Comparing Vinyl Siding To Other Types of Siding
How does vinyl siding compare to other types of siding? We have compiled a comparison chart of siding options to show how vinal stacks up to other siding products. Each siding product is compared to one another based on durability, appearance, maintenance and the costs of materials.
Save up to 30% of the total cost of your vinyl siding project - apply today and receive a tax credit of up to $1500! Find 3 vinyl siding cost estimates from pre-screened sidng companies in your zip code.
Vinyl Siding Comparison Chart
Type of Siding: Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding has been around for nearly 100 years, invented in France near the turn of the century. Fiber cement siding looks like wood but doesn't have the maintenance issues that wood siding carries.
Durability of Fiber Cement Siding: High
Appearance: Excellent
Maintenance: Moderate
Cost of Fiber Cement siding: High
Type of Siding: Synthetic stone
Durability: High
Appearance: Good
Maintenance: Low
Cost of Materials: Moderate
Type of Siding: Vinyl
Durability: High
Appearance: Fair
Maintenance: Low
Cost of Materials: Low
Advantages of Vinyl Siding: Low maintenance required and doesn't need to be repainted. Vinyl siding is available in many colors and is very cost effective.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding is a poor insulator, often requires backing for proper insulation. It can be warped or damaged by heavy storms or when exposed to very high heat. Vinyl siding is fairly tough to repair and also gets knocked for its lack of aesthetic beauty.
Type of Siding: Wood Board Siding
Durability: High
Appearance: Excellent
Maintenance: High
Cost of Wood Siding: High Advantages of Wood Siding * Wood siding is not only natural looking, but is Durable * Beautiful * * Offers some insulation value * Takes stain and paint well * Easy to repair and install * Environmentally friendly * Biodegradable when not treated with preservatives Disadvantages of Wood Siding * Requires painting or staining which adds to the cost.``````````````````````````````````````````````` * Regular maintenance cleaning and repainting * May foster growth of algae, mildew, or moss that left untreated can promote rot and deterioration Metal (steel and aluminum) * Durable * Fireproof * Aluminum is good in coastal environments * Steel is best where hail is a problem * Limited colors available * More costly than vinyl * Relatively difficult to repair * Poor insulation qualities Masonry * Variety of systems available including brick, concrete bricks, stucco (and synthetic stucco), cultured stone, and fiber-cement siding. * Long lasting * Generally low maintenance * Distinctive appearance * Expensive * Synthetic stucco has a history of problems * Requires professional long term maintenance vinyl siding Good weather resistance, virtually maintenance free fiber cement Can absorb water if joints not caulked, needs painting brick Repointing may be required stucco Stains easily, shows dirt, subject to cracking hardboard Can absorb water, can swell, rot and chip, needs painting cedar Can split, warp, rot, chip, insect damage, absorbs water, needs painting
