If you own a home, you may have vinyl siding. Today, more homeowners use vinyl than any other type of siding available. Vinyl steadfastly remains the popular siding alternative for homeowners. With all of the latest technological developments in vinyl manufacturing, it offers numerous advantages, including enhanced durability compared to other forms of siding. But what is the average life expectancy of vinyl siding?
Life Expectancy Of Vinyl Siding: The Hard Facts
Most insiders in the siding industry contend that vinyl’s lifespan is between 20 to 40 years. While this longevity reflects an improvement over prior forms of siding, its average life expectancy depends significantly on external forces. Vinyl siding requires diligent care and oversight, especially following a weather event.
What Factors Impact The Life Expectancy Of Vinyl Siding
Brand Of Vinyl Siding
Generally, tried and tested brands withstand intense scrutiny. They have proven themselves as industry leaders. In the world of cola drinks, Coca-Cola and Pepsi set the standard for excellence, perceived or actual. The same holds for vinyl siding. CertainTeed, Mastic, and Georgia-Pacific rank as reputable brands in the eyes of consumers. Reputable manufacturers stand behind their products by incorporating the highest quality technological advancements and delivering unparalleled warranties.
Cracking, Buckling, And Warping
Vinyl siding is not subject to rotting. However, other issues arise that can weaken its overall performance and effectiveness. Prolonged exposure to outside elements, including adverse weather and destructive rodents, can damage the surface of vinyl siding, creating holes, fissures, and waves. Moisture intrusion under the vinyl siding also weakens its structural support. Many times, these issues happen over an extended period.
Extent Of Maintenance And Upkeep
Vinyl siding is commonly believed to be “maintenance-free.” However, that claim is not entirely accurate. Like most siding materials, a degree of upkeep is required to protect it and ensure its longevity. Unchecked issues can produce far more consequential and catastrophic outcomes, including severe damage to the home. Proactively addressing these situations through routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs requires diligence on the part of the homeowner.
External Weather Conditions
A home’s regional location impacts the average lifespan of vinyl siding. A house in a climate less susceptible to severe weather will likely incur fewer challenges than one routinely subject to persistent sunshine, heavy rain, mighty wind, accumulating snow, icy conditions, damaging hail, or lightning strikes. Likewise, extreme temperatures significantly affect vinyl siding’s longevity. Weather conditions will cause vinyl siding to peel, fade, crack, warp, and weaken.
Grade Of Vinyl Siding
How thick is your vinyl siding? The answer may determine its expected lifespan. Manufacturers use industry terminology to describe a siding’s thickness. At the low end of thickness is inexpensive builder’s grade. Thin residential grade is also near the low end and, in many cases, has even less durability than builder’s grade. On the high end is premium grade. It is the most expensive, but offers maximum durability. Many other grades exist. Generally, the better the grade, the longer the siding will last.
Quality Of Installation
Many established siding installers will tell you this factor matters more than any other consideration when estimating vinyl’s longevity. The professional who follows industry best practices and manufacturer guidelines won’t compromise or cut corners during installation. Astoundingly, numerous siding installers take shortcuts during installation because they know most homeowners can’t tell the difference between “good enough” and “done right.”
How To Choose A Siding Contractor
With so many contractors claiming they can perform a siding installation, homeowners need a simple way to identify the best fit for their situation. The following questions will help you know what questions to ask the siding contractors you evaluate.
- Do They Have A Contractor’s License In Your State Or Jurisdiction?
- Are They A Locally Owned And Operated Business With A Physical Place Of Business?
- Does Their Experience Level Demonstrate Their Expertise?
- Are They Insured, Including Liability And Worker’s Compensation Coverage?
- Can They Offer A Written Estimate With Exact Pricing?
- Will They Stand Behind Their Service With A Detailed Written Contract?
- What Siding Brands And Construction Products Do They Use?
- Should You Expect To Receive Warranties On Materials And Labor?
- Is There An Option For Paying With Financing?
- What Is Their Online Reputation In Terms Of Past Customer Reviews?
- Will They Provide Qualified Referrals Of Satisfied Customers?
Hiring An Expert Siding Installer
Gouge Quality Roofing offers the finest siding services and products for homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding Central Ohio communities. If you have siding, roofing, or gutter needs, our team of professionals is ready to assist you. Contact Gouge Quality Roofing today to schedule an initial consultation.
