Siding—we need it to protect our homes and make them look good, but no one wants to think about it. We’d rather siding just do its job so that we can focus on other things. That’s why when it comes time for siding replacement, the number one question we all ask is “How long does vinyl siding last?”
The question behind the question is “What can I do to never have to worry about replacing my siding again?”
And people usually ask about vinyl siding in particular because that’s what’s most popular.
But is vinyl the best option to take your siding cares away? Or is something else better?
These are all good questions, and we’ve put this post together to help you answer them.
Keep reading to learn how long vinyl lasts compared to other popular siding options. We’ve also included information about pricing, durability and maintenance to help you make the right choice for siding replacement.
How Long Does Siding Last on a House?
Siding can last anywhere from 15-100+ years on a home. We can’t put an exact number on it because there are too many variables that can affect exterior siding’s longevity. These factors include:
- Type of siding
- Quality of installation
- Amount of maintenance needed/received
- Environmental effects, such as storm damage
We can get a better idea of how long you can expect siding to last by examining five popular siding options. So, let’s take a closer look and find the type of siding that will work best for you.
Vinyl Siding Offers Low Maintenance Longevity
Stats at a glance:
- Average lifespan: 60+ years
- Price level: Low to moderate
- Durability: Medium to high
- Maintenance: Extremely low
Vinyl siding is popular because it can last more than 60 years with very little maintenance. The flexible material offers exceptional durability and stands up well to storm and hail damage. Moreover, it is one of the least expensive siding options. What’s not to love?
Okay, we understand you’re a little skeptical about these claims. After all, isn’t vinyl the same material they used to make those old records? It seems unlikely it would make good material for exterior home protection.
Here’s the thing: You’d be right to be skeptical about vinyl siding when it was first invented 70 years ago. Back then, the material cracked and broke rather easily, making it a less-than-stellar option.
But thankfully, vinyl production technology is a lot better now, and the material is much more durable as a result. Today’s vinyl siding consists of two layers of strong yet flexible material, which you install over a foam insulation board. Not only do these layers effectively protect the home from damage, but they also make it very energy efficient by keeping it well insulated.
As we mentioned, vinyl siding also doesn’t need much maintenance to stay effective. It requires no painting since it already comes in a variety of beautiful colors. The flexible material also holds up well in extreme temperature changes and is a strong defense against insects and mold.
You can easily make vinyl siding last for multiple decades by washing it once or twice a year and inspecting it for damage after storms. And even if your vinyl siding does incur storm damage, you may be able to file an insurance claim and get coverage for the repairs.
Cedar Siding Looks Great But Doesn’t Last As Long
Stats at a glance:
- Average lifespan: 15+ years
- Price level: Moderate to high
- Durability: Low
- Maintenance: Extremely high
Cedar siding is one of the most attractive wood siding options available, but that beauty can fade quickly. The attractive cedar planks tend to wear out and need replacement after only 15-20 years. Even with the most careful maintenance, you shouldn’t expect your cedar shingles to last anywhere beyond 20-30 years at most.
There are two main reasons for this shorter lifespan:
- Cedar shingles are vulnerable to environmental effects.
- Properly maintaining cedar is not easy.
The environment can wreak havoc on cedar shingles in many ways. The wood is particularly susceptible to insects and mold. If installed too close to the ground, it can absorb excess moisture and begin to rot over time. Cedar is also more vulnerable to storm damage than other options like vinyl or fiber cement siding.
These shingles also require regular maintenance to preserve their beauty and effectiveness. They need to be stained and painted every couple of years with specialty paint that provides elasticity and mold protection. You also need to be vigilant for any signs of mold or infestation and replace those shingles quickly before it spreads.
Cedar shingles are also a more expensive option, and extra maintenance costs only add to that. However, the curb appeal and increased property value they provide can make those extra expenses worth it.
The main benefit of cedar siding is its unmatched curb appeal.
Aluminum Siding is Vulnerable to Dents
Stats at a glance:
- Average lifespan: 40+ years
- Price level: Moderate
- Durability: Moderate
- Maintenance: Low to moderate
Aluminum siding can last for more than 40 years on a home and comes at a relatively affordable price compared to other options. Many homeowners are also drawn to the fact that, like vinyl, it requires very little maintenance.
The main issue with aluminum siding has to do with its durability. On the plus side, the metal is much more resistant to moisture than other options like cedar and fiber cement siding. However, it doesn’t hold up well when impacted by hail or other objects since it dents relatively easily. So, even though it can last more than 40 years, it can also sustain many dents in that time.
Still, aluminum siding is an attractive and relatively low-priced siding option worth considering. Like vinyl, it provides excellent insulation and stands up to extreme temperature swings very well. Aluminum resists bugs and mold better than wood options like cedar siding.
