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There is a new trend in houses today: vinyl siding. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Bureau reports that over 32 percent of new home owners are deciding to install this alternative rather than aluminum, which is currently the most used siding of homeowners across the United States.
Along with the roof, it forms the first line of defense against the elements, most importantly sun, rain/snow, heat and cold, thus creating a stable, more comfortable environment in the interior of the home. The siding material and style also can enhance or detract from the building’s beauty.
What is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is plastic exterior siding for a house, used for decoration and weatherproofing, imitating wood clapboard which gives a home a more charming look from the outside, while making the inside protected from the sun, rain, snow, and other forms of harsh weather conditions.
Vinyl sidings are made of two layers: the top called capstock, and the substrate. Both layers are made of polyvinyl chloride and resin. The top layer comprises of up to 25% of the siding thickness, making it weatherable and durable. Most capstocks, on the other hand, include about 10% titanium dioxide, depending on the color, which is a pigment and provides resistance to breakdown from UV light. This helps in keeping the cold or warmth in or out, depending on the season. This dramatically improves the appearance and energy efficiency of your home.
Trends show that there has been a steady increase in the acquisition of vinyl sidings in the past few years, and is predicted to continue long into the future. True enough, its quality improved dramatically since it was introduced in the market in the 1950s.
Benefits of Installing Vinyl Siding
Wide array of options
Homeowners can choose from a number of textures, colors, architectural trims, and more. Vinyl sidings are designed to mimic the appearance of an architectural feature and accents such as slate, wood or stone.
Easy Installation
Vinyl siding is one of the most lightweight sidings, making it one of the easiest to install as well. In fact, some variations can even be installed over existing materials, making it a perfect choice for homeowners who are retrofitting their houses.
Additionally, homeowners can pass on extra labor costs since it is very easy to install and not complicated at all. By following the installation manual that comes with it, people with or without prior experience can do it.
Durable and Long lasting
Vinyl siding is resilient to any weather condition, making it durable and definitely long lasting. The materials used to manufacture this product are designed to stand through the sun’s extreme heat, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and blizzards. Vinyl siding will not rot, peel, dent, or show scratches which means that you can enjoy a bright, clean-looking exterior every day for years. It is able to withstand the outside elements and the wear and tear, without loosing its charming and original appearance and performance for a long time.
Low maintenance
Home owners with vinyl sidings can’t complain when it comes to cleaning it. Compared to bricks and other materials, vinyl can be cleaned and maintained by a solution of soap and water. Vinyl siding should be washed at least once a year. No fancy cleaners involved. Vinyl siding sustains less environmental damage than wood or other siding alternatives, and it maintains a fresh look for years with very little cleaning. Moreover, it never needs to be painted, and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Lesser utility costs
Being an excellent insulator, vinyl sidings lets homeowners who use it save more money and spend less on their monthly electricity bills. Vinyl siding keeps the cold air outside of the house during the winter, while making sure it blocks the intense heat and UV rays from the sun during the summer time.
Environmentally Friendly
More than the financial savings you can have, vinyl sidings also contribute to the saving of the environment as well. It is also an excellent green option, being able to outperform any other material when it comes to to life cycle stages.
Increase resale value
This type of siding will increase the appeal of a home, which in turn, affects the resale value of your house positively. Because buyers need not worry about maintenance, cracking stucco, rotting wood, or any of the other hassles that come with alternative products, they are more likely to buy a home with vinyl siding. At the same time, thanks to its waterproofing ability, homeowners don’t have to worry about water leakage and damage, which is one of the primary reasons why house hunters wont consider your house an option.
Easy and cheap makeover
If you want to do a makeover of your home but have no idea where to start or how to fit it in your budget, the answer is vinyl sidings. It is an easy way to completely transform the exterior of your home, without the hefty price tag of other materials plus labor fees from professionals—because you can do it yourself.
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