How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?

Deciding what siding to put on your house is a complex decision. You have to consider your climate, the curb appeal, the cost, and the durability.

A lot of people who want a highly-durable siding think brick or something solid is the way to go. They’re not wrong, but for wet climates, vinyl siding is the better choice. You can customize colors and finishes to match your house, and it puts up well with bad weather.

So, how long does vinyl siding last? Well into the next homeowner’s worries. Keep reading to learn more.

What Kinds of Siding Are There?

There are a few types of vinyl sidings you can choose from as a homeowner. You can get low-quality and low cost, high-quality at a higher price point, and special weather-proof options. A few things to remember:

If you opt for the cheapest choice, it’s going to show more wear. This means color fading, dirt accumulation, and a shorter lifespan.
It’s higher maintenance to do the lowest quality vinyl siding since you’ll need to pressure wash it every few years. If you don’t mind doing that or already own a pressure washer, the cost may pay off.
You can expect a low-quality siding to last around 20 years.
The low or standard grade thickness for vinyl comes in 40-44 millimeters.

Medium Quality

If you choose mid-grade siding, here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Mid-quality vinyl siding will last you from 20-40 years and often comes with a warranty. The warranty for the product depends on the quality you buy.
When we talk about vinyl being a higher price point for different qualities, it’s not a big difference. The average cost for vinyl siding is from $3-$8 per square foot.
Standard- to thick-grade vinyl siding is 44-46 millimeters thick.

What Happens to Vinyl?

If you have vinyl siding and you’re wondering if it’s time to replace it, here are some signs to look for:

Fading
Cracking
Warping

It’s normal to have your vinyl siding fade after a decade or so. When that happens, however, you can have professionals restore the color for you.

In extreme cold, vinyl siding can crack over time. When you see cracking, it’s important to get it looked at. Depending on the crack size, it could expose your home’s structure to the elements.

Siding can warp from extreme heat, so don’t put a grill or another heat source too close to the wall.

Warranties

Every warranty is different, but most cover things like corrosion and blistering. Some warranties cover fading, but only for a certain time period.

Vinyl siding can last up to forty years if it’s well taken care of. The best years of your vinyl, however, are the first twenty, at least when it comes to color. Vinyl is also much lower in maintenance than wood, brick, or stone, and it’s the cheapest choice out there.

Have someone come and check your vinyl siding around twenty years. If it’s still structurally sound, you can have it professionally resurfaced and cleaned.

Otherwise, if your vinyl siding is showing signs of damage, it may be time to have it replaced. Call a local restoration specialist to see if it’s time to restore or replace it.