Home Siding Guide | Home Exterior Siding Options | HouseLogic

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most popular choice for home siding on new homes in the U.S., according to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau data. It is tough, durable, and widely available in many styles and colors. Color permeates the material and wont reveal nicks and scratches.

Todays standards ensure that vinyl siding will maintain its shape in extreme temperatures, provide resistance to high winds, retain its color, and meet or exceed other manufacturer claims. Labeling should indicate if it conforms to the American Society for Testing and Materials standard, expressed as ASTM D3679. Or ask you contractor to confirm.

Benefits: Light weight makes for speedy installation; can be retrofit over existing siding; little maintenance; top-quality brands offer transferable lifetime guarantees to subsequent buyers.

Drawbacks: Seams will show where the ends of standard 12-foot panels overlap. Extra-long panels virtually eliminate seams for an additional cost of about 30%.

Green factor: Vinyl has a long replacement cycle of 30 to 50 years, but the same ingredient that makes it durablepolyvinyl chloride or PVCdoesnt degrade in landfills. Byproducts of PVC production may include dioxin and other toxins.

Cost: Material per sq. ft., installed: $2-$6

Average two-story, 2,300 sq. ft. house, including building wrap and insulating backer board: $7,000-$14,000

Metal

The popularityand availabilityof steel and aluminum siding is waning because vinyl has evolved as the better low-cost option. Metal siding comes in many prefinished colors and features styles that mimic wood. Modern metal sidings are dent-resistant, insect- and fire-proof, and require little maintenance. With proper care, steel and aluminum siding will last more than 50 years.

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Home Siding Guide | Home Exterior Siding Options | HouseLogic