What Is The Downside Of Vinyl Siding?

Many homeowners appreciate vinyl siding’s quick installation process and the wide variety of colors available – but, like any material, it has drawbacks that should be considered when making this decision. What is the downside of vinyl siding? – Here, we explain these key disadvantages to help you decide whether vinyl suits your home exterior design project!

1. Limited Aesthetic Appeal

Vinyl siding’s primary disadvantage lies in its appearance; unlike natural alternatives like wood and stone, it may appear artificial compared to these more authentic materials. While recent advancements may improve its look, more traditional options provide deeper layers and greater authenticity.

It offers many attractive colors and textures; however, its choices remain more limited when compared with natural materials such as cedar or teak wood siding. Plus, its color may fade with age, reducing its aesthetic value.

2. Vulnerability to Temperature Extremes

Expansion and Contraction 

Vinyl siding can expand and contract due to temperature shifts, potentially leading to warping or cracking under severe conditions. This expansion and contraction could result in warped or cracked wood panels in extreme climate zones.

Poor Performance in Cold Temperature

Vinyl siding becomes fragile when exposed to extremely cold temperatures, leading to it cracking easily and lessening its viability in areas with harsh winters. As such, this makes vinyl less suitable for areas experiencing these climates.

3. Environmental Concerns 

Vinyl siding is made of PVC material, which has significant environmental effects during production. For instance, manufacturing processes often release harmful chemicals into the air, making it less eco-friendly than others. Unlike certain materials, vinyl does not readily break down into recyclable parts for disposal, leading to environmental waste and contributing significantly to unnecessary ecological waste.

4. Maintenance and Repair Challenges

Repair Difficult

Replacing or repairing individual vinyl siding panels can often prove challenging and time-consuming, leading to an unsightly patched appearance as the repairs take effect.

Visible Seams 

Even after repairs have been undertaken, seams between panels may remain visible after being patched up if your siding has faded over time and significantly lost its aesthetic beauty. This issue becomes particularly prominent if its appearance has diminished substantially over time.

Regular Maintenance

Proper vinyl siding maintenance must include cleaning to preserve its aesthetics and extend its longevity. Otherwise, dirt and stains could accumulate and result in permanent discolourations, and failing to address them promptly could prove more challenging than initially planned.

5. Potential Water damage risks

Uninformed installation can allow water to seep beneath vinyl siding panels and cause irreparable structural damage to your home’s foundation. Moisture trapped behind vinyl siding also provides ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, which poses health concerns and causes structural damages to be ignored for too long.

The Bottom Line

What is the downside of vinyl siding? It offers many benefits to homes regarding affordability and maintenance requirements, yet its drawbacks must be carefully assessed before choosing it as your siding solution. From aesthetic appeal and environmental concerns to potential water damage, there are several downsides that you should carefully weigh when making this decision!

For further advice or professional assistance, visit A2ZRoofing to speak to one of their expert roofers in Edmonton about all available siding options, including vinyl siding in Edmonton!