Minnesota Siding Options: Vinyl Pros & Cons
Are you embarking on a siding project and considering vinyl as your first choice? At Restoration Geeks, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s choice for siding services. Our experts are knowledgeable about all things siding, and vinyl is no exception.
Minnesota homes have to deal with weather extremes, including hail, rain, and snow storms. That means homeowners need a siding material that is built to withstand the harshest weather conditions.
Before you decide on vinyl for the exterior of your home, learn about the potential pros and cons!
Vinyl Siding Advantages
More individuals choose vinyl siding because it offers flexibility that other products don't have. Our team only works with top-rated providers, and James Hardie is a trusted name we depend on for high-quality finishes. Getting the right siding for your needs starts with understanding all the advantages of vinyl siding, and here are just a few!
Multiple Style Options
If you look around at your favorite neighborhood, vinyl is one of the most common products you will find, and for a good reason! It can mimic the look of other expensive materials, from cedar shingles to batten siding or even stacked logs. It also comes in a wide range of colors, and some providers offer customized options for an additional fee for aesthetics you will love.
Resistant to Insects
One of the best benefits of vinyl is its resistance to insects. Its components are unattractive to critters like carpenter ants or termites, leaving you peace of mind!
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a top concern for most homeowners, and when vinyl is combined with high-quality insulating foam layers, it works exceptionally well at optimizing energy efficiency. This means less use of your heating and cooling systems, equating to minimal wear and tear and lower monthly energy bills.
No Paint Required
Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, and you do not have to worry about painting it. Vinyl siding has a baked-in color that runs throughout the material, so not only do you not have to worry about paint, you don't have to worry about the color scratching off.
Affordable
Vinyl siding is an inexpensive siding option. It is cheaper than fiber cement siding, which means it is budget-friendly. And because a siding contractor can install the James Hardie vinyl siding line easier than other siding options, the cost of installation is affordable too.
Easy to Maintain
Vinyl siding is incredibly easy to clean because dirt and debris come off when sprayed down with water. Once-a-year cleanings are typically enough; you only need a brush, hose, and mild detergent for most build-ups.
Vinyl Siding Drawbacks
While vinyl siding might work for most homes and properties, it's not always the best choice for others. All materials have benefits and drawbacks, so here are the cons of vinyl siding to help you make the right choice.
Difficult to Apply Paint
Colored vinyl won't flake or chip, and there's no need to paint it; however, if you want to change the original color, it cannot be painted any darker. The main issue is that siding is manufactured to withstand certain temperatures, and if you apply darker colors, this could exceed the temperature when exposed to heat and cause the material to melt or warp.
Not Eco-Friendly
While vinyl has high levels of energy efficiency, it is not an environmentally-friendly choice. Because of the type of plastic, it does not biodegrade and cannot be recycled, which means it will end up in a landfill.
Damages Easily
Another concern with vinyl is that while it holds up to environmental damage, it doesn't fare so well against impacts. This means projectiles, rowdy pets, or lawn equipment can all cause dents that will need to be addressed.
Difficult DIY Installation
If vinyl siding is not installed properly, it will not be effective in protecting the home from the harsh winter elements. If the siding is installed too tightly, it will bulge or crack. This makes it hard to do it yourself – you’ll want to hire a professional.
Shorter Lifespan Than Other Siding Materials
Although manufacturers say that vinyl siding lasts up to 30 years, it has been reported that this lifespan depends on the location of the home, maintenance, installation, and other factors. Minnesota homes deal with extreme weather conditions, so the actual lifespan of vinyl siding in this location can be closer to about 10 years.
Moisture Can Seep In
Vinyl siding is installed over styrene insulation, which means it may allow water vapor within the wall’s cavity. Vinyl siding may allow moisture into the walls if it is not caulked properly. You will require siding repair or replacement siding if this happens.
Book a Consultation With Minnesota Siding Experts
Do you need advice to determine your next siding material? Speak to Restoration Geeks about vinyl siding and explore options for siding, siding repair, and replacement siding! Call us today at 952-500-9546 or contact us online.