
The great debate: wood vs. vinyl siding
Homeowners of old once clad their homes with whatever raw materials were at hand. Early American settlers, for example, made prodigious use of clapboard -- rough-hewn, unfinished hardwood -- or weatherboard that had to be whitewashed to protect it from the elements. Later, cedar shakes and shingles, well-known for their durability, were used to keep out inclement weather. They also added a bit of charm.
Today we are learning to adapt to a world of dwindling resources. We have created new materials inspired by the appearance and best qualities of the originals as well as by the need for sustainable manufacturing and building processes. If you are a traditionalist, you may want wood siding, but unless you have a home with historic value, consider why vinyl has become so much more popular in recent years.
Wood siding: tradition, longevity, and status
Homeowners like the look, feel, and status of real wood. Not many would argue that it's beautiful when cared for properly and frequently. It can also last indefinitely when maintained.
When wood has not been plentiful, its cost has gone up. Measures to grow it responsibly, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, help insure its availability now and in the future but also increase the cost.
If you can afford it -- and the long-term expenses like periodic staining and painting that go with its upkeep -- wood can reflect your exacting taste, as well as how much you value the use of natural products, especially in your home environment.
Wood siding advantages:
- Durable/long-lasting
- Sustainable, depending on how it's sourced
Wood siding disadvantages:
- High-cost
- High-maintenance
- Prone to wood rot, insect infestation
Vinyl siding: cost, appearance, low-maintenance
Vinyl, once the underdog of siding options, has become the most popular choice for exterior cladding. Vinyl siding is stronger, more durable, and better insulated than ever before. It mimics every type of natural siding including all traditional wood siding styles, shakes and shingles, and even logs.
Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), detractors long argued about its environmental effects, but the industry has worked hard to greatly improve manufacturing techniques, transportation methods, and insulation properties to the point where vinyl siding is considered eco-friendly enough to qualify for LEED-building certification. Best of all, it is still a budget-conscious option.
Vinyl siding advantages:
- Budget-friendly
- Durable/long lasting
- Water-, rot- and insect-resistant
- Low-maintenance when properly installed -- spray wash annually
Vinyl siding disadvantages:
- Susceptible to damage from excessive heat and cold
- May not be approved for use in historic homes
Proper vinyl siding installation is essential to prevent water intrusion behind the siding. The heavier gauges and insulated vinyl siding cost more but provide additional advantages such as increased damage resistance from wind and energy efficiency. Before making a decision to install vinyl siding, consult a professional siding contractor for more information and get at least three estimates.
Featured Articles
- Insulated vinyl siding: Is it really energy-efficient?
- Steel siding: Is it right for your home?
- Vinyl siding: 3 lesser-known companies to consider
- Fiberglass siding: does it beat the competition?
- Best siding for renovating historical buildings
- 4 things to consider when buying new vinyl siding
- Go vertical with new vinyl siding
- How to choose the right new vinyl siding
- Fiber cement or vinyl siding?
- Best vinyl siding: CertainTeed earns top honors
- Siding shadow lines: Dutch lap or clapboard?
- History of modern siding
- Control stone veneer siding cost with accent touches
- 6 popular styles of Crane siding
- Georgia Pacific siding: vinyl or Plytaniumâ„¢?
- MainStreet siding boosts curb appeal
- Make Your Home Unique with Stone Veneer Siding Accents
- Explore the choices of Reynolds vinyl siding
- Gentek siding offers generous choices of styles and prices
- Gentek steel siding: quality, durability and safety
- Trim Your DIY Siding Costs with Georgia-Pacific Siding
- From shakes to wraps: CertainTeed siding looks delicious
- With a Little Research, Vinyl Siding Styles Make Sense
- Are Premium or Insulated Vinyl Siding Styles Worth It?
- Cost Analysis: Premium, Value and Insulated Vinyl Siding
- Guide to The Most Common Vinyl Siding Styles
- The Pros and Cons of Popular Vinyl Siding Styles
- Advances in Realistic Looking Vinyl Siding
- An Overview of Popular Vinyl Siding Styles
- Got Vinyl Siding Favorites? Here Are Ours
- What to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Siding Styles
- Types of Vinyl Siding for Extreme Climates
- Vertical Vinyl Siding Can Make Your Home Unique
- 2 Futuristic Shingle and Siding Technologies You Should Consider