Siding is a necessity to protect your home and also helps up your curb appeal but replacing it can be a costly expense. Although modern home siding materials are made with longevity in mind, there may come a time when you need new siding. That leaves many homeowners asking questions like “how long does vinyl siding last,” and “are other siding materials more durable than vinyl siding?” 🤔🤔🤔

Don’t be concerned if you don’t know the answers to these questions. We’ve compiled information about the lifespan of vinyl siding as well as other siding materials, so you can make an educated decision about which kind of siding material will be right for your home.

In this in-depth article, we’ll discuss:

• How long various siding materials will last;
• The durability of different siding materials;
• And when to have your home’s siding replaced.

So, if a recent storm 🌪 has damaged your home or your siding is simply getting old 👵🏻, our guide can help give you a better idea of the best siding options. Keep reading to have all of your questions about vinyl siding (and other siding materials) answered here.

How Will My Home’s Siding Hold Up?

Before we dive into the lifespan of vinyl siding and other materials, let’s look at what makes (or breaks) a home’s exterior siding. For any kind of siding material, the estimated lifespan depends on several factors, such as:

• Materials – The expected lifespans of different siding materials will vary, which is what we’re here to discuss.
• Installation – The quality of your siding installation can also impact its longevity. If your siding is not properly installed, it can crack, warp, or completely fail, costing you even more money in the future.
• Maintenance – The amount of work you’re willing to put into your siding will also play a role in its lifespan. Materials like cedar shingles or wood siding require intense maintenance unless you want them to deteriorate prematurely. Providing the proper maintenance is essential to making your siding last.
• Environment – Where you live can affect your siding too. If heavy storms, strong UV rays, or extreme temperature fluctuations are common in your local climate, certain siding styles might not be the right choice to protect your home.

Now that you know more about the general factors that impact siding’s average lifespan, we can look more closely at each kind of siding to see which one comes out on top.

How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?

Since this is the question that brought you to our informative little blog, let’s start with the lifespan of vinyl siding. Vinyl siding can last upwards of 60 years with very little maintenance. Vinyl siding is a durable, budget-friendly, and energy-efficient option, featuring two layers of strong, flexible, and fully-pigmented paneling, plus added insulation in most newer systems.

Vinyl siding holds up well in many different weather conditions and can withstand temperature changes too. Overall, vinyl siding is a top choice you can trust to last a lifetime.

Is There a More Durable Option Out There?

Although vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding options in America, there are other durable siding materials that you might consider, including fiber cement siding, metal siding, and cedar siding styles. Learn more about their varying lifespans below before deciding which material will add the most value to your home.

Wood Siding Won’t Withstand Weathering

Although cedar siding looks beautiful, it’s not the best option to install on your home. Unfortunately, wood siding will absorb moisture and attract bugs, which means mold and bug infestation issues are all too common.

In addition, it’s susceptible to rot and requires a high level of maintenance, including regular paint and stain jobs. Even if you stay on top of upkeep, there’s virtually no chance of wood siding lasting longer than 15 to 20 years.

Aluminum Siding Is Asking for Damage

Unlike wood, aluminum siding requires minimal maintenance to reach the end of its expected lifespan. Aluminum is strong and resistant to moisture but often incurs dents and damage during hail storms. You might have to replace aluminum siding as often as every 30 to 40 years.

Steel Siding Offers Lasting Strength

Steel siding offers exceptional durability, lasting upwards of 70 years in even the most extreme weather. However, that also means it comes at a much higher price point than other materials. You won’t see much steel siding around your neighborhood since it’s a more popular siding option among commercial property owners.

Fiber Cement Siding Is a Fantastic Choice

Finally, another favorite siding option for homeowners is fiber cement, which can last nearly an entire century 🤯 with the proper care and maintenance. Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of Portland cement, fly ash, wood pulp, and water, making it highly flexible but also susceptible to water damage. For that reason, fiber cement siding will require a moderate amount of maintenance in order to last a lifetime.

Durability and Life Expectancy: A Breakdown of Each Exterior Siding Style

Now that you have a better understanding of the different kinds of siding material you can select for your home, let’s quickly recap a snapshot of each material’s expected lifespan and durability levels:

• Steel siding: 70+ years – extreme durability
• Fiber cement siding: 100+ years – high durability
• Vinyl siding: 60+ years – moderate to high durability
• Aluminum siding: 40+ years – moderate durability
• Wood siding: 15+ years – low durability

You should select a siding material based on a few factors. Where do you live? What is your budget? How willing are you to perform regular maintenance? The answers to these questions can help determine which siding material best suits your home and lifestyle.

For example, you might not pick aluminum or steel siding if you live in a place prone to extreme temperature changes or frequent hailstorms. In addition, cedar siding wouldn’t be a great option for busy homeowners who don’t have time to keep up with the rigorous maintenance requirements.

Make sure you discuss your specific needs with a siding contractor before selecting the right siding material for your home.

When Should Siding Be Replaced?

While most siding materials can last a lifetime, unexpected damage or aesthetic changes can cause you to need (or want) new siding. Here are some common examples of why you might want a siding replacement:

1. Your siding is simply nearing the end of its lifespan
2. You’re already doing other work on your home’s exterior
3. Your siding materials are showing visible wear or damage
4. Your home’s energy efficiency is getting lower
5. Your siding was recently damaged in a storm

If any of the reasons we listed above sound familiar, it might be time to schedule siding installation services or storm damage repairs with a local contractor. An experienced siding company can have your home re-sided the right way in just a few days.

Improve Your Home’s Siding With the Pros

After reading about the lifespans of different siding materials, have you decided it’s time to invest in new siding? Schedule services with Dreamworx to get peace of mind knowing you’re installing a durable, long-lasting siding system that looks great too. Get in touch with us today!

Charlie Anderson

“Living comfortably at home means living in a safe, cozy house that protects you from outside elements.” -Dreamworx Co-Owner, Charlie Anderson