Is Vinyl Siding A Good Investment For Your Home?

Vinyl is the most popular type of home siding today. It has come a long way since it debuted in the 1950s as a low-cost way to complete new home construction. Today’s vinyl siding is an exceptionally versatile, affordable, and high-performing choice. But does this make it a good investment? Before you choose to install vinyl siding, consider the entire spectrum of pros and cons.

Vinyl is the most affordable type of exterior cladding on the market, making it a big plus if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Installing it is fast and inexpensive because the material is lightweight and has an interlocking design. Vinyl siding can come in as low as half the cost of fiber cement or wood siding.

Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of textures, colors, profiles, and trim accessories, allowing you to easily design your dream exterior. If you like the look of cedar shakes or Victorian scallops but prefer vinyl, there are plenty of options to help you create a look you love. There are tons of style options which work with vertical and horizontal applications for any home profile.

When properly installed, vinyl siding requires next to nothing from the homeowner to keep it in good shape for years. All you have to do is clean it at least once a year to maintain its original look. Vinyl siding’s color is baked-in rather than applied to the surface, which means the color cannot be stripped or scratched off. Once your vinyl siding is installed, you’ll never have to paint it.

Manufacturing vinyl siding produces carcinogens such as dioxin and greenhouse gases such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide. The process also requires vast amounts of electricity. Over time, vinyl siding continues to release the same harmful chemicals produced during the manufacturing process. Worse still, most recycling centers will not accept vinyl siding, meaning it will end up in a landfill.

Vinyl siding can devastate the value of a historically significant or architect-designed home. This type of siding tends to flatten the exterior of a home by obscuring unique molding and trim. Since many home shoppers perceive vinyl siding as a low-budget solution, it may result in lower offers if you decide to sell your home.

While vinyl siding is designed to withstand most weather conditions, it’s not as durable and long-lasting as fiber cement. It can be punctured by hail and windblown debris. In frigid weather, vinyl siding can become brittle and susceptible to cracking. The plastic sheets will crack or break if struck by a snowblower, lawnmower, or baseball. When making a decision as necessary as installing new siding on your Central Ohio home, you can trust the experts at Allstate Exteriors & Restoration to answer your questions and determine if vinyl siding is the right option for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation.