Vinyl vs. Wood: Which Siding Type is Better?

There’s a long standing debate between homeowners on which siding type is best for their neighborhood: vinyl or wood. There’s pros and cons to both types of materials, so it really comes down to personal preference when determining which material is best for your home.

But before you decide, here’s a little more information about each type:

Vinyl Siding

Generally speaking, vinyl siding installed by Twin Cities siding contractors is long lasting, inexpensive and basically maintenance-free. Vinyl siding never needs to be painted and can be cleaned with a little bit of soap and water.

There’s a lot of flexibility with design when it comes to vinyl siding. It’s available in many different colors and various styles from lapboards to shakes and scallops to fish scales. Due to its design, it’s also less likely to show nicks and scratches.

On the downside, the way vinyl siding needs to be cut and laid does leave a noticeable seam and it’s not an eco-friendly option, as vinyl is synthetic and takes many years to break down in landfills after use.

Wood Siding

Traditional wood siding has been used for centuries. It ranges in style from clapboard or lapboard to shakes and shingles. Plus, the Cedar and Redwood that are often used for this purpose are naturally decay-resistant and highly sustainable material.

Any wood siding boards will be easily replaced, but do need to be stained or painted every few years to keep looking like new. Wood siding is also flammable and more expensive than other material options, so it does still have its downsides.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is the generic term for hardboard or plywood panels. It cuts, handles and looks like real wood, but comes at a less expensive price tag. This type of siding only needs to be repainted every five to ten years, lasts 20 to 30 years and is a great in-between choice for homeowners stuck in their decision between vinyl and real wood.

Leading the Way

No matter your preference, our team at Schmidt Roofing has more than 20 years of experience working with homeowners to design the style of their home. Contact us today for a free estimate, so we can get to work and make sure your home is covered.

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