Your home’s siding may not be something that you think about every day. However, when the time comes for you to replace it, it’s all you’ll think about. Your main concern is, of course, whether you should get vinyl or wood siding. Well, your reliable siding experts and residential roofing contractors are here to provide you with a quick comparison between the two materials.
Many homeowners make the mistake of deciding on siding material too quickly without considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency and appearance. To make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes, read on and find out more about wood and vinyl siding.
Which One Is Sturdier?
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider. Just like when you’re looking for residential roof replacement, you want to make sure that you are replacing your old siding with a sturdy material that is going to last for many years.
Vinyl trumps wood when it comes to durability because it does not rot or warp, nor does it contract or expand when there are extreme changes in weather. Also, unlike wood, vinyl does not get infested with termites and other pests and won’t require treatment.
Which Is Easier to Maintain?
If you had wood siding before, you know that it requires regular maintenance that includes staining or painting every couple of years or so. If you neglect wood siding, it can easily get damaged and it may even affect the structural integrity of your home.
Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is comparable to metal roofing systems in the sense that it does not require much attention. Even if it gets dirty, it would just need soapy water and a rag to clean! It also comes color-treated so you won’t have to worry about having to ever paint it.
Which is More Energy-Efficient?
Wood is not a bad insulator but it doesn’t do as well as vinyl because it warps and expands or contracts with changes in temperature. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, doesn’t get affected by weather. Its insulative ability can even be enhanced by adding foam between the wall and the siding. Your energy bills will be much lower with vinyl siding in place.
Which One Looks Better?
There’s no denying that real wood siding looks amazing – and it’s one of the reasons some homeowners go for it. However, you cannot say that vinyl siding doesn’t have its own charm. Vinyl siding can now be customized so you can choose from a range of colors and style. You can even get vinyl siding that looks like real wood.
Clearly, vinyl siding is ahead in this battle. It offers everything that you can ever want from siding and so much more. If you want to learn more about vinyl siding, simply get in touch with Harmony Home Improvement by calling (860) 516-9103 or filling out our online contact form. All our services are available in New Haven, CT and the surrounding communities.
