Vinyl Siding

Vinyl might be the cheapest choice around, but it's definitely not the worst. In fact, it is worth noting that vinyl is the most popular kind of siding in the world. If you choose any home at random, it will most likely be fitted with this kind of siding. That kind of popularity doesn't happen without at least one good reason. In this case, there are quite a few of them.

Low Cost, High ValueLow cost is definitely the main selling point of vinyl. Because it offers most of the benefits of more expensive products, it can be said to be the most cost-effective siding option on the table. Of course, you can spend a little bit more if you want to get some special features. For instance, some companies make premium siding which is thicker and more durable, giving it a longer lifespan.

Speaking of lifespan, vinyl will typically last somewhere between 20 and 40 years. This is a relatively wide range, so it might be difficult to make estimates with these numbers. In general, the thicker and more durable products will fall on the better end of that range. Maintenance and weather will also play a role, as harder use will always lead to shorter service life.

Another good thing about vinyl is the fact that it never needs painting. The pigment is mixed with the vinyl itself so that it penetrates every inch. As such, its color becomes an irreversible part of its substance. You could paint over vinyl, but it will eventually peel and require re-painting. As such, it's far easier to just buy the right color in the first place.

WaterproofVinyl also has the advantage of being waterproof, something that cannot be said about most other types. Because it is a plastic-based product, it sheds water without absorbing any, which is why this siding is not susceptible to rot, mold, or mildew. If a little bit of mold should build up on the surface, it can easily be cleaned with a mixture of equal parts bleach and water. Vinyl siding installation is also incredibly easy.

More FlexibleVinyl can flex and bend over time, and this is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, that which is flexible can bend without breaking. As such, vinyl is more likely to survive wind and hurricane damage. Even if it is ripped from the side of the house, at least some part of it will likely remain intact for re-use.

Of course, the downside comes into play as well. As vinyl ages, it will often bend and warp. This can be very unsightly, especially when it affects multiple boards. In fact, it can even affect the value of your home by reducing its curb appeal. Siding is one of the first things a person will see when they look at the home, so don't underestimate the importance of a first impression. Still, this won't be a big problem unless you choose very cheap siding.

Vinyl can sometimes be vulnerable to mold, but this isn't as big a problem as you might think. A simple mixture of bleach and water (equal parts) can be used to scrub away that ugly green scum, and it shouldn't be too hard. Vinyl is a non-organic material, so biological contaminants cannot make it past the surface.

Great VarietyWe already mentioned that vinyl is the most popular kind of siding in the world. Not only does this lead to a reduced price, but also to a greater degree of variety. There are so many different companies that make this stuff that it's easy to locate whatever style, color, or texture you might want for a siding replacment job. With some other types of siding, you might have to make a special order and wait a long time before finally getting what you want.

Light And EasyVinyl makes siding installation easy. For one thing, it is extremely lightweight. That makes it a lot easier to haul large quantities of siding, and it also makes the siding easier to hang in place. With heavier boards, you might need two people (one to hold the siding, and another to fasten in place). However, those who are working alone should find vinyl siding installation to be much easier material.

The ProblemsWhen it comes to problems, vinyl does have a few of them. In general, most of these come down to a relative lack of durability. While this stuff isn't really fragile, most other siding materials are stronger such as hardi plank siding. A sharp impact can crack the boards, and sunlight can cause it to fade over time.

As the boards absorb and shed moisture, they expand and contract as well. This leads to a situation in which the boards no longer fit together perfectly, making them rattle when the wind blows. Still, most of these problems can be prevented with basic maintenance and by replacing when necessary. When you need a vinyl siding contractor Greensboro offers the very best.​