Many property owners opt for vinyl siding because of its visually-appealing look and ease of maintenance.

But how long does vinyl siding last?

When properly cared for, this siding can look as good as new for decades. 

If you are ready to replace your siding, contact your local siding pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

What Is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding represents a durable form of plastic exterior wrapping with aesthetic and functional properties used for homes.

This type of siding is mainly manufactured of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and sold in panels. 

The first vinyl siding was produced in Ohio in the 1950s to replace the then-popular aluminum siding.

Scientists made it while looking for a way to efficiently use leftover plastic materials from manufacturing other products. 

Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs, so every homeowner can find something that suits their preferences and the home’s exterior. 

Besides being visually appealing, vinyl siding is quite functional.

It has low water absorption properties, meaning it minimizes the risk of moisture issues.

Plus, installing and maintaining it is quite easy.

Depending on the design and the manufacturer, vinyl siding can be very affordable and is usually the least expensive option compared to other types of siding. 

Average Cost Of Vinyl Siding

The average cost of installing vinyl siding ranges between $6,102 and $16,735.

If we’re talking about the average price per square foot, homeowners can expect to pay around $7.13, with the low side being approximately $2.85 and the high side $11.41. 

Keep in mind that these are average prices.

How much you’ll need to pay depends on many factors, like the type of vinyl siding you opt for, labor costs, repairs, replacements, etc.

For example, replacing around 200 square feet of vinyl siding costs roughly $1,520.

This price includes the material and labor costs.

If the siding requires repairs, you can expect to pay approximately $380-$760 per 200 square feet or $1.90-$3.80 per square foot. 

The type of siding you opt for is among the most significant factors determining the final costs.

If you opt for high-end insulated siding from a reputable brand, you’ll need to spend around $11.40 per square foot.

Those who decide to go with traditional lap and smooth vinyl siding options will spend approximately $2.85 per square foot.

As you can see, there’s a huge price difference between the two vinyl siding options. Choose the one that matches your style and budget. 

Labor is another factor affecting the final price of installing vinyl siding.

If you decide to hire a vinyl siding contractor for the installation, you should know they charge between $2.04 and $4.99 per square foot, averaging at $3.52.

So, if you have 1,200 square feet to cover, you’ll need approximately $4,224 just for labor costs. 

Coverage Area	Cost
Per Square Foot	$2.85-$11.41
Per 100 Square Feet	$285-$1,141
Per 1,200 Square Feet	$3,420-$13,692
Per 2,400 Square Feet	$6,840-$27,384

Did you know? Compared to other types of siding, vinyl siding is among the easiest and quickest to install. While putting up the panels isn’t challenging, this process requires prepping. If you don’t do the prep work right, you risk quicker deterioration and moisture issues. That’s why many homeowners decide to let a professional handle the installation. 

Types Of Vinyl Siding

Here are the basic types of vinyl siding, along with their characteristics: 

Vertical Vinyl Siding 

If you want to highlight a certain part of your home, vertical siding is an excellent choice.

This type of siding can be sued on specific sections to break up the façade and create a unique visual effect.

Of course, you can use it for the entire exterior to achieve a contemporary look. 

When installed as an accent element, vertical siding is typically installed around windows or doors or in porch walls, gables, or entryways.

Many types of vertical siding feature a rustic appearance, so they can be a great option for those who want to achieve this look with easy installation and maintenance. 

Vinyl Shake Siding 

Shake vinyl siding is designed to resemble individual pieces of wood overlapping each other to cover the entire building.

With modern technology, there have been significant advancements in the siding industry.

Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to distinguish shake vinyl siding from natural wood siding. 

Like other types of siding, you can use shake siding in two ways.

You can use it on a portion of your home to highlight specific elements or use it to cover the entire exterior. 

Many homeowners who want to achieve a natural wood look choose shake vinyl siding.

Unlike real wood, vinyl requires barely any maintenance.

Plus, there’s no risk of termites or rot.

Therefore, homeowners can get both the gorgeous aesthetics and ease of maintenance. 

Vinyl Board and Batten Siding 

Another popular type of vinyl siding is board and batten, a subtype of vertical siding.

With board and batten siding, the boards come in various widths, creating a unique appeal.

A thin vertical strip called batten separates two boards, hence the name. 

