How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?
Vinyl is one of the most popular siding options for homeowners because it’s stylish, durable, and low maintenance. Its energy efficiency makes it extremely cost-effective, too. Read our guide to learn how long vinyl siding lasts and how to properly maintain it, as it could keep your new siding in top condition for years to come.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding caught on in the U.S. in the 1950s. It consists of layers of strong and flexible plastic material and foam insulation, which collectively protect your home from the elements, water damage, and pest infestations. Below are some additional benefits of vinyl siding:
- Affordability: Vinyl siding is less expensive than options such as brick or cedar siding, and it’s also cheaper to install.
- Durability: Today’s vinyl siding is incredibly durable, can withstand extreme weather, and resists damage from falling branches, ladders, and other hazards.
- Energy efficiency: Quality vinyl siding can reduce utility bills by minimizing heat transfer. It keeps the heat out of your home in the summer and keeps it inside during the winter.
- Longevity: Homeowners should expect to get at least 20 years out of good vinyl siding. The material can last for 50 years, though, with regular maintenance.
- Low-maintenance: Vinyl siding only requires occasional cleaning and inspection, and repairs usually amount to replacing one or two panels.
Vinyl siding is a great way to protect your home and boost curb appeal, especially if you pair it with vinyl windows.
Life Span of Vinyl Siding
Factors such as where you live, how well you maintain your siding, and the quality of the vinyl’s installation can affect its life span. Vinyl siding can last for up to 50 years with proper care. Here’s how that figure compares to the life spans of other siding options:
- Cedar siding: 15 to 20 years
- Aluminum siding: 40 to 50 years
- Steel siding: 70 to 80 years
- Fiber cement siding: 100 years or more
Some siding materials last longer than vinyl, but they generally can’t compete with vinyl’s durability and price point.
Factors Affecting Vinyl Siding’s Life Span
While vinyl siding is durable, it’s far from invincible. Below are some factors that play a role in the average life span of vinyl siding:
How It Was Installed
Proper vinyl siding installation will help protect siding from future damage, especially from issues caused by water leaks. It’s in your best interest to hire a siding contractor to install vinyl siding so you don’t accidentally void your manufacturer’s warranty by incorrectly installing it.
How You Maintain It
A little maintenance goes a long way in extending your siding’s life span. Proper care of vinyl siding includes cleaning it once or twice a year and periodically checking it for signs of damage.
Your Area’s Climate
Weather plays a significant role in vinyl siding’s life span. Homeowners who live in extremely hot or cold locations will likely need siding replacement every 20 years or so. Snow, rain, ice, and ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage vinyl siding over time, and storms could cause cracks, holes, or buckling. The milder your climate, the longer your vinyl siding will likely last.
When to Replace Vinyl Siding
It can be tough to know when to replace quality vinyl siding. Here are a few telltale signs:
- Storms damage your home’s siding, creating holes or chips in the panels. This makes your siding vulnerable to water damage and pest infestations.
- The vinyl is buckling or warping, which is usually the product of a house that’s settling, water damage, or high winds.
- There are unexplained increases in your utility bills. Vinyl siding should normally help to regulate the temperature of your home. Siding that’s coming to the end of its life span might allow more heat to escape, causing energy bills to go up.
- There is discoloration or signs of mildew. Dark spots or mildew growing on your vinyl siding are often clear signs of water damage.
- You can see the color fading. Years of exposure to UV rays and extreme weather can cause vinyl siding to fade. The color might look splotchy, mottled, or lighter in areas.
Vinyl siding is almost as easy to repair as vinyl plank flooring. A siding contractor can replace buckling or chips without hassle, and at a minimal cost. If the damage is widespread or your siding has been in place for decades, it may be most cost-effective to simply replace it.
Maintaining Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an investment in the comfort and appearance of your home. It’s easy to extend the life span of vinyl siding with proper maintenance.
Clean Your Vinyl Siding
Clean your vinyl siding once or twice per year, and carefully remove dust and debris that could damage it. Spray the siding down with a garden hose, and keep the spray pointed downward so you don’t force water behind the panels. Avoid using a power washer, which could damage siding.
If you have stubborn dirt and stains, fill a bucket with warm water, 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, and 2/3 cup of liquid laundry bleach. Apply the solution to your vinyl siding with a soft-bristled brush and it should look better soon.
Inspect Vinyl Siding Regularly
Inspect the vinyl siding on your home’s exterior several times each year. Look for signs of damage such as warped boards, water stains, mildew, or areas where the siding has come away from the side of your house.
Quickly Repair Broken Vinyl Siding
Repair any damage to your vinyl siding immediately. Allowing damaged siding to linger leaves your home vulnerable to water damage, pests, and more hazards. Be sure to repair the siding carefully if you do it yourself to keep its warranty intact. If you’re not confident in your repair skills, contact an experienced siding contractor.
Should You Repaint Vinyl Siding?
If the vinyl siding has been on your home’s exterior for more than 10 years, consider repainting it. Keep the variables below in mind before getting started:
- Choose a paint that contains urethane and acrylic resins to help the paint adhere to the vinyl surface.
- Ensure your warranty permits this paint job on the siding, if still applicable.
- Pick a paint color that’s the same shade as your current siding, or a shade lighter. Choosing a darker shade could cause the siding to absorb too much heat, which may cause warping.
Comparing Siding Types
Vinyl is a great option for many homeowners, but it’s far from their only option. Below, read about other types of siding and how they compare to vinyl.
Wood Siding
Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Pros
- Classic look for your home’s exterior
- Easy to paint or stain
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance
- Vulnerable to damages from water, fire, and termites
Aluminum Siding
Life Span: 40 to 50 years
Pros
- Affordable
- Minimal upkeep
- Lightweight
Cons
- Dents easily
- Difficult to insulate
- Prone to fading in extreme weather conditions
Steel Siding
Life Span: 70 to 80 years
Pros
- One of the most durable options
- Fire resistant
- Minimal upkeep required
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Vulnerable to rust
Fiber Cement Siding
Life Span: 100 years or more
Pros
- Versatile material that can mimic wood or stone
- Energy-efficient
- Resistant to damage
Cons
- Could crack if not properly insulated
- Somewhat expensive
The type of siding you choose will depend on your budget, energy goals, and the home’s style. An experienced siding contractor can advise you on which is best if you’re unsure of the right siding option.
Our Recommendation
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners seeking out durable and cost-effective options for their home’s exterior. Vinyl can last for up to 50 years with routine maintenance and proper installation techniques. Learn more about the climate in which you live and research types of siding to help you decide whether vinyl siding is right for your home.
How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last FAQ
What is the average life expectancy of vinyl siding?
The average life expectancy of vinyl siding is between 20 and 50 years depending on your area’s climate, how you maintain the vinyl, and the quality of the vinyl’s installation.
How often should vinyl siding be replaced?
How often you replace your vinyl siding depends on its condition. Most homeowners can expect to get at least 20 years out of their vinyl siding, but it can last for up to 50 years for homeowners in mild climates.
What are three disadvantages to vinyl siding?
Three disadvantages to vinyl siding are that it’s rarely recyclable, it’s made from plastic products that won’t easily break down, and old vinyl siding may contribute to landfill waste.
What type of siding lasts the longest?
The type of siding that lasts the longest is fiber cement siding. Homeowners can expect fiber cement siding types such as James Hardie board to last for 100 years or longer.
Is replacing vinyl siding worth the investment?
Replacing vinyl siding is often worth the investment since it increases curb appeal, makes your home more energy-efficient, and protects your house from the elements.
