Vinyl Siding 101: Answers to Essential Questions

Vinyl siding has been the top choice for new homes for over 25 years. In 2018 alone, around 26% of the 840,000 constructed single-family homes chose vinyl. It’s not surprising, considering the material’s affordability, easy installation, and simple maintenance requirement.

If you plan to put vinyl siding on your new home in Annapolis, Maryland, this article will help answer some essential questions you may have about the material.

Is vinyl siding a worthwhile investment?

Vinyl has one of the highest returns on investment (80%) among all types of siding materials. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home in the future, having vinyl siding in your home already provides a host of benefits.

Durable and Low-Maintenance

Among all the siding materials available, vinyl is the easiest to maintain. Vinyl doesn’t require frequent upkeep to keep it looking new. Once the siding is installed, all you have to do is clean it at least once a year.

Vinyl siding also withstands extreme weather conditions like strong winds and hail. It’s resistant to the following:

  • Excessive moisture
  • Corrosion
  • Rotting
  • Rust
  • Warping
  • Pests (termites)

Most vinyl siding installations come with a lifetime warranty to help back up manufacturers’ claims regarding quality.

Cost-Effective 

Cost is one of the reasons vinyl siding is popular among homeowners. It’s far more affordable than wood or brick siding. Installation fees are lower because of the easy process, and you don’t have to worry about additional repair and maintenance expenses.

For example, wood siding costs $8 per square foot, while vinyl siding costs $3.80. Although wood is not that expensive, it is prone to all kinds of damage in the long run. It requires regular maintenance and repairs, which adds to your overall investment in the material.

With vinyl siding, you are less likely to pay for these additional expenses.

Energy Saving

Insulated vinyl siding makes a home energy-efficient by preventing heat loss using a process called thermal bridging. Thermal bridging turns your vinyl siding into one big blanket that prevents any temperature leak from passing through the house walls.

As a result, your home remains cool during summer and warm during winter. Since your heater or air conditioner isn’t working hard to maintain indoor temperature, you can expect a significant drop in your monthly heating and cooling bills.

Versatile    

One advantage of vinyl is that it can look like other types of siding. There are vinyl options that appear like cedar or stone. Vinyl siding is also available in various colors, profiles, and textures that fit any home architecture. It opens up many home design possibilities while maintaining its affordability.

Doesn’t Need Paint 

Vinyl siding is perfect for homeowners who loathe the idea of painting their house’s exteriors regularly. Vinyl siding is unique because its design and color are already baked in.

Also, the siding’s color is 100% homogeneous. That means the color goes all the way through. Any mechanical abrasions or scratches will not obliterate its color.

Easy to Install 

Unlike other types of siding, vinyl is light and easy to install. It comes with pre-drilled holes that allow the homeowner or contractor to fit the vinyl into the studs without a sweat. It’s even possible for someone with decent experience in homebuilding to install the siding on their own.

However, the installation stage is critical in the siding process, so a professional home builder or home improvement contractor is the best person for the job.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Siding?

vinyl sliding

The average charge of installing vinyl siding on a single-story, 1,500 sq. ft house ranges from $4,500 to $18,000. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the following factors:

  • The size of your home
  • The design of your home
  • Local labor rates
  • Cost of removing old siding

The average labor cost is from $2.15 to $5.25 per square foot. That means installing vinyl siding in a 1,200 square feet property can net you around $2,580 to $6,300 in labor alone.

As for the replacement material, 200 square feet of vinyl siding can cost around $1,600. It’s also possible to purchase a box of simple vinyl siding containing 200 square feet for around $400.

Installation Cost by Type

Installation costs also vary depending on the type of vinyl you choose. Here are some of the popular types of vinyl siding and their associated costs:

Insulated Vinyl

It’s specifically designed to be energy-efficient. Its specialized material makes it more expensive than other types of vinyl siding.

Average cost: $8 per square foot

Average installation (materials and labor): $4 to $12 per square foot

Vinyl Shake Siding 

This type of vinyl mimics the look, feel, and texture of many wooden sidings like cedar.

Average cost: $6.50 per square foot

Average installation (materials and labor): $3 to $10 per square foot

Vinyl Log Siding 

This siding perfectly mimics logs like those found in wooden cabins. Most vinyl log sidings are manufactured to look like cedar logs.

Average cost: $4 per square foot

Average installation (materials and labor): $3 to $5 per square foot

Vertical Vinyl Siding

This siding is designed to look and feel like wood. Vertical vinyl is also very durable.

Average cost: $5.50 per square foot

Average installation (materials and labor): $3 to $8 per square foot

How Do You Choose the Best Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl in its basic form is a good material, but it would help to spot the right vinyl siding for your project. Here are some helpful tips while shopping for vinyl siding.

  • Horizontal vs. Vertical: You’ll have to pick between vertical and horizontal vinyl siding in most cases. Horizontal designs tend to look nice on old or traditional houses. Vertical designs, on the other hand, look better on modern homes.
  • Quality: The quality standards of vinyl siding are covered by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard 3679. Look for stickers or fact sheets bearing the ASTM name in the packaging. It helps confirm that your siding passed quality standards.
  • Anti-Weathering Protection: Direct sunlight can easily damage raw vinyl. However, most vinyl sidings are designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight. It would still be wise to talk to your dealer or contractor to confirm if your vinyl siding has anti-weathering protection.
  • Warranty: The standard warranty of most vinyl siding is 50 years. In some rare cases, you can get a lifetime warranty that includes an option to transfer it to the next owner of the house. There are also prorated warranties stipulating that the longer your siding lasts, the less the company will pay. So always ask for the warranty and read the fine print.

What to Consider During Installation 

While it’s easy to have vinyl siding installed, crucial factors need to be considered to ensure a smooth installation for your siding. For example, the temperature can cause even the most expensive type of siding to expand and contract. It could cause the siding to buckle and warp if installed incorrectly.

Experienced siding contractors should already know the necessary steps to prevent these kinds of issues from happening. That’s why it’s always recommended to work with a trusted contractor for your new or replacement siding installation.

Apart from written estimates, it’s also best to discuss the following details with your chosen contractor to help you get the most out of the installation process:

  • Rigid insulation: This is an additional feature that can be coated over the vinyl siding. It helps increase insulation and prevents air leaks. It also provides a smoother surface for the siding. Some contractors offer rigid insulation for free or ask you to pay an extra $0.25 to $2 for it.
  • Panel alignment: Before installing the vinyl siding, accompany your contractor in inspecting the area where it will be installed. Show them the windows, doors, and any obstructions so they can find a way to install the panels in perfect alignment.
  • Corrosion-resistant nails: You can also discuss the type of nail they should use during the installation process. Suggest the use of corrosion-resistant nails like those made from aluminum or hot-dipped galvanized ones. Using corrosion-resistant nails will help prolong the life of your vinyl siding.

Get Professional Vinyl Siding Installation from GH Clark

Vinyl is an excellent siding that provides homeowners with several advantages without breaking the bank. This article has given enough information and tips to make you invest confidently in vinyl. Consulting your contractor is a good idea to learn from the perspective of professionals.

G.H. Clark Contractors, Inc. provides professional home improvement services like siding, roofing, and gutter installation. If you are interested in having vinyl sidings installed, contact us today to request a free estimate or leave a question about our siding services.

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