Question 1

How does vinyl siding compare to aluminum or steel siding?

Accepted Answer

Vinyl siding has clear advantages over metal alternatives. Aluminum siding scratches easily, dents, and requires periodic repainting as the surface fades. Steel siding is heavier and more prone to rust at cut edges and fastener locations. Both metals conduct heat and cold, which can affect comfort near exterior walls. Vinyl, by contrast, will not dent, rot, chip, or peel. Its color runs throughout the material rather than being applied as a surface coat, so scratches are far less visible. Vinyl also provides a better thermal barrier than metal. It has become the most popular siding material in the country for good reason.

Question 2

Is it less costly to just repaint my home instead of re-siding?

Accepted Answer

If you plan to move within the next three years, repainting may be the more economical short-term choice. But if you plan to stay longer than that, the calculations heavily favor vinyl siding. Paint typically needs to be redone every three to five years. If your home also has problems like warped clapboards that need to be replaced, or lead-based paint that requires special handling, the cost of repainting can become very significant. According to Remodeling magazine, homeowners in the Midwest recoup approximately 69% of the cost of new siding in added resale value — compare that to paint, which adds little resale value and must be repeated indefinitely.

Question 3

What design options are available with vinyl siding?

Accepted Answer

Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products available. Suburban Construction offers many different vinyl siding lines with a wide variety of options: horizontal and vertical orientations; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed shaped profiles; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle, and deep wood grain textures; and a broad assortment of traditional and contemporary colors. Trim accessories — including window and door surrounds, corner posts, soffit, and fascia — are available in matching colors so your entire exterior looks coordinated.

Question 4

How do I clean vinyl siding properly?

Accepted Answer

For routine cleaning, a garden hose is usually sufficient — rain naturally washes most dirt off vinyl siding. For a more thorough cleaning, use a soft-bristled, long-handled brush (the kind that attaches to a garden hose) and a cleaning solution of 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup household cleaner (such as Spic and Span), and 1 gallon of water. Do not rub vigorously, as this can create glossy areas on the finish. Start at the bottom and work up to minimize streaking. Rinse thoroughly with clean water immediately after washing. Avoid directing pressurized water upward under the panels.

Question 5

Can vinyl siding be painted?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but it is rarely recommended or necessary. Vinyl siding's color is integral to the material — it runs throughout the panel rather than sitting on the surface — so it does not peel, chip, or fade the way paint does. If you are considering painting vinyl siding to change its color, use only paint specifically formulated for vinyl surfaces, and choose a color that is the same shade or lighter than the existing siding. Dark colors on vinyl can absorb heat and cause warping. In most cases, if you want a color change, replacing the siding panels is the more durable and long-term solution.

Question 6

What warranty comes with vinyl siding?

Accepted Answer

Suburban Construction installs Freedom Series vinyl siding, which is backed by a manufacturer's Lifetime Limited Warranty covering the siding panels against defects, and including fade and chalk resistance provisions. The warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners, which adds resale value. Suburban Construction also backs every installation with our lifetime workmanship guarantee — if an installation-related issue develops, we return and correct it at no charge. Ask us for the current warranty specifics during your free estimate.

Question 7

How do I clean vinyl siding?

Accepted Answer

Vinyl siding is easy to clean. For light dirt and dust, a garden hose with a spray nozzle is usually sufficient. For more stubborn stains, use a soft-bristle brush with a mixture of 70% water and 30% white vinegar, or a commercially available siding cleaner. Avoid abrasive brushes or steel wool, which can scratch the surface. Always rinse from top to bottom and avoid directing pressurized water upward under the panels, which could force water behind the siding.

Question 8

How durable is vinyl siding?

Accepted Answer

Modern vinyl siding from quality manufacturers is extremely durable. It resists moisture, rot, insects, and fungal growth. The color is integral to the material rather than applied as a surface coat, so it will never peel or chip. Standard vinyl can crack if struck with significant force in very cold temperatures, but quality products like our Freedom Series are formulated with impact modifiers that improve cold-weather performance. With proper installation, vinyl siding should last 30–40 years or more.

Question 9

How much does vinyl siding installation cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of vinyl siding installation varies based on the size of your home, the complexity of the exterior (gables, dormers, trim details), the product grade selected, and whether old siding removal and sheathing repairs are needed. We provide free, detailed estimates with no obligation. Most homeowners find that new siding is one of the best-return home improvement investments they can make, given the improvement in curb appeal, energy efficiency, and elimination of ongoing maintenance costs.

Question 10

What colors and styles are available in vinyl siding?

Accepted Answer

Our Freedom Series vinyl siding is available in dozens of colors ranging from traditional whites and earth tones to deeper architectural colors. Profile options include traditional horizontal lap, dutch lap, beaded seam, and vertical siding for accents or full facades. We also offer shake and shingle panels for gable accents. We bring sample boards to every estimate so you can evaluate colors against your home in natural light.

Question 11

Does vinyl siding help with energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Standard vinyl siding provides a modest improvement in energy efficiency compared to aged or deteriorating original siding with gaps and air infiltration points. For significantly improved energy efficiency, we recommend insulated vinyl siding, which adds an EPS foam backing to each panel. The foam fills the air gap between the siding and the sheathing, improving the wall's R-value and reducing heating and cooling costs. See our insulated siding page for more details.

Question 12

Will vinyl siding increase my home's resale value?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remodeling Magazine consistently ranks vinyl siding replacement among the highest-return home improvement projects in terms of cost recouped at resale. New siding dramatically improves curb appeal, which is one of the most significant factors in a buyer's first impression of a home. It also signals to buyers that the exterior has been well maintained, reducing their perception of near-term maintenance costs.

Vinyl Siding FAQ

Common Questions About Vinyl Siding

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