What is The Average Lifespan of Siding? Here’s What You Need to Know
Your home’s siding is one of its most important exterior parts. It protects your home against harsh environmental elements and improves energy efficiency. It also keeps pests away and improves your home’s curb appeal.
Wall cladding is built to last. However, it eventually wears out and requires replacement or repairs. Since it is a significant investment, you may have asked yourself, what is the lifespan of siding? This article explores everything you need to know about the longevity of wall cladding.
Factors That Determine Siding Lifespan
Various aspects influence the lifespan of wall cladding. Understanding these factors can help you make the most out of your investment. They include siding material, environment, maintenance, and installation.
The material you opt for plays the most significant role in determining how long your siding will last. Different materials, including wood, stone, fiber cement, and vinyl, are used for wall cladding. Each comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages. Due to their inherent properties, some materials are more durable and can withstand environmental elements better than others.
The climatic conditions where you live also affect how fast your home’s siding will wear. If you reside in an area that experiences inclement weather frequently, you can expect wall cladding to wear out faster. This is why it’s recommended to choose siding that’s suited for your region’s climate.
Maintenance is a crucial aspect of wall cladding longevity. Different materials have distinct maintenance requirements to ensure they last as long as possible. Regardless of the material you choose, basic maintenance can help extend the siding lifespan considerably.
Lastly, there’s the quality of installation and materials. It’s important that the siding be installed correctly by a professional installer. A faulty installation is one of the main reasons for premature wall cladding failure. Reputable roofing companies also utilize high-quality materials to ensure the best possible service life.
What is the Lifespan of Siding?
The actual longevity of wall cladding is largely dependent on the material used. Materials including wood, vinyl, fiber cement, metal, stone, and composite are popular with homeowners today. Depending on your material of choice, you should expect different lifespans.
Wood- is versatile and stylish; you can use it on various structures. Wood siding typically lasts anywhere between 20 and 40 years. While installation and repairs are relatively simple, wood needs routine maintenance to serve you well.
With proper maintenance and care, you can extend the lifespan of the wood. Treatment is necessary every few years, depending on the environmental conditions. You must also conduct regular pest control since termites and ants can damage wood and reduce its service life significantly.
Vinyl- is a popular option for many North and South Carolina homeowners. Like wood, vinyl wall cladding can last between 20 and 40 years. It is one of the most cost-effective materials, which helps offset its shorter lifespan.
Note that the longevity of vinyl may vary depending on environmental conditions in your region. Factors that can affect its durability include temperature extremes, high impacts, and exposure to UV light.
Fiber cement- is a relatively new material that offers one of the most extended siding lifespans. It comprises composite cement materials reinforced with cellulose fibers. Fiber cement is resistant to environmental elements, including high temperatures, impacts, moisture, strong winds, cold, and pests.
Fiber cement siding can serve you for 60 years or more if installed correctly. With a basic maintenance plan, you can expect it to last as long as your home. Further good news is that fiber cement requires very little maintenance.
Metal- is a sturdy and durable material resistant to high winds, impacts, cold, and other environmental elements. Metal siding has an average lifespan of around 50 years. However, regular maintenance and care can last up to 70 years. The type of metal you choose is also important. Aluminum typically lasts longer than steel.
Stone- is a highly aesthetic siding material comprising slate, limestone, or granite shingles. It’s one of the most durable materials capable of lasting well over 100 years. Although the initial purchase and installation costs are high, stone offers a long service life and requires minimal maintenance.
Composite or engineered wood- is a composite material that binds wood fibers and strands using adhesives. It has various benefits over solid wood. It’s stronger, more durable, and more resistant to the elements. With proper care, engineered wood wall cladding can last as long as your home.
Contact Us Today
Each type of siding is suitable for different applications. Nonetheless, the material quality and proper installation and maintenance by a reliable roofer will get you the most out of your home’s wall cladding. Quantum Roofing provides reliable siding installation, repair, and replacement services to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee homeowners.
We specialize in various high-quality roofing and siding solutions at competitive prices. The Quantum Roofing team has the expertise, skills, and experience to handle different types of home improvement projects. Contact us today to schedule an assessment or learn more about our residential roofing services.