Considering steel siding vs vinyl for your home investment? Discover which offers better long-term value and benefits for your property. Siding is crucial for protecting your home's exterior from the elements while also enhancing its curb appeal. It's the first line of defense against weather, pests, and damage, and it significantly impacts your home's overall look.
Two popular siding options are steel and vinyl. Both have their own advantages and challenges and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your home's durability and aesthetic appeal.
In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option to help homeowners decide which the better investment
Steel siding is crafted from galvanized steel sheets, often coated with a zinc layer for enhanced corrosion resistance. It's available in various thicknesses and styles, including vertical panels, horizontal panels, and board and batten designs. Some manufacturers offer pre-painted steel siding in a wide color palette.
Vinyl siding is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, often with added pigments and stabilizers for color and durability. It comes in a vast array of styles mimicking wood lap siding, shakes, and shingles. Vinyl siding is known for its affordability and wide variety of colors.
Vinyl siding is popular because it’s affordable and low-maintenance. It doesn’t rust or corrode, which means it can last a good while with proper care. However, vinyl has its drawbacks. Extreme temperatures can cause it to crack or fade. Strong winds and hail can leave dents or even puncture the siding, leading to potential moisture issues and mold growth. Typically, vinyl siding has an average lifespan of about 10-15 years, though with top-quality materials and proper maintenance, it might stretch to 20-30 years. Despite its initial cost savings, you may face unexpected repair or replacement costs over time due to its vulnerabilities.
Steel siding, on the other hand, is renowned for its exceptional durability. It stands up remarkably well against harsh weather conditions like high winds, hail, and heavy rain. Unlike vinyl, steel is highly resistant to impacts and offers superior strength. Properly maintained, steel siding can last an impressive 40-60 years or more. Even after decades, steel siding can provide the same level of protection as when it was first installed. However, it’s important to ensure that the steel is treated properly to prevent rust, which can be an issue if the maintenance is neglected.
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is that it’s low maintenance. Typically, all you need to do is occasionally clean it with soap and water to keep it looking nice. However, over time, vinyl can become brittle and may warp, especially in areas with extreme weather changes. If it gets damaged, it can’t be repainted and might need to be replaced. Also, it’s easy to keep clean in areas with mild climates but in temperamental weather conditions removing dirt and growths can be challenging.
Steel siding is also relatively low maintenance. It doesn't fade, crack, or warp, so it retains its good looks with minimal effort. It’s more resistant to insects, mold, and algae, meaning your home will look cleaner for longer. Steel siding typically only needs occasional cleaning and regular inspections to check for scratches or chips. In some cases, it might require repainting to prevent rust, but this is usually infrequent. Proper maintenance can help extend its already impressive lifespan even further.
Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that poses several environmental concerns. The production and disposal of PVC release harmful chemicals like dioxin, lead, and mercury, which can be toxic to both the environment and human health. Unfortunately, there are no recycling programs for vinyl siding, so when it reaches the end of its lifespan, it ends up in landfills. As it slowly degrades, it can release these toxins into the soil and groundwater.
Steel siding, on the other hand, is renowned for its sustainability. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, and it can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality. Many steel siding products are made from recycled materials, which reduces the demand for new natural resources and contributes to a more sustainable construction cycle. At the end of its service life, steel siding can be fully recycled, leaving minimal environmental impact.
Vinyl siding offers moderate insulation, which can help with energy efficiency to a certain extent. However, it might not perform as well in extreme temperatures compared to other materials. Insulated vinyl siding, which includes additional foam backing, is available and can enhance its energy efficiency by reducing heat loss. While these insulated options are better than standard vinyl, they generally don't match the thermal performance of steel siding.
Steel siding is highly energy-efficient, especially when installed with a proper air gap. This setup helps reduce heat transfer, improving your home's thermal performance in all seasons and leading to significant savings on heating and cooling costs over time. Additionally, steel reflects sunlight, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer, contributing to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
The color range of vinyl siding is somewhat limited, and it tends to fade over time when exposed to sunlight. While you can repaint faded vinyl, the new paint often cracks and peels eventually, making your house look less attractive. Also, the overlapping seams and imitation wood grain of vinyl can make it look less natural.
Steel siding is incredibly versatile and offers a wide variety of styles and colors. You can customize it with textures, patterns, and different paint options to create a customized look for your home. Unlike vinyl, high-quality steel siding resists fading thanks to advanced paint systems which provide a hard, durable, and fade-resistant surface. Steel siding maintains its attractive appearance and color over time, and it doesn’t suffer from the expansion and contraction issues that can cause vinyl to crack and chip.
Vinyl siding is made of plastic and will warp and melt when exposed to enough heat or flame. Even more concerning, when vinyl burns, it releases harmful chemicals like dioxin and chlorine gas. These toxic fumes can pose a serious health risk, potentially causing suffocation before the fire itself reaches occupants.
Steel siding on the other hand is non-combustible, making it an excellent choice for fire resistance. It doesn't ignite, warp, or melt when exposed to high heat or flames, providing superior protection for your home. This can offer peace of mind, knowing that your siding won't contribute to the spread of a fire.
Vinyl siding is generally the more cost-effective option for initial installation. Its lower material cost and potentially simpler installation process can translate to significant upfront savings. Whereas, steel siding has a higher initial cost due to the material itself and potentially more complex installation techniques.
Steel siding requires minimal maintenance – occasional cleaning and inspections. Its exceptional durability minimizes the need for repairs or replacements over time. While vinyl siding needs regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Over time, exposure to harsh weather elements can lead to warping, cracking, or fading, potentially requiring repairs or complete siding replacement, adding to long-term costs.
Steel siding's superior durability, fire resistance, and low-maintenance appeal are highly sought-after qualities by potential buyers. This can translate to a higher resale value for your home. While vinyl offers a variety of styles and colors, its shorter lifespan and susceptibility to weather damage might not be as attractive to buyers. The potential need for future replacement could also negatively impact resale value.
While vinyl siding boasts a lower upfront cost, steel siding for houses emerges as a more cost-efficient option in the long run. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and positive impact on resale value can outweigh the initial investment.
Investing in high-quality steel siding is just the first step. To reap the full benefits of this durable material, proper installation is crucial. Partnering with experienced and qualified steel siding contractors ensures a flawless finish, optimal performance, and long-lasting value for your investment.
Acri Company stands out as a trusted leader in steel siding installation in the Quad Cities. Our team of experts possesses the knowledge and expertise to handle all aspects of your steel siding project, from initial consultation and material selection to precise installation and final inspection. We are committed to using the latest techniques and the highest quality materials to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
Contact The Acri Contact us today for a free consultation and quote! Let us help you invest in a beautiful, durable, and energy-efficient steel siding for your house that will enhance its value for years to come.