According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, 33% of all new homes constructed beginning 2012 had vinyl siding, making it one of today’s most popular siding options. If you are looking for a siding material that is affordable yet can still offer considerable aesthetics and performance, then vinyl siding may be right up your alley.

Vinyl Siding: An Introduction

Vinyl siding started out slow but gained steady growth and popularity among American homeowners between the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time, aluminum siding held the top spot in siding choices. Early vinyl siding products were besieged with problems like cracking and sagging because of inferior construction and materials but, as time passed, technological advancements have made it possible for manufacturers to innovate and make their siding products more durable and reliable.

Typically, vinyl siding is built with long strips of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in finishes and textures that mimics the appearance of wood siding. However, it can also feature different colors, allowing homeowners to choose whatever will complement their properties best.

Benefits of Vinyl Siding

One will only understand why vinyl siding is so popular once they know more about its benefits, which include:

• Affordability. When you’re a homeowner, every dollar counts. With vinyl siding being, by far, the least expensive siding option available today, it’s understandable why it would be on every homeowner’s radar.
• Durability. Although more budget-friendly, vinyl siding can match the strength of most of its counterparts. For starters, it is known to withstand winds of up to 110 mph, with some products enduring up to 200 mph, and it can also effectively resist heat, cold, and moisture.
• Sustainability. Because it does not rot and decay, discarded vinyl siding can still be recycled to be made into other products.
• Versatility. Vinyl siding comes in a huge array of colors, textures, and finishes, making them versatile enough to match any home style and design.
• Maintainability. Vinyl siding usually only needs regular cleaning, which can be done with just some soapy water and a soft-bristled brush.

Looking for another siding option to compare? In Part 3, we’ll be walking you through stone veneer siding and its benefits, so stay tuned.