An Honest Guide to Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the most common siding material in North America, and for good reason: it is affordable and requires very little maintenance. You have likely seen it on many homes in the Seattle area. While we believe other materials offer superior long-term performance in the Pacific Northwest climate, we also believe in empowering homeowners with honest information about all their options.
This guide provides a balanced look at the pros and cons of vinyl siding, helping you understand if it’s the right choice for your project and your budget.
The Advantages of Vinyl Siding
There are two primary reasons why homeowners choose vinyl.
- 1. Affordability: This is vinyl’s biggest selling point. The material itself and the installation process are typically less expensive than any other siding option, making it the most budget-friendly choice for a full siding replacement.
- 2. Low Maintenance: The color of vinyl siding is “baked-in,” meaning it permeates the entire panel. Because of this, it never needs to be painted or stained. Its smooth surface is also very easy to clean with a garden hose and a soft brush.
The Disadvantages & Considerations for Our Climate
While affordable, vinyl siding has several significant drawbacks, especially in a demanding climate like the Pacific Northwest.
- Durability and Impact Resistance: Standard vinyl can become brittle in cold temperatures. It is susceptible to cracking from impacts like hail, stray rocks from a lawnmower, or even a poorly leaned ladder.
- Aesthetics: Vinyl siding panels must overlap, creating visible seams that some homeowners find unappealing. The material can also have a “plastic” look that is often viewed as less premium than the rich textures of fiber cement or natural cedar.
- Fading: While it doesn’t need painting, the color can fade over time due to UV exposure. This can make it very difficult to find a matching replacement panel if a repair is needed years later.
- It Can Hide Serious Problems: This is a critical risk in our rainy climate. Vinyl siding creates a hollow shell around your home. If water gets behind a panel through a small crack or failed seal, it can become trapped. This can lead to massive, hidden dry rot on your home’s structural sheathing, with no visible evidence on the siding’s surface until the damage is severe.
We offer affordable
Is Vinyl Siding the Right Choice for Your Home?
- Vinyl can be a suitable option if: your absolute number one priority is the lowest possible upfront cost, or if you are siding a non-primary structure like a shed or detached garage.
- You should strongly consider alternatives if: your priority is long-term durability, return on investment, a premium appearance, and the ultimate protection for your home’s structure. For most homeowners, we find that the superior performance of James Hardie® fiber cement is a much smarter long-term investment.
Professional Repair and Consultation
While we specialize in more durable materials, we do offer professional vinyl siding repair services to fix cracks and damage, helping you extend the life of your existing siding.
If you are trying to decide on the best material for your home, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation. We can show you samples of all material types and provide an honest, detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your needs.