Cedar vinyl siding has an authentic wood appearance, but has all the benefits offered by imitation polyvinyl paneling. As a matter of fact, the leading brands feature products that are molded from actual cedar planks, so at a distance the two are basically identical.
This removes all the negative aspects of wood, such as the high maintenance required, while providing you with the pleasing aesthetics of natural lumber. There are a wide variety of companies that are now offering this product, and it is offered in just as many colors. The following will help you to determine if cedar vinyl siding is the right choice for your home.
Benefits of Natural Wood Siding
First of all, you may be considering whether or not you should simply purchase authentic wood paneling for the exterior of your home. After all, it looks great and you won’t have the stigma of having false siding on your home. However, once you consider the high cost and maintenance of authentic wood you may change your mind. You will have to go through the bother of having it repainted once every few years and it is more susceptible to warping, splitting, cupping, twisting, and not to mention rot and termites. You will also have to take special care to keep it insulated from water as best you can.
Benefits of Cedar Vinyl Siding
Even though most people agree that wood siding looks nicer, there are a lot of negative aspects to take into consideration. Cedar vinyl siding is the perfect compromise because it provides you with the same look of natural wood, but at better convenience and affordability. You will not have to worry about cracking or warping, and to keep it clean you simply have to spray it down with the garden hose every so often. It is more durable and as such it will last for a much longer period of time.
Advantages of cedar vinyl siding:
- Traditional vinyl siding panels are made from PolyVinyl Chloride resin and is extruded where as cedar vinyl siding is injection molded polypropylene, this means that the mold can be made to include wood grains and natural rough wood surfaces making the finished cedar vinyl siding product look almost identical to natural cedar wood products.
- Although cedar vinyl siding may cost up to 50% more than regular siding on the initial cost, that price is made up for when it comes down to the upkeep and maintenance of the siding itself. Whereas natural cedar needs to be painted or sealed often, cedar vinyl siding only requires an occasional rinse down with a garden hose.
- A common problem with natural cedar siding is insects. Although many wood products are treated with insecticides to reduce the chances of invasive insects, many homeowners are against using toxic products around their homes. Cedar vinyl siding is naturally pest resistant and therefore no need for any pesticides to be used.
- Because cedar vinyl siding can be molded to any shape it is extremely versatile, making it available in many styles and color choices, from Dutch lap, vinyl shake siding, and vinyl shingle styles.
- Safety can be a big issue when it comes to natural wood siding as it can be a fire hazard, cedar vinyl siding is fire resistant which means it may also reduce your insurance premium if you choose to go with a fire resistant brand.
- Maintenance is usually very high with natural wood siding and it requires regular inspections and attention as wood shingle can buckle and crack due to adverse weather conditions. Moisture is another element that can cause major damage in a short period. Cedar vinyl siding is designed to be low maintenance siding and moisture resistant, even it moisture should accumulate, minimal to no damage can be expected.
- Cedar vinyl siding is easier to install as it goes up in large sheets opposed to long panels that can easily get damaged during the installation process, cedar vinyl siding is also much thicker than regular vinyl siding making it a lot stronger. Another advantage of the large sheets is the lack of noticeable seams of laps where the sheets join, leaving a cleaning looking finish.
Cedar Vinyl Siding Prices
It goes without saying that price is going to be a determining factor in your decision as well. While not all vinyl siding is inexpensive, it will generally cost you less in the long run and you won’t have to worry about maintenance costs either. In fact, each type of siding carries a different price tag. In general you can expect to pay $4.95 per square foot which is the industry average for economy vinyl siding. Wood siding on the other hand will cost you around $8.50 – $9.50 per square foot for the equivalent cedar shakes, and cedar clapboard with cost you $6.70 – $8.20 per square foot. Bear in mind that there are other additional costs for both vinyl siding and wood siding that need to be considered.
