Vinyl siding is one of the most low-maintenance and economical choices for adding stylish cladding to your home. You can choose from a wide array of different profiles to match any and every style of architecture.

While a large number of options are usually a great thing, too many choices may leave you wondering which vinyl siding is the best. To help you make the most intelligent decision, the following information explains a few of the top ways pros determine which vinyl siding is the best.

Which Vinyl Siding Is Best: Insulated Vinyl Siding

Insulated vinyl siding is arguably the best vinyl siding on the market. It’s designed with a protective layer of insulating material. The protective layer can either come as a separate molded piece or come fused to the back of the vinyl siding. In either case, this material is designed to bolster the insulation of your exterior wall and make your home more energy efficient

Vinyl siding is measured in R-Values, which are values of thermal resistance. The most common R-value is 4, but if your R-value is around 20, it could translates into anywhere from 20% to 25% increase in the efficiency of the exterior walls of your home.

Insulated vinyl siding is also more durable because the foam backing acts as a buffer against impacts. Another benefit of insulated vinyl siding is it can fill out the profile of the vinyl to make it look more realistic.

Different Types of Vinyl Siding Material

Simply put, not all vinyl siding is created equally. Another way the pros determine which vinyl siding is the best is by the composition. The composition contributes to the UV performance, longevity, strength, and rigidity. A few of the top vinyl siding compositions include:

  • Regrind is usually the cheapest material. The color on regrind material isn’t all the way through, but only painted on the front. This vinyl siding is also known as “grayback” because of its gray colored backing. It’s commonly made up of old ground up, repurposed, melted down plastic.
  • Recycled PVC is a more pure type of regrind that only includes pure, repurposed PVC products.
  • Virgin PVC or Poly Vinyl Chloride is much more stable and is the purest form of PVC.
  • Virgin PVC with additives includes UV stabilizers, hardeners,and various other chemicals.
  • Acrylic Capped Vinyl is a newer product with acrylic in the middle and a stylish vinyl exterior.

What Makes Good Vinyl Siding?

When determining which vinyl siding is the best, contractors look at several facets of the material. A few of the top factors are:

  • Thickness of the Product is a big deal. Thicker vinyl siding will be more robust and rigid, which allows it to stand up to bumps and bruises superior to thinner products. Make sure you look for vinyl siding with at least a thickness of .045″.
  • Foam Backing is commonly used in insulated vinyl siding and can also bolster the appearance of the material. Foam backing clapboard styled vinyl siding may have a more realistic and flatter appearance.
  • Deeper Lap Profiles are used to make vinyl siding that looks like wood look more convincing. Most manufacturers will provide panel dimensions in product specifications and information. In most instances, the deeper the panel projection, the better the grade of vinyl siding.
  • Wind Speed Rating represents the ability of the vinyl siding to handle high winds without falling off. The higher the wind speed rating the more effective the vinyl siding will be able to stay put in high velocity wind.
  • Double Nailing Hem bolsters the rigidity of the siding and makes it less likely to flex or sag. When you choose double nailing hem, the vinyl siding will have more resistance to failing due to high winds.
  • Longer Vinyl Siding Panels will have fewer seams than standard 12 foot long panels. It’s best to choose panels that are 16, 20, or 25 feet in length.

Like with most things in life, you pay for what you get! If you choose cheap vinyl siding for your room addition or sunroom, it will most likely look cheap. The best solution is to choose high quality material and a contractor with the proper credentials. Trying to cut corners and save a buck today may end up costing you twice as much in the future.

The Importance of Choosing a Quality Installer

Even when you choose the best vinyl siding, the finished product will only be as good as the contractor or installer you choose. This means you should chose a professional with experience and customer testimonials to match. This contractor will be able to guide you in the process and help you determine which vinyl siding is the best for your needs and budget.

Contact GAMCO Remodeling to Learn More About Vinyl Siding

With almost four decades of experience helping clients understand which vinyl siding is the best, GAMCO Remodeling is the industry leader in exterior claddings. We take an infinite amount of pride in our craft and stand behind our work with the industry-leading 4 Diamond Guarantee. Contact GAMCO Remodeling today to learn more about which vinyl siding is the best for your home.