Aside from improving the appearance of the home and being nearly maintenance free, vinyl siding offers many other advantages. Vinyl siding is an affordable alternative to other types of siding which offers style, easy care and durability. Because it requires fewer resources to manufacture and maintain, and because it is recyclable, vinyl siding is also an environmentally friendly option.
Vinyl siding is comprised of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) resins, combined with other elements to increase durability, flexibility and color retention. Acrylic components help vinyl siding resist denting and exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as colder climates. Titanium dioxide and other chemicals are added to protect the color from sun exposure and to prevent fading and chalking.
Because pigments are mixed with the PVC resins, vinyl siding has a deep, penetrating color that goes all the way through the material, rather than paint on the surface. This keeps scratches and blemishes from becoming noticeable. With wood or aluminum siding, a scratch removes the pigment, allowing the original color to show through the surface color.
Another benefit of this color process is the fact that vinyl siding never needs to be scraped or painted like other materials do. An occasional washing with a hose or sprayer and mild detergent is all that is needed. The water won't damage vinyl siding, or vinyl downspouts and gutters. Vinyl does not rot, rust or crack the way wood and metal do. With proper installation and occasional cleaning, your siding should last and look great for many years to come.
Some brands of vinyl siding also offer special features, such as perforations that allow moisture to escape. This prevents condensation, mold and mildew, and vinyl does not attract insects like wood siding does. Many vinyl siding manufacturers also provide a competitive warranty.
Perhaps the most important advantage of vinyl siding is its affordability. Vinyl is now one the most commonly utilized synthetics in construction because of its quality and price. Vinyl siding can cost anywhere from 25% to about 50%less than wood and aluminum siding, making it the best overall value.