Vinyl siding is the present day manufacturer’s answer to worn aluminum siding and peeling paint. It does not require painting every four to five years like wood or old siding. It is now available in different colors and comes in a variety of faux materials. It is not for everyone. Like all exterior home finishes, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners have a variety of vinyl looks, finishes and mounts to choose from.

Materials

Vinyl can be manufactured to look like several other different materials. These include wood veneer, plastic, stone and metal. These siding strips have a strong resemblance to these other materials to the point that someone cannot tell the difference while standing in the driveway when the installation is done correctly. The vinyl is textured so that the finish is not a flat finish. The appearance of the strips lined up next to each other also appears seamless from a short distance.

Color

One of the features of new material that has developed over the years is color. It no longer needs to be painted on a regular basis. It should be hosed down or power washed at least once per year to prevent the finish from becoming dull and dirty. The homeowners should choose a color that they can live with for several years.

Durability

Several years ago, some models of siding strips were prone to coming off the base where they were attached. New methods of affixing the product has made it much more durable in storms containing strong wind and pounding rain. Hot summer sun no longer makes it warp. Some products come with an extra layer of substance between the wood exterior of a home and the vinyl layer that adds protection. This gives the vinyl an extra substance to attach to that prevents it from being ripped out in high winds. In the event that the strips are torn from the home, that layer of padding will protect the wooden layer beneath from additional damage during exposure to strong wind and rain.

Energy Efficiency

One of the added benefits of another layer under the vinyl siding is energy efficiency. It prevents the beating sun from heating up the home’s exterior and shields it from bitter cold. This can be made from contoured foam which acts like an extra layer of insulation. Certain products are rated as energy efficient and qualify the homeowner for a tax credit or break on insurance rates.