Curious about the lifespan of vinyl siding? Looking for ways to maximize the life of your siding? This popular home siding solution can provide years of beauty and reliability while being low maintenance. But even though it’s one of the most durable options around, this type of siding does need proper attention. CLAD Siding has put together the following info to help you get better acquainted with vinyl siding and how to make it last for years to come.
How Long Vinyl Siding Typically Lasts
Vinyl siding is a fantastic choice for those looking for a nice combo of affordability and attractiveness. This type of siding is composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) resin and coatings that allow for years of attractive use and plenty of other benefits. It also comes in a variety of sizes and colors and can be painted to suit your preferences. On top of that, vinyl siding is pretty easy to maintain with proper annual services (more on that below).
Depending on several factors, vinyl siding can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years. That’s quite a range. When exposed to the best possible circumstances, siding can last decades. But you might be in a scenario where elements are less than desirable. For instance, excessive heat or cold can lead to problems, including warping, cracking, and peeling.
Along with extreme weather conditions, the lifecycle of vinyl siding can be affected by a lack of annual maintenance (cleaning and repainting). But considering all the pluses, especially compared to other forms of siding, it definitely earns its super popularity with ease!
Vinyl sliding is super versatile and durable as it is a cost-effective, engineered product. It can take on the look of wood while providing years of use without peels or chips. Unlike wood, it doesn’t rot. And unlike aluminum, it seldom dents or scratches.
At the end of the day, numerous factors dictate the life cycle of your vinyl siding. To find out more, check out the next section.
Tidbits About Vinyl Siding
- Can last for decades with proper care
- It’s a cheap, durable siding solution
- Low maintenance is also another attractive attribute
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Provides insulation and energy-saving properties
Factors That Affect Life Cycle of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding provides unparalleled ease of installation, versatility, and maintenance. It also has a number of other positive attributes – affordability, various profiles, many color options, does well with impacts – but that does not mean it’s without issues.
Weather
Specifically, it can be prone to a number of issues due to weather and other factors. As it is installed in strips with seams, vinyl sliding can contract and expand (the amount is dictated by a home’s location and climate). Extreme cold and heat are the biggest culprits.
Impact
And even though it’s pretty durable, vinyl siding can still suffer damage from impact ranging from a fallen limb to a child crashing into the side of your home.
Poor Maintenance
Other factors that can affect it include poor maintenance (more on that below) and inferior materials.
With proper care and the use of quality siding, however, you can enjoy years and years without having to worry about replacing it.
Typical Vinyl Siding Issues and Repairs
Dents and punctures
Even though it’s less likely to incur damages than other materials, vinyl siding is still susceptible to impact damage.
Cracks
This is particularly an issue in areas with extremely cold weather. If you live in a region with four seasons, keep this in mind.
Warping
Live somewhere with hot temps? Without proper shade, vinyl siding has a tendency to warp and change shape due to intense direct sunlight.
Fading
As another issue when it comes to sunlight, fading is not only a cosmetic concern but also can lead to cracking in the future if not dealt with properly.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an extraordinary material that provides years of attractive curb appeal and super low maintenance issues. You don’t have to worry about it rotting, and it seldom ever dents or scratches. It also allows you to choose from a multitude of sizes and colors, and if you’re looking to switch things up, you can always throw on a new coat of paint.
One of the top selling points of vinyl siding is that it’s extremely low-maintenance. Since it’s an engineered product made of resins, the siding offers durability and flexibility that is unmatched when it comes to other siding materials like wood or aluminum. But that doesn’t mean you can simply put it up and forget about it over the years without paying the price.
Without proper annual maintenance, month after month of inclement weather, heat, excessive cold, and myriad factors can lead to warping, chipping, and peeling. So, what are you supposed to do to ensure the longest possible lifetime of your siding?
Clean Annually
Essentially, you want to clean your vinyl siding annually. For mild cleaning, take a cloth or soft-bristle brush and wipe or scrub the solution on the siding. Use a side-to-side motion. Then, rinse with a hose (preferably with an adjustable nozzle). Repeat the process if necessary.
For situations that require more cleaning power – mildew, algae, mold, and heavy debris – a power washer is super handy. This can be rented, bought, or borrowed. One thing to keep in mind is that, even though this is a highly effective way to clean siding, it can also get water underneath the siding. Exercise caution and spray at a downward angle when possible.
Solutions to Clean Vinyl Siding
- White vinegar and water
- Bleach, dish soap, and water
- Powered laundry detergent, bleach, household cleaner, and water
- Store-bought cleaning agent
- Environmentally friendly mixture like Simple Clean
By performing a routine annual cleaning (as well as repainting when necessary), vinyl siding can offer decades of relatively hassle-free durability and beauty.
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