The ultimate guide to vinyl siding
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Mar 20, 2024
Last updated Mar 20, 2024
Table of Contents
- What is vinyl siding?
- Benefits of vinyl siding
- Disadvantages of vinyl siding
- Vinyl siding pros and cons chart
- Vinyl siding styles and textures
- Popular vinyl siding color options
- Vinyl siding installation process
- Vinyl siding maintenance tips
- Should you hire a pro or DIY vinyl siding projects?
- How much does vinyl siding cost?
- Find a professional to install your vinyl siding
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Vinyl siding is a popular house siding option for homeowners who want to enhance their home’s exterior. Not sure if it's right for you? We'll walk you through the pros, cons, and cost of vinyl house siding so you can make the best choice for your home.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding popular with homeowners, contractors, architects, and builders. It’s a cost-effective and attractive house siding option because it comes in many colors, textures, and finishes. It’s also durable and easy to install and maintain.
Benefits of vinyl siding
What are the benefits of vinyl siding? Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Easy to install. Compared with other siding materials, vinyl is relatively easy to install.
- Durability. It resists moisture, high winds, insects, and wood rot. It can last a long time, up to 60 years.
- Low maintenance. You don’t need to worry much about upkeep because it doesn’t chip, peel, dent, or rot. You also don’t need to repaint it, though you can for aesthetic reasons.
- Various colors and styles. You’ll find many vinyl siding types with different colors, styles, finishes, textures, and profiles when shopping for the look that best fits your home.
Disadvantages of vinyl siding
Of course, vinyl siding isn’t perfect. For some homeowners, these drawbacks may lead them to consider other house siding options:
- Doesn't last forever. Although vinyl siding is durable, it can still be damaged. Colors can fade over time, and extreme weather can make it brittle.
- Poor installation has costly consequences. For example, water can become trapped and lead to damage. Or, when vinyl expands and contracts as temperatures change, improper installation can cause warping or buckling.
- It's not the real thing. Although vinyl siding can mimic the look of wood and stone, it may still look like vinyl to a discerning eye.
Vinyl siding pros and cons chart
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | Poor installation can trap water and cause other issues |
| Low maintenance and doesn’t require repainting | Does require occasional cleaning |
| Cost-effective, usually an affordable option | May require future costly repairs due to extreme weather damage or poor installation |
| Durable, long-lasting, and resistant to rot, moisture, and insects | Can become brittle, and colors may fade with age |
| Available in a wide range of styles and colors | Appearance may still look plastic instead of wood |
Vinyl siding styles and textures
Vinyl siding comes in many styles. Some of the most popular include:
- Horizontal siding vs. vertical siding. Vinyl siding can come with horizontal or vertical pattern lines. Horizontal siding gives a more classic look, while vertical siding has a more contemporary feel. It’s up to you to choose what you prefer for your home’s exterior.
- Dutch lap siding features a raised lip on each board, creating a shadow line effect. If you want a traditional or colonial design, you can choose this style.
- Shakes and shingle siding resemble wood shake siding. They give your home a natural, rustic look and feel. You can also combine them with other materials, like stone, to boost curb appeal.
- Beaded siding creates dramatic shadow lines because of the rounded bead at the bottom of each clapboard. It creates a textured appearance and is often used for homes with a rustic design.
- Insulated siding is one of the fastest-growing product innovations. It comes with rigid foam that is either laminated or permanently attached to the cladding to create an insulation system.
In addition to siding orientation, you’ll also need to choose between traditional and modern styles. Traditional vinyl siding typically has a smooth, uniform appearance, giving your home a clean and elegant look. Modern vinyl siding often incorporates textures and patterns, adding depth and visual interest to your home’s exterior.
Popular vinyl siding color options
When it comes to color options, the possibilities are endless. Popular color choices for vinyl siding include neutral tones like white, beige, and gray, which offer a timeless and versatile look. If you want a bolder statement, you can choose vibrant colors like blue, green, or even red.
Vinyl siding installation process
Installing vinyl siding can be a DIY project, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. However, proper installation is crucial to avoid costly repairs later. If you’re an inexperienced DIYer, it’s best to leave this project to a professional.
Tools and equipment
Before installing your siding, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Power saw
- Utility knife
- Tin snips
- Specialty tools (check whether your local store has them)
- Field forming brake
- Nail hole slot punch
- Snap lock punch
- Zip lock (unlocking tool)
- Accessories
- Outside and inside corner posts
- Trim and molding
- Vinyl siding panels
Preparing your exterior walls
Do the following to prepare your walls for vinyl siding:
- Make sure the wall is flat and level.
- Install a water-resistant barrier on your house before installing the siding.
- Scrape off old, loose caulk.
- Re-caulk around your windows and doors.
- Remove potential obstructions, such as light fixtures, gutters, downspouts, window boxes, etc.
Installing the panels
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for fastening your panels to the wall. In general, the steps to install vinyl siding are as follows:
- Start by measuring the walls of your home to determine how much vinyl siding you need. Remember to account for openings such as windows and doors.
- Install vinyl soffit and fascia or the corner posts first. Use a water-resistive material to flash the inside and outside corners.
- Install the starter strip along the bottom of the wall, ensuring it’s level and properly secured.
- Attach the first vinyl siding panel, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Use the provided clips or hooks to secure the panel in place.
- Continue installing the remaining panels, making sure they overlap correctly and are securely fastened.
- Trim the panels as needed using a utility knife or tin snips to fit around windows, doors, and corners.
- Complete the installation by adding the finishing touches, such as applying caulk to seal any gaps.
Vinyl siding maintenance tips
If you want your vinyl siding to last, you need to maintain it. Here’s how:
- Clean and wash your siding regularly (at least once a year). Use a garden hose, a soft-bristle brush, and a bucket of soapy water to remove soil, grime, and chalk from your siding. Be careful when using a pressure washer. If the pressure is too high, you may damage your siding.
- Inspect your siding for damage, especially after a storm, to make sure it’s still installed properly. Look for panels that may have come loose.
- Repair and repaint, if necessary. Some vinyl siding panels can still be repaired if the damage is small. Check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding repairing and repainting.
Should you hire a pro or DIY vinyl siding projects?
As stated before, we recommend hiring a professional to install or replace vinyl siding if you’re not an experienced DIYer. If you install your vinyl siding incorrectly, it could lead to future problems.
For example, you may experience water damage if you don’t install the water barrier properly. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, warping, peeling paint, and more.
However, you may be able to handle smaller repairs and upgrades yourself. For example, painting, patching holes, and replacing a few panels are DIY-friendly projects.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
Vinyl siding is typically one of your most affordable house siding options. The national average cost is about $5-$6 per square foot.
Of course, the cost will depend on labor, material, and other factors. Learn more by reading our vinyl siding cost guide.
Find a professional to install your vinyl siding
If you’re ready to move forward with this project, start doing your research.
Download the Thumbtack app today to see local professionals for this project. Compare vinyl siding professionals near you, read customer reviews, request free cost estimates, and schedule a consultation.
- A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
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