How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?

How long should vinyl siding last? To put it simply, vinyl siding lasts a long time. Depending on the quality of the materials and the experience of the contractor that installs it, it can last about 60 years. And with some minimal maintenance on occasion, your vinyl siding can last even longer than that.

It has several things going for it that other siding materials, such as wood, aluminum, fiber cement, or stucco can’t compete with. Vinyl siding is durable, energy-efficient, resistant to weather, and is cost-efficient. And when it comes to its average lifespan, no other siding material comes close.

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding first appeared on the market in the 1950s as a replacement to aluminum siding. But back then, people soon came to realize that vinyl tended to crack, buckle, sag, and fade in color relatively easily, giving it a bad name. Today, however, technology has vastly improved, and its previous problems are no longer an issue.

The material consists of two layers, the top layer (capstock) and the underlying layer (substrate). These are made primarily out of polyvinyl chloride and resin. The top layer also contains titanium dioxide, which provides both coloration and UV-light protection. Vinyl siding comes in a wide array of colors and designs, perfectly able to mimic other siding materials. The substrate, on the other hand, also contains limestone, which facilitates manufacturing and reduces overall costs.

Why does vinyl siding last this long?

There are several reasons why and how it manages to last so long. Aside from the materials that make it, we can also include the following:

It resists the elements

One of the major benefits that goes along with vinyl siding is that it has little to no maintenance requirements. The reason for this is that it’s far less susceptible to problems caused by the weather. This means that it won’t bend or crack under the sun or frigid temperatures, nor will it fade in color due to UV radiation. A simple washing once or twice per year will be enough to keep siding looking like new for decades.

It’s not susceptible to moisture or insects

Moisture is a common problem that some homeowners have to deal with, particularly if they have wood siding. Sooner or later, moisture leads to warping and rot, which can facilitate mold growth and insect infestation. Yet, vinyl siding has none of these issues, and with proper installation, moisture will never be a concern.

It won’t rot or warp

Moisture usually causes many problems, it expands, warps, and rots other materials, and that’s terrible for your home’s energy efficiency and looks.

Thankfully, vinyl siding is resistant to moisture – it can roll right off the panels. This is why you don’t have to worry about rotting, warping, or expanding.

Moisture is the precursor to other major issues, such as bug infestation or mold. You can be sure that these are of no concern with vinyl siding. Since the vinyl panels won’t absorb moisture, it won’t collect and cause rotting. That means mold can’t grow and attract bugs.

Increased durability

When used in combination with insulation, vinyl siding also becomes highly durable. Not only will this underlying layer of insulation improve the energy-efficiency of your home, but it will also absorb any impacts from hail or a stray baseball that hits it. You won’t have to worry about dings or dents.

It’s easy to maintain

One big reason why vinyl siding lasts much longer is that it’s easy to maintain. It’s less susceptible to issues caused by the weather, so homeowners don’t have much to worry about.

Also, since it requires little work and is easy to maintain, more homeowners are willing to choose vinyl. Washing the siding once or twice a year will keep it looking great for years to come.

Vinyl is the most durable siding material

Your vinyl siding will stand tall through heavy storms. This is because the panels are strong and flexible, so they won’t break and crack when impacted.

Another important feature is a foam insulation board that gets installed beneath the panels. This makes your home more energy efficient but also protects it from impact. When hail or debris hits your home, the

Hopefully, this article has answered the question: how long is vinyl siding good for? For all of your siding and other home improvement projects, know that our team of experts at 1-800-HANSONS is ready to help. Contact us today and request a free estimate.