
- It is pest and rot-resistant.
- It is virtually indestructible (more on that in our next section).
2. It is Ultra Durable
Another reason homeowners gravitate towards vinyl siding is that it is extremely durable. It is built to resist excessive amounts of moisture and withstand constant exposure to harsh elements such as hail, heavy snowfall, wind, and rain, making it resistant to corrosion and rot.
Vinyl siding also will not rust or warp. A vinyl siding installation will typically come with some sort of warranty (often a lifetime warranty) to back up its claims. So even if it doesn’t live up to its guarantees — which it almost always does — homeowners can rest easy knowing they have a warranty to fall back on if ever necessary as long as they hold up their end of the deal.
3. It is an Extremely Affordable Option
Homeowners choose vinyl siding over other options because it is cost-effective. Vinyl costs much less than other building materials, such as brick or wood. Not only is the initial purchase and installation significantly less expensive, but homeowners also will get more for their money in the long run.
For example, materials like wood siding are more susceptible to damage than vinyl siding and require more maintenance, all for a much higher price tag. Not only are homeowners paying more upfront, but they end up paying more for care and repairs along the way with other building materials. If your vinyl siding ever does become damaged and you have to foot the bill for repairs (i.e., you’ve somehow voided the warranty), vinyl siding is much less expensive to fix.
4. It Can Help Save Utility Costs
Not only will opting for vinyl siding save you money upfront, but it can also save you money on heating and cooling. Houses that are poorly insulated cost a lot more than properties that have decent insulation. Insulated vinyl siding helps prevent heat loss via thermal bridging. So, even if a property has another form of insulation, heat can get lost where a wall stud meets the exterior siding.
Siding is a critical component of your home’s insulation. Adding insulated vinyl siding to your home is like spreading a warm, protective blanket across the exterior of your property. This means a cooler house in the summer and a warmer home in the winter. Your HVAC system will thank you!
Vinyl siding is an eco-friendly option. The use of insulated vinyl siding could make homeowners eligible for energy credits on taxes, saving them even more dollars.
5. It is Surprisingly Versatile
One really cool feature that draws homeowners to vinyl siding is that it can be manufactured to look like other materials. Modern vinyl siding is shockingly convincing, so much so that most people will not know the difference!
Vinyl siding for houses is a great design element. Homeowners are able to enjoy the benefits and super qualities of vinyl while having the exterior of their dreams! Vinyl siding comes in nearly every color, texture, and shape. You can even find options that look like cedar and even stone.
6. It Adds Instant Curb Appeal
Installing modern vinyl siding can increase the curb appeal of your home, improving its value, too! If you want your property to be the best-looking one on your street, vinyl siding is the way to go. Upgrading your house’s exterior may seem overwhelming, but the benefits you will see and experience are well worth the price. It is an investment you will see an instant return on.
If you are looking at selling your house (now or in the future), curb appeal is crucial. Those in the world of real estate know that buyers will not take the time to look at the inside of a property if they are not impressed with the exterior. Vinyl siding for houses is a surefire way to improve the appearance of your property.
7. It is Easy to Install
Vinyl siding installation is extremely easy, especially when compared to its alternatives. This means homeowners save time and money by choosing vinyl siding for houses.
This type of siding is not heavy and comes with pre-drilled holes, making it a simple and quick process for professionals to cover an entire property. Other kinds of siding have longer, more involved installation processes. So if you want a quick and painless job, vinyl siding is the best way to go.
If your home is older, a new layer of vinyl siding can be installed, instantly updating the exterior.
Why is Vinyl Siding the Better Option?
As mentioned before, there are a lot of different types of siding. These kinds of siding certainly come with perks, but they also come with plenty of disadvantages. Which type of siding a person believes to be “better” may come down to personal preference and option; however, we are here to tell you why we think vinyl siding is superior:
- Natural Wood Siding — There is no doubt that wood siding looks beautiful. Beauty aside, its functionality falls flat compared to other materials. Wood siding can warp and swell, is susceptible to rot and critter infestations, and overall is not super durable, which results in more frequent repairs and other maintenance. Not to mention, the original upfront cost is typically pretty high.
- Engineered Wood Siding — Engineered wood siding, also called composite wood siding, has been around for a couple of decades. During this time, property owners have learned how heavy it is and how irregular the shape can be. This results in difficult, tedious, and costly repairs.
- Metal Siding —Metal siding, when the finish has been scratched, damaged, or left unpainted for an extended period, is susceptible to rust. Another issue with metal siding is that it isn’t a great insulator; homes wrapped in metal siding often have higher energy bills, and homeowners complain of hearing outside noise. Moreover, metal siding is prone to dents, and the replacement process can be cumbersome.
- Fiber Cement Siding — Aside from looking good brand new, fiber cement siding comes with a lot of disadvantages. The installation process can be challenging. It can require plenty of care and maintenance throughout the years. It also absorbs a lot of moisture which can lead to other issues. Additionally, fiber cement siding is not an eco-friendly option.
- Brick Veneers — We know there may not be anything more classic and traditional than a brick house. With a brick home comes a major expense. To get around the big price tag, some property owners opt for a brick veneer; however, plenty of problems come with brick veneers. The brick veneer installation process is shockingly tedious and complex. Another common issue with brick veneers is flashing problems, among many, many others.
- Stone Cladding — Stone cladding can look great, but some issues that may arise include time-consuming and labor-intensive installations, on the more expensive end of siding options, requires a structural substrate which can be costly, protective sealant required, trapped moisture issues, easily damaged by strong cleaning solutions, and more.
- Stucco Exteriors — While the initial stucco project is not huge, the upkeep can be a massive commitment. Contrary to popular belief, stucco is not low-maintenance. Cracks commonly appear, and chunks of the material can go missing and, if not addressed right away, can go way beyond superficial damage and contribute to more serious structural damage.
Want Vinyl Siding for Your Property? Mountain State Windows & Siding Can Help!
If you want vinyl siding for your home or commercial property or want to learn more about vinyl siding, contact the experts at Mountain State Windows & Siding.
Whether you are building a new property and are choosing the exteriors or want to upgrade the material or update the look of your current property, vinyl siding is the way to go. Old siding and other building materials are less effective, less efficient, and cost more money. If you want to improve the look and functionality of your property, our trusted team can help.
We have worked tirelessly for our reputation and are proud to be known as a professional, trustworthy, and hassle-free home improvement company. We are dedicated to offering our customers more than just quality windows and siding — we also strive to make sure each of our projects runs smoothly from start to finish.
Anyone who’s worked with us will tell you that we stand behind our products and work. When it comes to home remodeling, we understand that property owners want a professional, highly-qualified company to make their visions come to life. We are proud to be that company.
Our promise to you is to provide you with professional and transparent service. We are always upfront about our process and any accompanying costs and are dedicated to staying within your budget.
At Mountain States Window & Siding, we only offer our clients high-quality materials and products that improve the look, function, and value of your home or business. When you choose our team, you’re sure to receive friendly, honest, and premium service with a smile.
If you live in Park City, West Jordan, Lehi, Payson, Salt Lake City, or a neighboring area along the Wasatch Front, contact the team at Mountain States Window & Siding today! If you’re taking on a home remodeling project, make sure to check out Mountain States Kitchen & Bath for your kitchen and bathroom renovation needs!
