Wood and vinyl siding differ in aesthetics and price, with vinyl improving in mimicking wood’s look. Vinyl is durable, cheaper, and resistant to termites and rot, but lacks insulation and overshadows trim details. Wood requires regular maintenance, but offers better insulation. Hardiplank and galvanized metal are also options. Environmentalists debate the merits of both materials, with wood requiring tree destruction and vinyl being difficult to dispose of. Proper maintenance and functioning gutters are key for wood siding.
Wood siding and vinyl siding are essentially different species. In the end, a decision between the two almost always boils down to aesthetics versus price. The aesthetic gap has closed somewhat in recent years as vinyl siding manufacturers have gotten better at mimicking the look of wood. However, nearly all of the groups that set the rules for building and renovating in historic districts put vinyl siding at the top of their “no-go” list.
Homeowners faced with the choice between wood siding and vinyl siding need to ask themselves if the look of their home could be improved by using wood and if they are willing to spend the time and/or money on the regular maintenance that wood requires. The obvious advantages of vinyl siding include durability – as paint is not applied externally, does not chip or peel – and price – generally significantly lower than wood products). Obviously, vinyl is unattractive to termites and is impervious to the damp rot that often plagues wood siding homes. On the flip side, the wood paneling offers better insulation. Also, and this is where aesthetics rears its fair head again, installing vinyl often overshadows the trim details that give a home its individuality.
The marketing battle between wood siding and vinyl siding continues unabated, with both fields working to overcome their inherent disadvantages. Wood siding manufacturers are trying to make their product more durable, vinyl companies are trying to outgrow the image of vinyl as “cheap.” Wood siding and vinyl siding also have a new entrant: Hardiplank®, which is a composite of wood and concrete that incorporates some of the benefits of older wall siding. Builders can also offer galvanized metal.
Generally, wood siding needs to be painted at least every four years. It’s also a good idea to keep it away from moisture whenever possible, as that’s what gives rise to the telltale dark spots of rot. Properly functioning gutters are a key in this battle.
Environmentalists are torn over the merits of wood siding and vinyl siding. The former, of course, requires the destruction of trees. But where old wood siding can be recycled as firewood, vinyl doesn’t burn — another plus while it’s in place — and can be difficult to dispose of. The good news is that it may not become a problem, given its longevity.
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