Various materials are available for a home’s siding, and each type comes with different pros, cons, and price tags. At its core, siding protects your home from the elements, but it’s also a pretty big expense. Homeowners commonly ask about durability and length of time before each siding type needs to be replaced. Knowing how long the investment should last helps determine its short-term cost versus long-term value. Let’s take a closer look at the durability and overall investment of different siding types.
Vinyl Siding
For durability, style and value for the money, you can rely on vinyl siding. Vinyl siding lasts upwards of 20-40 years, and it’s a low-maintenance and budget-friendly option. While it is designed to protect your home from weather, moisture and damage, it also looks great. Vinyl siding is available in many colours, styles and textures that can mimic wood. Insulated vinyl siding can also add an extra layer of protection and energy efficiency to keep the cold out in the winter and cold in during the summer.
Wooden Siding
Although wood siding looks incredible and comes with a lifespan of 15-40 years, it requires considerable maintenance and can be costly. As wood naturally contracts and expands with changing temperatures, homeowners must inspect wood siding regularly for cracks, gaps, and moisture and insect damage. The colouring of wood siding is superficial, so it often requires touchups of any cracks or scratches, and most manufacturers of wood siding recommend repainting or staining every 5-7 years.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding can last 30-50 years with regular maintenance. Aluminum siding typically costs more than vinyl siding to install but less than wood. It is suitable for all climates and offers one of the highest levels of protection and a long lifespan. While aluminum itself is long-lasting, most manufacturers recommend repainting this type of siding at least once in its lifetime. Aluminum can also be scratched and dented, so it’s best suited for less extreme conditions.
Steel Siding
Similar to aluminum siding, steel siding is long-lasting. It can protect your home for up to 60 years, making it one of the longest-lasting siding materials available. Steel siding is highly durable and can withstand Canada’s harshest winters and heaviest downpours. Although steel siding is generally cheaper than aluminum, its strength and longevity are not compromised. It is also a low-maintenance and fire-resistant siding option.
Everyone’s siding needs are different, so knowing the durability, lifespan and maintenance requirements of siding options can help in the decision when considering to replace your siding.