Steel Siding Brings Industrial Strength
Stats at a glance:
- Average lifespan: 70+ years
- Price Level: Very high
- Durability: Very high
- Maintenance: Extremely low
Steel siding is a slightly unconventional option for residential homes since it is mostly used on commercial properties. Companies value steel for their buildings because it is extremely strong and durable and can last more than 70 years.
On the other hand, homeowners can sometimes balk at going with steel siding for two main reasons:
- It is one of the most expensive siding materials on the market.
- The material can give a home more of an industrial look, which some people don’t care for.
The high price is certainly a drawback for steel siding. However, when you consider how long the siding lasts, the high upfront costs can pay off over time. Steel siding also requires very little maintenance other than the occasional washing. So, you will also save on cleaning and repair costs.
Still, you’ll want to be sure you like the industrial look of steel siding before going with it. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, you’ll also want to check with them that steel siding is an approved option.
Overall, steel is worth considering because of the low maintenance protection it can provide for a long time.
Fiber Cement Siding Offers Long Lasting Durability
Stats at a glance:
- Average lifespan: 100+ years
- Price level: Moderate to high
- Durability: High
- Maintenance: Moderate
Fiber cement siding consists of a mixture of portland cement, fly ash, wood pulp and water. These materials combine to make the siding very flexible and durable. Because of this, fiber cement siding can last for the lifetime of the house or longer if properly installed and maintained.
Aside from its strength and longevity, fiber cement also is some of the best-looking siding available. It has a more natural appearance than vinyl or aluminum and can even look as good as cedar without all the drawbacks that come with that material.
Still, fiber cement does have its issues. For one thing, it is not quite as durable as steel and can absorb moisture, unlike aluminum. It’s also one of the more expensive options and takes longer to install than other materials since it’s so heavy and thick.
On top of this, fiber cement requires significant maintenance to make it last. It needs washing every 6-12 months along with detailed inspection and cleaning to get rid of any damage or stains. You will also need to repaint the material every few years to keep it fresh and strong.
Nevertheless, fiber cement is one of the most popular and trusted materials available. It is produced by respected siding brands like James Hardie Industries and LP Building Solutions. We’d recommend looking into the products available from both brands if you’re considering fiber cement.
What Type of Siding Lasts the Longest?
While how long siding lasts can vary, fiber cement siding tends to be the longest-lasting siding available. When installed and maintained properly, fiber cement could last up to 100 years or more!
Here’s how fiber cement siding stacks up against the other options:
- Fiber Cement Siding – 100+ Years
- Steel Siding – 70+ Years
- Vinyl Siding – 60+ Years
- Aluminum Siding – 40+ Years
- Cedar Siding – 15+ Years
What is the Most Durable Exterior Siding?
Steel siding is the most durable of the popular siding options. Therefore, many businesses and homeowners choose it to protect their properties from all types of damage.
Here’s how steel siding stacks up against the other siding options:
- Steel Siding – Extreme Durability
- Fiber Cement Siding – High Durability
- Vinyl Siding – Moderate to High Durability
- Aluminum Siding – Moderate Durability
- Cedar Siding – Low Durability
As you can see, fiber cement and steel siding are both some of the longest-lasting and most durable siding options. However, the other siding options are still worth considering when you factor in the price and how much maintenance they require.
For example, vinyl siding ranks in the middle for both longevity and durability. However, it is also more affordable than steel and fiber cement and requires little maintenance. By weighing all these factors, you may find that vinyl provides the most value for your situation.
When Should You Replace Your Siding?
Are you still on the fence about whether you should replace the siding on your home? Here are some things to consider as you make your decision:
- How long has the siding been on your home? Keep in mind the lifespans we’ve laid out in this blog. If it’s been multiple decades, it may be time.
- Is there visible damage to your siding? Keep an eye out for rotting, warping, bubbles, cracks, loose boards or holes.
- Did a recent storm impact your siding? If hail or wind damaged your siding, then you may be able to get insurance coverage for siding replacement.
- How’s the inside of your home? Higher heating and cooling bills, peeling paint or issues with mold and mildew could all be signs your siding has lost its effectiveness.
If you notice one or more of these red flags, then it’s probably time to move forward with siding replacement.
Want to Find Out How Long Vinyl Siding Will Last on Your Home?
As you can see, how long your siding lasts depends on many different factors. But under the right conditions, the best siding can endure for the lifespan of your home and beyond!
One of the most important conditions for making siding last is professional installation. At Renowned Building Solutions, we install siding with integrity to make it last as long as possible for our customers in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Our service area includes towns like Barrington and Cary in Illinois, as well as Janesville, Watertown and Waukesha in Wisconsin.
We can properly install many different siding types including vinyl, fiber cement, cedar, aluminum, steel and more! We’ve also helped many homeowners and businesses get insurance coverage and financing to make the project more affordable.
Please call us today at 847-736-6961 to get a free inspection and quote for your home.
