If you’re looking to replace your home’s siding, the price is always going to be a contributing factor to what you eventually settle on. Vinyl is the most popular siding material available today, but how does it compare economically to the other options?
This guide compares the price of vinyl siding to other options to help you determine if it’s the right option for your needs and wallet.
Vinyl Siding vs. Other Siding Options: Cost Comparison
Vinyl Siding
The search for affordable, low-maintenance siding continues. The next step of progression, after steel and aluminum siding, was the inception of vinyl siding. A far cry from the strips of shiny plastic it once was, vinyl siding has come a long way since it was first introduced.
Today’s siding comes in various colors and styles, making it difficult to discern from other siding options. It has quickly become the most popular siding option in the US thanks to its versatility, durability, low maintenance, and ease of installation.
Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and other components that provide texture, color, impact resistance, and flexibility. Vinyl has an expected lifespan of 20 to 40 years.
Vinyl is the least expensive of all modern siding options. The basic, hollow-back vinyl is less costly per square foot. Insulated or premium vinyl will run more per square foot.
In addition to saving on the initial purchase and installation cost, you’ll also save money over the lifetime of having this cladding material on your home. Vinyl is a low-maintenance type of siding – it won’t need caulking and painting. Plus, if you install insulated vinyl siding, you’ll save more on your energy costs.
Fiber Cement Siding
Offering the look of stucco, wood, or masonry at a lower cost, fiber cement siding has become an increasingly popular siding option for homeowners. This synthetic siding is made by mixing sand, Portland cement, cellulose fiber, and water. Manufacturers sometimes include wood pulp and other ingredients, as well.
The material is semi-rigid and typically formed into long boards or shingles. Fiber cement siding is pest-resistant, low-maintenance, and non-flammable. It is available in a range of textures and styles.
Fiber cement is pricier than vinyl siding. Installation of this house cladding is also more costly. The higher installation cost can be partly attributed to higher shipping and labor costs because the fiber-cement planks are heavier and can crack when mishandled.
Fiber cement requires a bit more maintenance than vinyl. Your siding must be repainted several times in its service life because the material fades over time. To remain watertight, fiber cement siding needs to be re-caulked periodically.
The upfront cost of fiber cement might be higher, but with proper installation and upkeep, fiber cement continues to look in good condition and perform well for longer than vinyl siding. This siding material can last as long as 50 years.
Wood Siding
Commonly used in cottage, Cape Code, and bungalow exteriors, wood siding offers a rich, unique look if appropriately maintained. Wood siding comes in clapboard (planks of wood installed horizontally), shingles, and shakes.
Redwood and Western red cedar are known for being durable and attractive and are considered the best choices. A professional can cut siding material into different shapes for added visual interest.
The cost of wood siding is moderate. The material cost doesn’t include the additional cost of staining or painting. Price varies by the siding style, type of wood species, and exterior finish. Cedar shakes/shingles are the most expensive.
The higher upfront cost and relatively high maintenance needs are the biggest drawbacks of wood as a siding material. Moreover, the material can be prone to moisture damage.
Wood siding has an average lifespan of 30 years.
Metal Siding: Aluminum and Steel
Metal is increasingly gaining popularity as a siding material. It is highly durable, relatively easy to install, and available in various types, like aluminum and steel. Metal can be used to fabricate both lap siding planks and different shake or shingle-style siding products.
Metal siding typically includes a factory-applied finish for corrosion protection. Some newer products have vinyl or plastic coatings for additional resistance against weathering and fading.
Metal is strong, fire-resistant, and withstands harsh weather conditions like extreme temperatures and snow. It, however, is a poor insulator and not soundproof.
The actual cost of metal siding is based on whether the material is coated or uncoated. After installation, metal siding requires virtually no maintenance.
With basic maintenance, your aluminum or steel siding may last up to 40 years.
Let’s Talk About Your Siding Project
If you live in the Indianapolis, IN, area and are considering replacing your home’s siding, trust Moss Roofing to get the job done right. Our siding experts have built a reputation for providing quality service and workmanship to our valued customers. We’re here to answer your siding questions and help you choose the best material for your home. Contact us today to request a free siding consultation and estimate.
