When Mike* and Sandy* decided to explore new siding options for their North Texas home, it did not take long for them to settle on vinyl siding. After all, vinyl siding has a litany of popular and hard-to-deny benefits. Besides the fact that it looks great, there is the durability piece. That means they won’t have to worry about replacing it for as much as 40 years—with proper installation and maintenance, of course. Also, vinyl siding gives the couple access to countless combinations of vibrant colors, styles, and realistic textures. However, while those benefits factored into their final decision, another benefit stood out above the rest: the product’s undeniable environmental impact.
Alternative siding materials, such as wood, stucco, brick, and even aluminum, struggle to match vinyl siding’s ability to balance aesthetics, style options, durability, and seamless functionality with its eco-friendly core. As a result, vinyl siding remains one of the more popular choices for residential exteriors in the United States.
How Does Vinyl Siding’s Sustainability Stack Up to Other Materials?
Vinyl siding is a form of engineered plastic exterior wrapping for a home. It is manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, making it one of the more popular exterior wrapping products for new construction and replacing old siding. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders ranks vinyl siding second only to stucco (26.8% to 25.6%) as the most common siding material for single-family homes. According to that report, vinyl siding was the most widely used primary exterior material in four of nine census divisions.
Vinyl siding was used on 74% of the new homes started in the Middle Atlantic, 71% in New England, 68% in the East North Central, and 49% in the West North Central.
The National Association of Home Builders ranks vinyl siding second only to stucco (26.8% to 25.6%) as the most common siding material for single-family homes
One of the biggest reasons why is vinyl siding’s environmentally beneficial qualities:
1. Longevity
Premium vinyl siding is 40 times thicker than paint and engineered to withstand weather conditions without warping, cracking, rotting, swelling, or scratching. It is also moisture-resistant, so say goodbye to mold and mildew. This means less upkeep on the homeowner’s end and the need for fewer replacements, thereby conserving resources over time. In comparison, wood siding could last just as long, but that longevity depends on the wood type, climate, and regular maintenance. Wood is prone to rot because of insect damage, moisture, and other factors. Stucco, though very popular, can fade over time and is also prone to excessive cracking.
2. Reduced maintenance
To piggyback on the longevity piece, vinyl siding does not require regular upkeep. For instance, wood siding requires frequent painting, sealing, and inspections. Painting alone—especially oil-based and some acrylic options—emits volatile organic compounds that contribute to air pollution and other harmful environmental concerns. Even fiber cement demands periodic repair to maintain its appearance, thus increasing the reliance on virgin materials and chemicals.
Premium vinyl siding is 40 times thicker than paint and engineered to withstand weather conditions without warping, cracking, rotting, swelling, or scratching. It is also moisture-resistant, so say goodbye to mold and mildew.
3. Recycled content
Vinyl siding is recyclable, produces virtually no waste, and can be made with eco-friendly materials and processes. As you can imagine, this reduces reliance on virgin materials. It also releases fewer toxic chemicals into the environment throughout its life cycle. Wood is also renewable but is prone to rot. Fiber cement siding is durable and fire-resistant but requires quite a bit of energy compared to vinyl siding. Meanwhile, metal siding can be recycled but comes with a higher upfront cost.
4. Energy efficiency
Depending on the specific siding product and thickness of the insulation, vinyl siding can be one of the more energy-efficient siding options for your home. As a result, you will experience lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment year-round. For instance, insulated siding features a layer of foam insulation fused to the back of each panel. This added insulation creates a continuous thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer through walls and lowering energy bills. These options are harder to incorporate into wood siding, stucco, and other siding options.
5. Lightweight
The fact that vinyl siding weighs less than its counterparts may not sound like an environmental benefit, but it is for the simple fact that it is easier to handle and transport. As a result, fewer emissions are used to get it from Point A to Point B. Vinyl siding also typically comes in pre-cut and pre-drilled pieces, and each panel is designed to interlock with each other to simplify installation and reduce having to make constant adjustments.
6. Less waste
Since it is incredibly lightweight and has pre-cut and pre-drilled pieces, vinyl siding requires minimal raw material. As a result, it produces less waste than other building materials, such as brick and cement.
7. Water resistance
Vinyl siding’s ability to resist water reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew growth, which would require chemical treatments to address. Traditional materials like wood are highly susceptible to weather-related damage, including rotting and swelling from moisture exposure. Fiber cement can absorb water over time, leading to potential structural issues if improperly maintained.
The bottom line is that vinyl siding is a versatile, durable, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial alternative to traditional siding materials. Its energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and superior weather resistance make it a practical choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s comfort and curb appeal.
Additionally, its soundproofing qualities, eco-friendly benefits, and long-term savings further highlight its advantages over wood, fiber cement, and standard vinyl siding.
Siding & More Believes in Environmentally Friendly Vinyl Siding Products
Whether you are planning a new build or considering upgrading your current siding, insulated vinyl siding offers a winning combination of style, performance, value, and overall sustainability that other siding materials can’t quite match. At the end of the day, you want your home to look its absolute best without having to worry about the constant upkeep and cost that comes with it. To that end, you may consider vinyl siding as your next major update.
At Siding & More, we offer various vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. Investing in high-quality vinyl siding for your Dallas home provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior. For the best results, opt for UV-resistant options like those from Ply Gem, ensuring your home stays protected and beautiful for decades. At Siding & More, we offer a wide range of vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding & More is one of the best siding contractors around.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect vinyl siding for your home, ensuring its durability and curb appeal. Contact us today for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior.
To get started, call us at 972-636-3513 ovr contact us for a free estimate with the form below.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
*Customer names and/or photos may be changed to protect privacy.
