Are you looking for an affordable way to refresh or repair the exterior of your home? Vinyl siding may be the perfect material to give your house a cost-effective makeover. With so many colors and styles, vinyl siding is a versatile choice for both protecting the exterior of your home and adding aesthetic value.
Learn more about this popular siding material, including exterior vinyl siding trends, to help you choose your home’s new look.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is a sturdy plastic material that wraps the exterior of a house to protect it from the elements and add visual appeal. Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl siding is used as an alternative to aluminum siding, which can easily become damaged and warped. Today, vinyl siding is engineered for durability and convenience and is a popular choice for homeowners.
The Benefits of Vinyl Siding
You will enjoy many benefits when you choose to side your home with vinyl:
- It mimics the appearance of wood, making it an affordable alternative to wood siding.
- It’s easy to install.
- You won’t have to paint it. The color you choose is part of the material and runs all the way through, so you won’t have to worry about it getting scratched off, abraded or stripped.
- It requires minimal maintenance.
- It’s easy to clean — you only need a garden hose or pressure washer for the areas you can’t reach. The smooth surface allows dirt, mold and debris to slide off easily.
- It’s available in many colors, textures and edge styles, making it a highly customizable option for home siding.
- It’s resistant to weather, rust and rot.
- It reflects radiant heat, guarding your home against extreme temperatures and helping you save money on energy bills.
Top Vinyl Siding Trends
Here are three trendy ways to incorporate vinyl siding into your home’s exterior.
Vertical Siding
Vinyl siding that runs top-to-bottom has become a popular way to add modern flair to the outside of a house. The length of the siding boards draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height and sophistication.
Vertical siding is also functional. Rain easily slides down the boards, helping them stay clean and reducing the likelihood of mold.
Dutch Lap Siding
Dutch lap siding is installed horizontally on your home in overlapping rows. It resembles the handmade wood siding of years past, with the top half of each board angled at 45 degrees and the bottom half at 90 degrees. These an