Durante’s Mini-Guide to Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options for home cladding among builders and homeowners. Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has a reputation for being a strong, versatile and rigid material. The vast array of color and texture options as well as easy maintenance are only two of the benefits of using vinyl siding.

Insulating Qualities

Siding made with vinyl is available in several thicknesses, ranging from .035 inches to .052 inches. The thicker the vinyl, the higher the grade. The most commonly used thickness is about .040 inches. A medium to high grade vinyl provides better texture and is more resistant to cracks in cold weather. One of the best benefits of vinyl cladding is its insulation qualities. Insulated vinyl has a rigid foam panel that helps make your home more energy efficient and will help to significantly lower your energy bills.

Reduced Noise

Insulated vinyl siding is ideal for reducing outside noise. The thermal insulation helps to make the vinyl acoustically insulated, which greatly reduces the sounds of road noise, loud conversations and loud music.

Pest Protection

Wood clad homes have a high risk of termite infestation. Vinyl prevents water from being absorbed into the structure of your home, which keeps termite infestations at bay. It is also the ideal material for preventing carpenter bees and other pests or rodents that will eat through a wooden clad home.

Maintenance and Painting

One of the main selling points of vinyl siding is the fact that it is virtually maintenance free. The only maintenance typically required for vinyl upkeep is cleaning it once or twice each year. However, many homeowners want to change the aesthetic appearance of their home at some time or another. Vinyl siding can be painted without damaging the structure and durability of the vinyl.

One of the best benefits of choosing vinyl siding is the cost. Vinyl is significantly less expensive than wood or stucco siding. It will also typically last several years longer than other cladding material because it is more resistant to mold, mildew and pests.