How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last: Is It Worth The Investment?
Vinyl sidings are the exterior sidings used around the houses for weather proofing and decoration purposes. The exterior vinyl sidings are made of PVC resin and replace the age old wood and other materials such as aluminum and cement. The reason behind the ever-rising popularity of vinyl siding is its resistance to flame and self-ignition. That said; do you know how long does vinyl siding last? We will find out in this article.
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But, before that, let’s understand in-depth what vinyl siding actually is.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is very durable and is available in a variety of colors. It is comparatively easy to maintain as far it’s cleaning and maintenance is concerned. Further, it is easy to install and can be used to cover almost any and every structure.
But again, all things that sound and look good are not always as easy to work with. The same thing applies to vinyl siding as well. Here is a quick list of all the pros and cons of vinyl siding:
Characteristics Of Vinyl Siding That Can Affect Its Longevity
Lacks Insulation
Vinyl siding does not come with a layer of insulation on its back. It needs to be purchased additionally at your own cost before its installation. The insulation can be made of foam or any other material.
Tough To Repair
In the case of any damage, you need to change the entire siding as vinyl siding is expensive to repair. Yes, you read it right! You will have to spend almost double to get it repaired. There is nothing known as mini repairs or patchwork here.
Apart from this, you also have to remove the other parts of the siding as well in order to access the damaged siding. For example, if you need to repair the roof area, then you will have to remove the not-so-damaged roof flashings just to get access to the parts which needs to be mended.
Dexterously Damaged
It is very prone to dents and cracks. As we have already mentioned to you the repairing work is again time and energy consuming. Any material or tool bumping into it can leave it damaged, leaving the rest to you. Even flying debris during severe storms can do the damage.
Apart from this, if the cracks and holes are not healed in time, they can give rise to mold growth and prove as a home for insects and other pests.
Moisture Issue
If the installation is flawless then this issue can be given a skip. But if not, then what? The gap between your home walls and this vinyl siding will hold moisture under its sections and promote mold growth and mildew.
Vinyl siding can also rot and decay. These things ultimately can enter your home through the other side of the wall. Then the only option left is to either de- cluster the whole domain of vinyl for cleaning or install a new one.
Colours
You may not always be able to match a section of the vinyl siding with the current color. And the color too might not be available with all the manufacturers and seller at all times. Therefore, the basic colors are advised to be used so that the availability and utility both can work.
Annual Cleaning
An annual cleaning is advised by removing the plates so that all the above problems can be sorted out before it wreaks havoc. The cleaning itself takes double the amount of time than what it takes just to install it.
So, How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?
Vinyl siding looks good, neat and is maintenance free but at the same time is not impenetrable. Though it is a great decorative decision, at the same time, if the installation is faulty, it can come off its hold during storms and severe rains.
The positive side is that it usually doesn’t peel or scratch off from the sides and it secures your home from the extreme weather conditions. The color though may fade away over the years but that can be easily handled by replacing the damaged or faded panels.
Vinyl siding is manufactured keeping in mind a time frame of a minimum of 20- 40 years, but it also depends on the thickness and the material used. Many companies have even started offering life- time warranties and transferrable ones too for the same making it a lot easier for users to deal with it.
Wrapping Up
We hope that the above discussion would have cleared your doubts and have provided you in-depth insights on how long does vinyl siding lasts.
Let me know what you think in the comment section below. Do not forget to share the tutorial with your friends and family.
