7 Reasons to Choose Vinyl Siding

Your siding plays a key role in your home's security and aesthetic. It protects against rain, snow, hail, and ice. And it remains the first barrier against entry. Additionally, siding gives your home a collective look and feel, tying together decorative elements.

So when your siding starts to crumble, crack, flake, or fade, you know you should call a contractor to replace it as soon as possible.

But with so many siding materials available, what type should you choose?

Wood looks natural yet requires regular maintenance. Brick and stone create a formal appearance yet seem expensive. Stucco has a unique texture yet it tends to crack and doesn't do well in wet regions.

If you need help deciding, why not take a look at vinyl siding installation?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding materials in Canada because of the following benefits.

1. It Lasts a Long Time

Vinyl siding offers plenty of strength and durability. When properly installed and maintained, vinyl siding may last from 20 to 40 years, depending on its thickness. Additionally, vinyl siding's composition makes it resistant to heat, cold, and moisture. Some vinyl siding has the ability to withstand winds up to 177 kilometres per hour (110 miles per hour).

2. It Offers Energy Efficiency

Because your siding is the first barrier against the elements, you need a material that minimizes heat loss from your home. Vinyl siding on its own has a low R-value (or energy efficiency), about the same as standard aluminum or steel, though better than brick or stone.

However, many contractors include additional foam insulation backing when they install vinyl. This significantly increases your home's R-value, oftentimes to 3.0 or even 4.0.

As a result, your home's heating and cooling systems won't have to work as hard to keep you and your family comfortable.

3. It Mimics Natural Materials

Many homeowners dismiss vinyl siding as "fake" or "unnatural." Although cheaper vinyl options may look like plastic, you can easily find vinyl siding that mimics the appearance and texture of wood, stone, or brick. This enables you to create the perfect look for your home, but for a fraction of the cost in materials and labour. Furthermore, vinyl siding won't absorb water or fall prey to insects like wood siding.

4. It Absorbs Sound

Live near a noisy street? Do neighbourhood sounds seem to pass straight through your walls? High-intensity sounds can lead to increased fatigue, decreased attention span, and even permanent hearing damage.

With insulated vinyl siding, however, street noise will become a thing of the past. Insulated siding reduces exterior noise infiltration, often cutting sound by as much as 45%.

5. It Retains Its Colour

If you opt for wood siding, you may soon realize that it quickly fades in bright sunlight. As a result, you'll need to repaint your wood siding every 3 to 5 years if you want it to stay beautiful.

Vinyl siding, in contrast, comes in a variety of colours. And to keep these colours bright and rich, many manufacturers add a coating that increases UV resistance. You will never need to paint your vinyl siding during its lifespan.

6. It Requires Minimal Maintenance

Vinyl siding doesn't require sanding or painting. It doesn't need staining or finish. And it doesn't depend on chemical treatment to prevent pest infestation.

To keep your siding in top shape, all you need to do is clean it twice a year with warm water and a little soap. Do not power wash your siding, as this can damage the vinyl and force water in between panels.

If you happen to damage your vinyl, you can easily hire a contractor to replace the damaged panel.

7. It Costs Less than Other Materials

For the cost-conscious homeowner, vinyl seems like the right alternative. Of all the siding materials available, vinyl remains one of the most affordable choices. Some vinyl options sell for about $2 to $3 per square foot, while hardwood siding can cost as much as $3.5 to $6.5 per square foot. Brick and stone siding runs anywhere from $11 to as much as $30 per square foot.

In addition to lower material costs, vinyl doesn't cost much to install. Many roofing contractors have the skills necessary to install vinyl quickly and efficiently. And since vinyl can last for years before needing replacement, you'll save money when you choose this material.

Want Vinyl Siding for Your Home?

As you can see, vinyl siding has a lot to offer. Although it's not perfect, this siding may be right for your home.

If you need new siding, hire a roofing contractor at Century Roofing for all vinyl installation in Calgary. He or she can ensure your siding panels line up correctly, allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of the material. Your contractor can also ensure that the siding remains as water-resistant as possible.