How Much Does it Cost to Install Vinyl Siding?

On This Page:

1. Cost Factors
2. The Visual Aspect
3. Siding Maintenance
4. How Does Vinyl Compare to Other Siding Options?
• Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
5. Conclusion

Vinyl siding was introduced in the late 1950s in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, most siding was aluminum, but vinyl proved to be cheaper and was much lower maintenance than aluminum. Though it quickly developed a bad reputation for fading and turning brittle with age, modern manufacturing techniques have made it far more durable and better insulating than many other materials on the market.

Of the four main siding options, metal, wood, fiber cement, and vinyl, vinyl is the least expensive material and the second cheapest when it comes to installation. Only metal is cheaper to install because it snips and rivets into place easily. Vinyl siding requires only a few more specialty tools and typically costs about $4.00 per square foot installed.

Cost Factors

There are many choices when it comes to vinyl and even one option that seems insignificant can have an enormous effect on the cost. Why are vinyl siding prices so varied? This is because the options are usually incorporated into the manufacturing of the material.

• Thickness – Vinyl usually comes in thickness of .040”. Thicker siding, such as .052”, is more durable and has better fade resistance, but will cost more.
• Styles – Plain, smooth vinyl with no textures or other features will always be cheaper than textured material that imitates wood, stone, or other materials.
• Layout and Size – Clearly a larger house will use more material, more labor, and will cost more. Also keep in mind that odd-shaped openings, such as custom windows and doors, require the siding to be cut to non-standard shapes. In general, the common house sizes can incur the following costs, assuming no unusual details:
• 1,500 sq ft - $6,000.00 to $8,000.00
• 2,000 sq ft - $8,000.00 to $11,000.00
• 2,500 sq ft - $10,000.00 to $13,000.00
• Details – Moldings, trim, soffits, corners, vents, and other details may or may not be included in your quote. Some contractors charge another $3.00 to $6.00 per linear foot for these details. Be sure your contractor clearly outlines these details or includes them in his total quote.
• Labor – The labor you use can be a general contractor, a vinyl siding specialist, or DIY. If you aren’t skilled with hanging siding, DIY can potentially be the most expensive option. If you have any doubts, call a professional. It will be cheaper in the long run.
• Old Siding – If you have existing siding it will need to be removed. This can cost from $1,000.00 to $3,000.00, but it will save you the trouble of having to find a place to dispose of it.

Need an exact quote? Contact a siding professional today.

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The Visual Aspect

Visually, vinyl has a great advantage over other siding choices; it can look like just about anything. With a large variety of colors and styles, it will be hard not to find what you want.

Colors

There is a wide variety of colors available for vinyl siding. As it is blended into the vinyl itself, every color is as rich as possible and won’t show scratches easily. When shopping for siding, don’t be surprised if you are shown a selection of 40 or 50 options, though some companies offer 700 standard colors! If that palette isn’t giving you what you want, ask about custom colors. They may cost extra depending on how “custom” the color is, but if you want your house to look perfect, the extra cost is worth it.

Styles

Vinyl can be made to look like different materials. Because it’s molded at the manufacturer’s site, it can be had in the following styles:

• Beaded Seam – This style resembles the wood siding of the 1800s. A classic look, it can fit any home, older or modern.
• Smooth – This is a simple style with no texture. The clean look is very popular.
• Board and Batten – Also called “barn style”, alternating wide and narrow strips can be horizontal or vertical. It has a rough texture like cedar wood.
• Shingle – Sometimes called “shake”, the rough, staggered edge gives a warm, rustic look.

Other styles may be available from your manufacturer. Be sure to ask for a catalog.

Compared to other materials, vinyl offers the widest variety in terms of color and styles. Metal can be painted while vinyl generally doesn’t handle paint well, but the difficulty of reshaping metal makes vinyl a more versatile choice. Wood has a more natural look since it’s a natural material, but it must be stained or painted every couple of years to preserve its beauty. Stucco can suffer from weathering and also needs periodic maintenance.

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Siding Maintenance

Vinyl siding is low maintenance, but it does need it. Cleaning is usually the only form of maintenance you need. A simple garden hose will do the job to keep normal dust and dirt from accumulating.

If mold and other heavier build-up is apparent, a soft-bristled scrub brush and gentle cleaning solution will do the job handily. If you choose to use a pressure washer instead on the vinyl siding, use a low-power setting to avoid spraying water and grime up between the siding and the wall.

When cleaning, start at the bottom and work your way up to avoid wet dirt from running down and drying on the siding. Small, stubborn spots can be cleaned with any ordinary cleaner and a soft scrub brush. When rinsing, start at the top. Work in small areas and be sure to rinse immediately to avoid stains from your cleaning solution.

Regular cleaning is the best way to protect your vinyl siding and avoid repairs, which can range from $250-$900 on average.

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Vinyl vs. Other Siding

Vinyl developed a bad rap due to early manufacturing techniques that made it inconsistent in color and quality. Modern techniques have improved the material and have made it a top choice in siding. However, there is no one “best choice” since every material has advantages and disadvantages. Compare vinyl siding to other options:

• Wood – Wood siding has a more natural look. Using reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood makes it environmentally friendly, and disposal is very easy. However, it is very high maintenance and costs over twice what vinyl costs.
• Engineered Wood - Engineered wood siding is an emerging material made of wood strands coated in resin and compressed for strength. It boasts strong resistance to the elements, cost-efficiency and an authentic wood appearance.
• Aluminum – Aluminum’s big advantage is that it can be bent to fit unusual shapes while vinyl must be formed to the shape at manufacture. Aluminum can also be painted, but as it dents the paint cracks and flakes off. The cost of aluminum siding fluctuates with the market, but it is very recyclable.
• Fiber Cement – Fiber cement is flame resistant and can withstand hurricane force winds, but that’s about where its advantages end. It costs about 1.5 times more than vinyl siding and will require re-caulking and painting. It also cracks easily.

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Pros & Cons

Before deciding on vinyl, consider these upsides and downsides:

• Pros
• Easy to install. It can be DIY with a little skill, or you can hire a professional
• Durable colors. Modern techniques in color make even the darker colors resistant to fading, Because the color is in the material, it doesn’t show chips or cracks easily.
• Cost. Overall, vinyl is the least expensive material even when you consider installation. Also, you can recoup around 78% of your cost at sale.
• Cons
• Water resistant, but not watertight. Wind driven rain can get water behind the siding and cause mold and rot if drainage isn’t put in and the walls aren’t protected.
• Can still fade and dull. UV rays are harmful to the color, and though they can resist fading, eventually some fading will happen. Dirt that builds up can cause colors to dull.
• Bending and cracking. Extreme weather can cause vinyl to bend and crack. This is especially true where the weather fluctuates between extremes of heat and cold.

Ready to install vinyl siding? Get a quote today.

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In Conclusion

Vinyl is a popular choice across the country once again. Take advantage of the modern techniques and give your house an affordable, easy facelift!

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