Vinyl siding usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot to install. But because many factors — insulation, house size, etc. — can influence the total cost, you should always request price quotes from at least three siding contractors near you.

To find out how vinyl siding prices compare to prices for other materials, read our siding cost guide.

Vinyl siding is a form of plastic siding that’s known for its durability, affordability and low-maintenance qualities. It’s also relatively easy to install and versatile. It comes in different styles and colors, and it can mimic the appearance of wood and other materials. 

Vinyl siding can last up to 60 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. However, you need to stay on top of repairs, maintenance and cleaning if you want your siding to last a long time.

To extend your vinyl siding’s lifespan, hire a professional who can clean and repair your siding as needed.

A box of vinyl siding typically contains 200 square feet of material. Most vinyl siding comes in two squares per box, and a “square” equals 100 square feet.

You can buy vinyl siding at many home improvement stores. You can also ask your vinyl siding installer if they can provide the siding for your house residing project. 

If you’re thinking about painting your vinyl siding, choose a paint that has acrylic or urethane resins to help it stick to the vinyl. Many experts recommend choosing an exterior latex urethane paint. 

However, you should always find out from your vinyl siding manufacturer if your warranty will be void if you decide to paint it, states the Vinyl Siding Institute.

When installing vinyl siding, a contractor will ensure the following is underneath:

• Sheathing or backerboard
• Insulation (blown, house wrap, sheet)
• Furring strips
• Water-resistive barrier

A vinyl siding installer can help ensure you have everything you need before they add the siding to your house.

To clean your vinyl siding, use a soft cloth (or a soft bristle brush) and a general cleaner. Make sure the cleaner you use doesn’t contain any of the following, according to the Vinyl Siding Institute:

• Organic solvents
• Undiluted chlorine bleach
• Liquid grease remover
• Nail polish remover
• Furniture polish or cleaner

After cleaning, rinse your siding thoroughly. For the best results, you can also hire a professional vinyl siding cleaner near you.

Homeowners can remove vinyl siding by using a removal tool, such as a zip tool. Removing the siding yourself may save you money. But if you’re not an experienced DIY-er (or you just don’t want to do this task on your own), you can hire a siding contractor to handle this for you.

To install vinyl siding, a contractor will typically do the following:

• Prep the surface for installation. This often includes getting rid of the old caulking, broken boards, light fixtures, downspouts, etc.
• Ensure there’s a sheathing.
• Install a water-resistive barrier and flashing.
• Measure your house and determine how much siding you need.
• Cut the siding.
• Use fasteners to install the vinyl siding.

Because of the project’s complexity and the tools needed (power saw, hammer, safety glasses, tin snips, utility knife, corner posts, trim, molding, etc.), think twice before DIY-ing this project. Instead, consider hiring a vinyl siding professional.