Wood Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Should You Choose?

Adding new siding is a great way to increase the value of your home. 

However, different types of siding provide homeowners with different benefits and drawbacks. By learning more about these pros and cons, you can choose the best siding material for your home. 

Do you want to learn more about wood siding vs vinyl siding? Keep reading this article to learn more about their differences and to see which one you should choose for your house. 

Cost

One of the biggest factors that homeowners consider when choosing a material for siding is the cost. Siding can cost a lot of money to install, so it is important that you find high-quality materials that fit your budget. 

The cost of wood siding will depend on the quality of wood that you choose. If you choose high-quality wood, like cedar siding, the price can be higher. This also means that you can choose less expensive wood options that better fit your budget. 

On the other hand, vinyl has a pretty standard price and is relatively inexpensive. 

You also need to consider the cost of maintenance for both of these materials. Typically, vinyl is less expensive to maintain for homeowners and will need less frequent repairs by industry professionals such as Perfect Exteriors.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of siding, you can look at this siding options cost comparison. 

Energy Efficiency

Something else to consider before choosing your siding material is energy efficiency. Choosing a siding material that is a better insulator can also save you money on your energy bills and help you make your home more comfortable. 

While wood can be a good insulator, it can also expand and contract as the seasons change. This makes it easy for air and moisture to leak through the wood siding. 

Vinyl is one of the best siding materials to choose from if you want to keep your home well insulated! This is because the material doesn’t warp as the temperature changes. Instead, it will stay tightly sealed for years to come!

Because vinyl doesn’t warp, it will also prevent moisture from seeping into the panels, which can cause wood siding to rot. 

Finally, vinyl is the best option for energy efficiency because you are able to add extra insulation, like a layer of foam, between your vinyl siding and your home. 

Durability

Because siding can be such a big investment for homeowners, you need to make sure you choose a material that is durable. If you want the most durable type of siding, vinyl is one of the best choices. 

As was mentioned before, vinyl will not warp or expand as the weather changes. Because of this, you will not have to worry about your vinyl cracking or warping in extreme hot or cold temperatures. 

Wood siding is also more likely to deal with weathering, rotting, pests, and other types of damage. For example, termites and other insects can eat through the wood siding and cause serious damage to your home. 

If you want a durable siding material, vinyl may be the best choice. 

Maintenance

Not only do you need to find a siding material that is durable, but you should also find one that is low-maintenance. As a homeowner, there are many things that you need to stay on top of. Finding a low-maintenance siding material makes it easy to keep your siding clean and in great shape. 

Wood siding needs to be treated and painted to protect it from the weather. It also needs to be painted or stained every couple of years, which can take a lot of time and money. 

On the other hand, vinyl is much lower maintenance. It doesn’t require any treatments once it is installed and cleaning vinyl siding only requires a bit of soap and water to look nice for years to come. 

Style & Appearance

You also need to consider style and appearance before you choose the right siding for your home. 

Wood siding is a very traditional style for homeowners. It can come in many styles and types of wood, like cedar siding. Because of this, wood is one of the most popular types of siding when it comes to appearance. 

Still, vinyl is the better option if you want to customize your siding. It is easy to change the styles and colors when you buy vinyl, so you can find something that perfectly matches your preferences. 

You can also buy vinyl that looks like other materials, even wood. This means that you can have the appearance of wood siding while still having the other benefits of vinyl siding. 

Environment

Finally, you should consider the environmental impact when you are choosing the right siding material for your home. 

Because wood is a natural material, it is more eco-friendly than vinyl. It is not modified, which means it will not have toxic materials or VOCs in it. If you ever replace your siding, you can easily use the wood for other projects. 

Vinyl is made out of artificial plastic that is not recyclable. While it will last for longer, it may not be as good for the environment. 

Need Help Choosing Between Wood Siding vs Vinyl Siding? 

When you are choosing between the different types of exterior home siding, it is important to learn more about the differences between vinyl vs wood siding. While both are great options for homeowners, the choice may come down to style, your budget, maintenance requirements, and more. 

Do you need help learning more about each of these materials and other home improvements you can make? We can help! Our expert blogs focus on topics like home improvement, lifestyle, and more. 

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