Vinyl Siding: Lifespan, Maintenance, and Everything In Between

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Vinyl is durable, low maintenance, and stylish. Hence, it is a popular choice for siding among homeowners. Although it is a relatively expensive siding alternative, it is cost-effective due to its energy efficiency and durability. However, homeowners frequently ask how long vinyl siding lasts.

In this article, we will answer that question and discuss everything you need to know about vinyl siding, including its maintenance, benefits, and the factors that influence how long it lasts.

What Is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding gained popularity in the US in the 1950s. It is a versatile and long-lasting material consisting of sturdy, flexible plastic and foam insulation layers. This type of siding shields homes from inclement weather, water-related problems, and pest attacks. It is available in various styles and colors, including imitations of stone, wood, and other standard roofing materials.

Getting vinyl siding is one great way to guard your home from the elements, improve its curb appeal, and regulate heat transfer.

Benefits of Vinyl Siding

  • Energy efficiency: Good quality vinyl siding improves your home’s insulation by helping to minimize heat transfer. Therefore, it helps to lower energy costs and saves you money.
  • Durability: It is durable and can stand up against harsh weather. It is highly resistant to damaging impacts, such as fallen branches and other threats. 
  • Low-maintenance: Siding made from vinyl is low-maintenance and needs only occasional inspection and maintenance. In some repair cases, only about one or two panels need replacement.
  • Affordability: Compared to siding options like cedar or brick, vinyl is less expensive. Installing this is also cheaper.
  • Longevity: This siding is long lasting and has an estimated lifespan of about 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. The minimum it can last for is 20 years.

Life Span of Vinyl Siding

The lifespan of this siding is influenced by several factors, including how your installer installs it, your locality, and your maintenance culture. With quality installation and proper care, this siding type can last for as long as 50 years. Although there are siding options with longer lifespans, they do not come close when compared with vinyl’s cost and durability.

Factors Affecting the Longevity of Vinyl Siding

Quality of Installation

Proper siding installation will shield your siding from damage, especially damage induced by water leaks. Therefore, it is essential that you hire a competent siding contractor to install your vinyl siding. Failure to do so might lead to damage and voiding your manufacturer’s guarantee.

Maintenance Practice

Vinyl siding may be low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon it and adequately care for it. Periodic inspections for signs of damage and annual or biannual cleaning are some maintenance practices that will help extend your siding’s lifespan.

Your Local Climate

You cannot overlook the effect of your local climate on vinyl siding. If you are a homeowner who resides in areas with extreme weather, your siding may need replacement every 20 years. Ice, rain, snow, and UV rays can cause your vinyl siding to deteriorate over time. Storms could also make your siding crack or buckle. In short, the milder your local weather conditions are, the more chance your siding will last.

Signs to Know When to Replace Vinyl Siding

Knowing when to replace your vinyl siding might be tricky to figure out. However, we’ve curated these signs to help you know what to expect when a vinyl siding needs replacement. The following are the signs to look out for:

  • Your siding becomes susceptible to pest infestations and water damage due to chips and holes caused by storm damage in the panels.
  • The vinyl begins to buckle or warp. It is usually a sign of high winds, the house falling apart, or water damage.
  • There is a sudden, abnormal increase in your energy bills. Typically, vinyl siding should help you control your home’s temperature. So when that changes and your siding begins to allow more heat escape, leading to an increased energy bill, it means it is near the end of its lifespan.
  • The color of your vinyl siding begins to change or show signs of mildew. Mildew or dark spots growing on your siding are an indication of water damage.
  • Over the years, prolonged exposure to inclement weather conditions and UV rays causes vinyl siding to fade over time. Hence, the siding’s color becomes lighter or splotchy in some areas. 

If your vinyl siding exhibits any of these signs, it means they need repair or replacement as soon as possible, depending on the severity of the damage. 

How to Maintain Your Vinyl Siding

Inspect your siding regularly: Inspecting your siding at least annually or twice a year is a good maintenance practice. It will help you detect signs of damage that need immediate attention. Examples are water stains, warped boards, discoloration, etc. 

Clean your siding: Cleaning your siding is vital and can avert looming problems. Observing this practice once or twice yearly is great for your siding’s functionality. You can clean it by carefully spraying the siding with water using a garden hose. Avoid water getting behind the panels, and do not use a power washer. It could ruin your siding. To get rid of stubborn stains, make a solution with warm water, detergent, and some bleach. Apply it to your siding with a brush with soft bristles and scrub gently.

Don’t hesitate to fix broken siding: Quickly fix any damage you see. Leaving damaged siding without attention will only worsen the damage with time. If it’s a repair you can’t handle, invite a professional siding contractor to do the job to avoid causing further damage or messing with your warranty.

Should You Repaint Your Vinyl Siding?

Painting your vinyl after serving for a long time, say a decade or more, is a good idea. However, before taking the step to repaint, you should know the following:

  • If your warrant is still valid, make sure it permits you to paint your siding. 
  • Select a paint with acrylic and urethane resins to facilitate the paint’s ability to adhere to the vinyl siding’s surface.
  • Choose a paint with a lighter or the same shade as your siding’s current shade. A darker shade may lead to warping caused by excessive heat absorbance.

Comparing the Different Types of Siding: Lifespan, Pros, and Cons

Fiber Cement Siding

Lifespan: Minimum of 100 years 

Pros

  • Energy-efficient
  • Can imitate stone or wood
  • Durable

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Prone to crack when poorly insulated

Wood Siding

Lifespan: About 15 to 20 years

Pros

  • Easy to coat or paint
  • Impressive curb appeal 

Cons

  • Susceptible to termites, fire, and water damage
  • High-maintenance

Steel Siding

Lifespan: About 70 to 80 years

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Low-maintenance
  • Resistant to fire

Cons

  • Costly 
  • Heavyweight
  • Rusts easily

Aluminum Siding

Life Span: About 40 to 50 years

Pros

  • Low-maintenance
  • Inexpensive
  • Lightweight 

Cons

  • Challenging to insulate
  • Easily dents
  • Fades quickly in harsh weather conditions

Your choice of siding material depends on factors like your expectations for energy efficiency, budget, and style. If you aren’t sure of what option to opt for, seek the guidance of an expert siding contractor.

Conclusion

Vinyl siding is an excellent choice for homeowners who seek durability, maximum energy efficiency, and elevation of their home’s appearance. When you install your siding correctly and care well for it, it can provide your home protection and visual appeal for about 20 to 50 years.

Before deciding that vinyl siding is the best for you, find out if it suits your local climate and verify other essential factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average lifespan of vinyl siding? 

Vinyl siding has an average life expectancy of 20 to 50 years. However, the weather condition in your area, the caliber of the installation, and how well you care for it all affect its lifespan.

How often should I replace my vinyl siding?

The frequency of how you replace your siding is dependent on its state. If your vinyl siding shows signs of damage, it is time for replacement. It takes a minimum of 20 years to start noticing such signs.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Fiber cement siding has the most extended lifespan and can last as long as 100 years and even more.

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