With all the types of siding out there, it can take a little time to figure out which option is best for your needs. One of the most common types of Ottawa siding is vinyl.
Vinyl Siding, also called PVC siding, is a robust and durable type of plastic widely used outside of residential homes.

It comes in several different styles and colors, imitating the appearance of brick and wood. Vinyl siding has long been a favorite material for homeowners to use but does have some downsides.
Siding made from vinyl tends to be both affordable and durable. If you consider purchasing vinyl siding for your Ottawa home, these pros and cons should help you make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Vinyl Siding

Affordable

Vinyl Siding is one of the most popular materials for home construction today. One of the main reasons people pick vinyl over other types of siding in Ottawa is its affordability. Vinyl is cost-effective.

When you factor in the prices of materials, installation, and maintenance, it is significantly cheaper than most other choices.
Vinyl Siding comes in a variety of textures and types. The pros and cons of vinyl siding will depend on your lifestyle and your budget.

Easy to Maintain

The good news about vinyl siding and all types of painted exterior house wrap are that it is effortless to clean compared to wood siding. The finish will attract the right dirt, and dirt attracts the good grime.

The color and finish for the siding are baked directly into the vinyl material, so it cannot chip or flake away.
Use a mild detergent and soap on the surface to remove any excess, then scrub the surface thoroughly to get rid of any remaining dirt or grime.

After you clean the exterior, then wash it off with a high-pressure washer, which will keep your exterior looking great year after year.

Straight Forward Installation

When you are ready to boost your home’s curb appeal, vinyl siding can be a great choice.
One of the most significant pros of vinyl siding, especially when compared with other material choices, is the installation cost.

However, If you want to avoid some of the negative aspects of vinyl siding, you must hire an experienced contractor like Alba Home Services to do the job.
As long as you properly prepare the house for the installation and make sure it meets all building codes, you shouldn’t have any problems meeting the warranty.

Since it comes in premade panels, vinyl is typically Straight forward to install. And since this type of siding is very common, you can easily find a professional Ottawa siding installer to help you.
Once you choose your style and color of siding, the Professionals at Alba home services will take care of the rest.

Durable and Long Lasting

One of the main pros of vinyl siding installation is the durability it provides. Vinyl material is durable and can withstand extreme temperatures from hot summers to cold winters.
Because of this durability, vinyl siding can withstand harsh temperature extremes, which can save you money over your home’s life.

Vinyl Siding is the right choice for many homeowners because it is relatively affordable.
If it’s installed properly, it lasts for many years, maintains excellent condition, and can help prevent damage to the exterior of your home due to weather conditions.
Vinyl Siding also helps prevent termites and other pests from infesting your home.

Wide Range of Colors and Styles

Since it is the most popular type of siding, vinyl comes in an almost endless range of styles that can easily be customized to meet your home or business’s needs.
You can pick from different colors, textures, gloss levels, board sizes, and more.
The selection while choosing vinyl siding makes it easy to get the style and color you want.

Potential Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding

May Trap Moisture

Water-resistant vinyl might keep moisture out of your home, but it can trap water inside too.
The humidity can result in wood rot, mildew growth, and other issues.
To avoid moisture problems, it is essential to prepare walls properly, so get a professional to do the installation.

Vinyl siding can be quite porous in certain areas (such as along the edges).
It is recommended that you apply a vapor barrier beneath the vinyl siding, especially around windows and doors.
In addition to keeping out water and moisture, a vapor barrier will also keep out insects.

One other thing to keep in mind about vinyl siding, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures, is that it does not do well under high humidity.
If there is no air movement through the siding, the vinyl siding will collect moisture, and mold will grow under the siding and frame.

Even with the right treatment, mold and mildew can be a problem in areas where there is no ventilation through the siding.
Also, the presence of mold and mildew can make cleaning your house very difficult because mold and mildew grow best in an area free from oxygen.

Not the Best at Insulation

Vinyl siding does not do a great job of insulating your home.
Unlike some other siding materials, vinyl makes it easy for heated or air-conditioned air to escape your home.
You may pay a bit more in energy bills unless you invest in extra insulation.

Can Fade Over Time

One potential issue to keep in mind is that vinyl siding can fade due to high sun exposure. If a panel needs replacement, it can be hard to match the color perfectly.
Vinyl Siding is a man-made material consisting of two pieces: a hard plastic outer layer and a soft synthetic lower layer.
The outer layer of vinyl consists of vaporized plastic applied to a frame and will often peel off and chip away in the sun.
While vinyl siding can last for decades without damage, over time, it will begin to deteriorate.

One of the most common negative aspects of vinyl siding is its tendency to deteriorate when exposed to extreme temperatures.
This deterioration is due to the plastic’s ability to expand and contract under extreme conditions.

When vinyl siding begins to crack under these conditions, tiny holes will appear in the material, allowing moisture and other substances into the cracks, which will cause them to expand and become rancid, and eventually rot away.
When vinyl siding begins to deteriorate, small black or dark-colored specks can form at the bottom joints creating a foul odor and an unsightly, flaking surface.

Not Eco-Friendly

Vinyl isn’t the worst pollutant among building materials, but it is not very sustainable either.
The main issue is the vinyl production does cause some dangerous waste products, and many types of siding are not recyclable.

One of the significant disadvantages of using vinyl house siding is its material, which is somewhat limited in supply compared to wood siding.
Another disadvantage is that vinyl is a man-made product, which means it contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not used properly.
Vinyl siding does have the advantage of lasting for many years, although you may notice some degradation over time.

Won’t Withstand Severe Weather

Vinyl siding is very sturdy, but even the strongest siding in Ottawa may get damaged severely.
If you live in a place with regular hail storms or high winds, there’s a chance your siding might crack and break if mishandled in freezing weather.
Drawbacks include being easily dented, the problem of replacing and matching individual panels, and color fading.

Another negative aspect of vinyl siding is that it cannot withstand extreme wind, rain, or snow.
Even with a properly treated house wrap, strong winds can blow the vinyl siding off the frame if the vinyl is improperly installed.

Improperly installed vinyl siding has no defense against snow and ice.
Even a temporary storm with minimal wind or rain will weaken the siding, leading to cracking, leaving the house open to cold and mildew.

Is Vinyl Siding Worth It?

For most people, the pros of vinyl siding ultimately outweigh the drawbacks.
Unlike some other siding types, vinyl provides a nice blend of style, affordability, and convenience.
People usually look at other siding materials if they require things like historical accuracy or maximum energy efficiency.
The good news is that there are plenty of siding types in Ottawa, so it’s easy to pick the best one for you.

All of these factors must be weighed carefully against the pros and cons of other types of siding when making a decision as important as installing new siding.

Alba Home Services is a home renovation service contractor accredited business with the Better Business Bureau in Ottawa. We are also a proud member of HomeStars, Houzz, and Trustedpros