The ultimate guide to vinyl siding.

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding popular among homeowners, contractors, architects, and builders. It's a cost-effective and attractive house siding option because it comes in various colors, textures, and finishes. Even better: It's durable and easy to install and maintain.

Benefits of vinyl siding.

What are the benefits of vinyl siding? A few of the biggest advantages include:

• Easy to install. Compared to other types of siding, vinyl is relatively easier to install.
• Durability. It's resistant to moisture, high winds, insects, and wood rot. It can last a long time, up to 60 years.
• Low maintenance. You don’t need to worry about the upkeep as it doesn’t chip, peel, dent, or wood rot. You also don't need to repaint it (but you can for aesthetic reasons).
• Various colors and styles. You’ll find a variety of vinyl siding types that include various colors, styles, finishes, textures, and profiles when shopping for the vinyl siding that looks best for your home.

Disadvantages of vinyl siding.

Of course, vinyl siding isn't 100% perfect. For some homeowners, this drawback may drive them to consider other house siding options:

• Doesn't last forever. Although vinyl siding is durable, that doesn't mean it can never become damaged. Colors can fade over time, and extreme weather can make it brittle.
• Poor installation has costly consequences. For example, water can become trapped and lead to damage. Or, when the vinyl expands and contracts as temperatures fluctuate, improper installation can lead to warping or buckling.
• It's not the real thing. Although vinyl siding can mimic the appearance of wood and stone, it may still look like vinyl to the discerning eye.

Vinyl siding pros and cons chart.

Vinyl siding styles and textures.

Vinyl sidings come in various styles. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Horizontal siding vs. vertical siding. Vinyl siding can come with horizontal or vertical pattern lines. Horizontal siding gives a more classic look, while vertical siding has a more contemporary feel. It’s up to you to pick which one you prefer for your home’s exterior.
• Dutch lap siding features a raised lip on each board, creating a shadow line effect. If you want a traditional or colonial design, you can opt for this style.
• Shakes and shingle siding resemble wood shake siding. It gives your home a natural, rustic look and feel. You can also combine it with other materials (like stone) to boost your home’s curb appeal.
• Beaded siding creates dramatic shadow lines due to the rounded bead at the bottom of each clapboard. It creates a textured appearance and is often used for homes with a rustic design.
• Insulated siding is one of the fastest-growing product innovations. It comes with a rigid foam that is either laminated or permanently attached to the cladding to create an insulation system.

In addition to the siding orientation, you'll also need to choose between traditional and modern styles. Traditional vinyl siding typically features a smooth and uniform appearance, giving your home a clean and elegant look. On the other hand, modern vinyl siding often incorporates textures and patterns, adding depth and visual interest to your home's exterior.

Popular vinyl siding color options.

When it comes to color options, the possibilities are endless. Popular color choices for vinyl siding include neutral tones like white, beige, and gray, which provide a timeless and versatile look. If you prefer a bolder statement, you can opt for vibrant colors like blue, green, or even red.

Vinyl siding installation process.

Installing vinyl siding can be a DIY project, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. However, proper installation is crucial to avoid costly repairs in the future. If you're an inexperienced DIY-er, it's best to leave this project to a professional.

Tools and equipment.

Before installing your siding, make sure you have the following supplies:

• Power saw
• Utility knife
• Tin snips
• Specialty tools (check if your local store has them)
• Field forming brake
• Nail hole slot punch
• Snap lock punch
• Zip lock (unlocking tool)
• Accessories
• Outside and inside corner posts
• Trim and molding
• Vinyl siding panels

Preparing your exterior walls.

Do the following to prepare your walls for vinyl siding:

• Make sure the wall is flat and level surface.
• Install a water-resistant barrier to your house before installing the siding.
• Scrape off old, loose caulk. 
• Re-caulk around your windows and doors.
• Remove potential obstructions, such as light fixtures, gutters, downspouts, window boxes, etc.

Installing the panels.

Follow your manufacturer's instructions on how to fasten your panels to the wall. In general, the steps to install vinyl siding are as follows:

1. Start by measuring the walls of your home to determine the amount of vinyl siding needed. Remember to account for openings such as windows and doors.
2. Install vinyl soffit and fascia or the corner posts first. Use a water-resistive material to flash the inside and outside corners.
3. Install the starter strip along the bottom of the wall, ensuring it's level and properly secured.
4. Attach the first vinyl siding panel, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Use the provided clips or hooks to secure the panel in place.
5. Continue installing the remaining panels, ensuring they overlap correctly and are securely fastened.
6. Trim the panels as needed using a utility knife or tin snips to fit around windows, doors, and corners.
7. Complete the installation by adding the finishing touches, such as applying caulk to seal any gaps.

For more steps, visit the Vinyl Siding Institute's website.

Vinyl siding maintenance tips.

If you want your vinyl siding to last, you need to maintain it. Here's how:

• Clean and wash your siding regularly (at least once a year). Use a garden hose, a soft bristle brush, and a bucket of soapy water to remove soil, grime, and chalk from your siding. Be careful when using a pressure washer. If the pressure is too high, you may accidentally damage your siding.
• Inspect your siding for damage, especially after a storm, to see if it's still installed properly. Look for panels that may have come loose.
• Repair and repaint, if necessary. Some vinyl siding panels can still be repaired if there is a small damage. Check with the manufacturer’s instructions regarding repairing and repainting.

Should you hire a pro or DIY vinyl siding projects?

As stated before, we recommend you hire a professional to install or replace vinyl siding if you're not an experienced DIY-er. If you install your vinyl siding incorrectly, it could lead to future problems.

For example, you may experience water damage if you don't install the water barrier properly. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, warping, peeling paint, and more.

However, you may be able to perform smaller repairs and upgrades by yourself. For example, painting, patching holes, and replacing a few panels are DIY-friendly projects.

How much does vinyl siding cost?

Vinyl siding is typically one of your most affordable house siding options. The national average cost is about $5-$6 per square foot.

Of course, the cost will depend on labor, material, and other factors. Learn more about those factors by reading our vinyl siding cost guide.

Find a professional to install your vinyl siding.

If you're ready to move forward with this project, start doing your research.

Download the Thumbtack app today to see the best local professionals for this project. Compare vinyl siding professionals near you, read their customer reviews, request free cost estimates, and schedule a consultation.

*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.