Many homeowners like board and batten siding because it adds dimension to the property and looks great on a wide range of home styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Just like vertical siding, board and batten can be used all over the exterior of the home or only in certain parts to highlight different elements. 

Scalloped Siding 

Scalloped vinyl siding features curved edges, which is why it’s often called half-round siding.

Due to the round edges, this siding option can be ideal for breaking up the pattern on a home and creating a mix of textures.

You can often see scalloped siding on Victorian houses. 

Did you know? Typically, scalloped siding is used to accent specific elements on the exterior, usually the upper floor, gables, eaves, or dormers. Of course, you can use it on the entire house. 

Dutch Lap Siding 

Dutch lap is a type of horizontal siding, meaning the panels go from left to right.

This style features panels with a slightly concave face and a notch at each course’s bottom.

Due to this notch, a shadow appears over the course, giving the siding a unique depth and an eye-catching appearance. 

This type of siding also gives the home a uniform, clean look many homeowners enjoy.

You can purchase textured lap siding resembling wood or opt for smooth panels. 

Vinyl Siding Lifespan

While they vary in texture, width, and appearance, all types of vinyl siding are made from the same material and therefore they all have the same lifespan. 

The average lifespan of vinyl siding is usually between 20 and 40 years.

This may seem like a large time window, but the lifespan of vinyl siding depends on many factors.

Some of these factors are the amount of sun your property receives, the weather in your area, maintenance, and installation.

Let’s discuss them in more detail. 

The climate in your region greatly affects your siding’s durability.

For example, if you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, the UV rays will cause your siding to fade and wear out much faster.

Or, if your area gets a lot of rain, snow, or hail, the siding could crack or absorb the excess moisture, potentially resulting in mold or mildew.

Extremely high temperatures can melt some vinyl siding, while extremely low temperatures can warp it.

As you can assume, vinyl siding will last the longest in a moderate climate. 

We’ve mentioned that vinyl siding doesn’t require much maintenance. Still, you must take care of it properly if you want it to last a long time.

Siding manufacturers and contractors usually recommend inspecting the siding at least once a year, depending on the climate in your area.

These inspections will help you spot cracks, moisture issues, or mold and resolve them before they cause significant damage.

Plus, you should clean your siding once or twice a year to prevent discoloration and excessive wear. These simple but significant actions will help you extend your siding’s lifespan. 

Last but not least, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of proper installation for the siding’s longevity.

Namely, when vinyl siding is installed correctly, there’s no room for water leaks, warping, or buckling.

An improper installation may result in the need to repair or replace the siding much sooner than you expected.

Hence, it may be a good idea to hire a professional for the installation. 

The Difference Between 20- And 40-Year Siding

As you can assume, 20-year-old siding is usually more resistant and functional than 40-year-old siding.

However, this isn’t a universal rule.

The key to having long-lasting siding is proper installation and maintenance.

If you take care of your siding, it will last decades. 

Pro Tip: Just because you have older siding doesn’t necessarily mean it requires a replacement, especially if a professional installed it. Always consult a contractor before deciding to replace the siding. 

How Does The Lifespan Of Vinyl Siding Compare To Other Siding Types?

Besides vinyl siding, you can also opt for aluminum, wood, steel, or fiber cement siding.

Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Since durability is an important factor when purchasing siding, it’s important to understand how the lifespan of vinyl siding compares to other siding types. 

Aluminum and wood siding have the same lifespan as vinyl siding: 20-40 years.

Steel siding can last well over 40 years, while fiber cement siding is the most durable option; it can last 50-80 years. 

SidingType	Average Lifespan
Vinyl	20-40 years
Aluminum	20-40 years
Wood	20-40 years
Steel	Over 40 years
Fiber Cement	50-80 years

Extending The Life Of Your Vinyl Siding

As mentioned, properly installed and maintained vinyl siding can last around 40 years or more.

Here’s what you can do to extend its life: 

Inspect It Regularly 

Like with many things in life, prevention is better than cure.

It’s much easier to repair a minor issue with your siding than to replace it completely.

That’s why you should take time to thoroughly inspect your vinyl siding at least once a year.

Those who live in areas with extreme temperatures should do it twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.

Check your siding for holes, warping, mold, mildew, and other signs of wear and tear. 

Pro Tip: You can do the inspection yourself. However, if you notice anything slightly suspicious, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Siding contractors can assess the extent of the damage and suggest potential solutions.

