Every home needs a siding material guaranteed to protect the structure, its foundation, and any items in it from harsh elements, including rain, hail, and snow. And when it comes to that, vinyl siding is a superior choice. This exterior component is primarily made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin. Some manufacturers design it to look like natural wood material, but, as you are about to see, there are various designs and styles available today. The last section will also introduce great reasons to install vinyl siding.

Popular Vinyl Siding Options

There are different vinyl siding products you can choose today. The most popular styles and designs include:

1. Shake siding

Vinyl shake siding is mainly suitable for small-sized apartment buildings and residential homes. Manufacturers design this synthetic exterior cladding to resemble genuine wood. Since it's artificial, it also possesses most of the pros of synthetic fiber, including visual appeal, durability, and low maintenance. Two main types of shakes are available in the market: straight edge and staggered edge. Opt for straight edge products if you want shakes that leave a discernible shadow line between shingles and come with straight bottoms. On the contrary, staggered edge vinyl shakes have jagged bases that lend them a handmade or individually-laid feel.

2. Clapboard siding

Some experts call clapboard siding weatherboard, lap siding, or bevel siding. Generally, this type of siding consists of horizontally-installed long, narrow planks. These planks often overlap on exterior walls. Therefore, it's safe to assume clapboard siding resembles long wooden panels or planks running end to end across your home. Most property owners prefer this siding option because it boosts insulation and effectively withstands harsh conditions.  

Reasons to Choose Vinyl Siding

If you need convincing to install vinyl siding, consider the following:

1. Affordable

Vinyl siding is cheaper than most other alternatives, including fiber-cement. Although you can expect the actual price to vary depending on the manufacturer or supplier, you may be hard-pressed to find quality siding material that is more affordable than vinyl. And this siding's suitability compounds when you consider that it's easy and quick to install. That means professional installers charge relatively lower fees for vinyl siding services. In summary, if you are working with a limited budget or prefer avoiding unnecessarily high expenses, vinyl siding may be ideal for you.

2. Low maintenance

Being a homeowner shouldn't force you to spend most of your time and effort caring for components like siding. After all, you have other vital tasks and responsibilities, including looking after your loved ones, running a business, or building a career. Fortunately, vinyl siding requires minimum care and maintenance. Most of what you'll have to do to ensure it's in optimum condition involves regular cleaning, optional painting, and fixing minor damages.

For more information on vinyl siding, contact a contractor in your area.