Clean It Properly 

Vinyl siding requires little maintenance.

Still, you will need to clean it once or twice a year, not just for aesthetic purposes but also to slow down deterioration.

Knowing how to properly clean vinyl siding is important, as using aggressive cleaning products can damage it. 

The best way to clean your vinyl siding is to grab a bucket of warm, soapy water and a brush with soft bristles.

In the end, rinse your siding with a garden hose.

Keep in mind that you can also use a pressure washer, but it’s important to keep it at a low-pressure setting.

If you use high pressure, the water could end up behind the siding and cause moisture issues. 

Repair It 

If you notice any signs of damage on your vinyl siding, it’s vital to fix it immediately.

Seemingly minor holes can spread quickly, lead to significant issues, and even result in having to replace the entire siding. 

How Often Should You Replace Vinyl Siding?

There are no uniform rules on how often you should replace vinyl siding.

As mentioned, vinyl siding’s lifespan depends on many factors, so it’s impossible to estimate how long it will look good and serve its purpose. 

A general rule of thumb is that you should replace vinyl siding when it shows signs of damage. 

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure if you should replace vinyl siding, it may be wise to contact a professional. They can inspect the siding, estimate its condition, and offer recommendations. In some cases, you can get away with a few repairs instead of a full replacement. 

How Do You Know When To Replace Vinyl Siding?

There are several signs that could indicate it’s time to replace your vinyl siding: 

Rot 

The vinyl itself can’t rot.

However, some vinyl siding features wood siding underneath, and wood can rot if water finds its way around the cracks.

If the siding is rotten, the panels could easily warp and pull apart, leaving your home’s structure exposed.

Significant problems can occur when homeowners don’t notice rotten siding.

Vinyl siding is quite resistant and can “hide” rotten wooden siding for a long time. When homeowners do notice the rot, it may already be necessary to do extensive repairs.

This is another reminder to do proper and thorough vinyl siding inspections.

Common signs of rot are cracked, warped, or loose boards or peeling paint. 

Holes 

Vinyl siding is quite resistant.

Still, animals or extreme weather conditions can damage it and create holes in the panels.

Since holes can lead to more damage, you should repair them as soon as possible.

If the entire siding is covered in holes, you may be better off replacing it instead of trying to fix all of them. 

Faded Color 

As mentioned, UV rays will fade some siding over time, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight.

Siding usually has a protective layer that prevents sun damage, but this layer wears away after some time, leaving the siding exposed. 

If the fading is noticeable, it’s likely that your siding will require a replacement soon. 

Warping and Buckling 

Many houses experience settling over time.

This happens because the soil or clay underneath a house expands and contracts.

Since this is a normal process that contractors can predict, vinyl siding is usually nailed on loosely so that it can adjust to these changes without difficulty.

But, if the siding is nailed on too tightly, there is no space for expansion and contraction, and the panels can buckle or warp. 

Increased Bills 

One of the benefits of vinyl siding is that it protects your home from outside temperatures and wind, resulting in lower utility bills.

If you noticed a sudden spike in your bills, it might be due to damaged siding.

Check for loose boards, cracks, or warps. 

How Do You Refresh Vinyl Siding?

You can refresh your vinyl siding by painting it, cleaning it thoroughly, and repairing damaged areas.

You may be surprised by how much better your siding will look once you remove dirt and debris, apply a fresh coat of paint, and fix any issues. 

How Long Does Vinyl Siding Paint Last

On average, vinyl siding paint lasts for around 10 years.

How often you’ll need to paint your vinyl siding depends on the weather conditions in your area and exposure to sunlight.

If the siding gets a lot of sunlight, it will fade faster, thus requiring more frequent painting. 

Is It Less Expensive To Replace Or Paint Vinyl Siding?

Painting your vinyl siding is more affordable than replacing it.

Installing new siding costs between $6,102 and $16,735, while painting costs $570-$3,330.

Remember that painting your siding isn’t a solution for underlying issues. 

Painting may be less expensive, but many homeowners agree that replacing vinyl siding is a better investment in the long run. 

Enjoy the Durability 

Vinyl siding is cost-effective, relatively easy to install, and even easier to maintain.

It can be an ideal solution for homeowners who want a combination of pleasant visual appearance, functionality, and simplicity.

These days, vinyl siding comes in countless styles, shapes, and colors, so you can easily find something that suits your taste and budget.