Vinyl siding is probably one of the most popular types of siding for homes, as it is inexpensive and resistant to the elements. When looking for a type of siding, you’ll want to know how long it will be able to withstand the elements before it needs to be replaced. You’re in luck because we’re here to answer all your questions about vinyl siding and how long it lasts!
Vinyl siding lasts between 20 and 60 years, making it one of the most durable types of siding for a home. The lifespan can last longer in ideal weather and environmental conditions, and it should be replaced whenever it shows signs of wear, such as fading, breaking, or warping.
To learn more about vinyl siding and how well it will hold up on your home through various conditions, as well as find out what some of the best vinyl sidings are in terms of durability, continue reading!
How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last on a Home?
When you install vinyl siding onto your home, you can expect it to last anywhere from 20 to 60 years. While this is a wide range of time, the number of years before it will need to be replaced will vary by many factors, especially weather conditions.
Regions that experience more extreme weather or climate conditions such as snow or extreme heat and sunshine are going to take a bigger toll on your home’s vinyl siding than milder weather.
Still, regardless of where you live, you can expect vinyl siding to last over 20 years. Extreme winds are going to cause the siding on your home to peel up or become damaged by exterior sources, excess moisture is going to cause warping, and consistent hot sunshine is going to fade the color or create sun spots on the siding.
| Type of Siding | Manufacturers | Lifespan |
| Vinyl | CertainTeed, Alside, Georgia-Pacific, Mastic, Royal Building Products, Norandex, Variform, Kaycan | 20-60 years (depending on environmental conditions) |
| Stone Veneer | ProVia, Ply Gem, Eldorado Stone, Coronado, Harristone, Silvermine Stone, Versetta Stone | 20-75 years (depending on the stone) |
| Fiber Cement | James Hardie, GAF Weatherside, Nichiha, Woodtone, Allura Plycem, Finex, American Fiber Cement Corporation | 100 years to the entire lifespan of the home |
| Steel | ABC Supply, Edcoproducts, Johnson Bros. Roll Forming Co., Flexospan Steel Buildings, Corrugated Metals, Creative Building Supply, Grant Steel | 50 years to the entire lifespan of the home. |
You can also help control how long the vinyl on your home will last. If you live in a climate with extreme weather or temperature conditions, you can purchase more durable vinyl sidings that are manufactured to withstand such temperatures or weather conditions.
Regardless of where you live, you can help the siding of your home to last longer by maintaining the quality of the siding. You can do this by inspecting for any holes that could be patched and by checking for signs of wear and tear.
Oftentimes, you can replace one piece of siding without having to replace the siding on your whole house. Inspecting damages can help you figure out if there is an underlying issue with your home, such as a leak, that is causing the damage rather than external forces.
You can also help make your vinyl siding last longer by washing the siding using a small amount of dish soap and a hose once every 12 months or so. Don’t use a pressure washer, as it can potentially damage your home’s siding.
Signs to Replace Your Vinyl Siding
The first thing you should consider when it comes to when you should replace your vinyl siding is how long it has been installed on your home. If it has been upwards of 40 years or more, it’s a good time to replace it. If you’re unsure how old the siding on your home is or if it has been installed for less than 40 years, check for physical signs it needs to be replaced periodically.
When conducting an inspection of the vinyl siding on your home, look out for various signs of wear and tear. If you notice these signs, especially in several places, it may be time to replace your vinyl siding.
These signs include fading of the vinyl color, the dirt won’t wash off, the top layer of paint is chipped in various spots, and pieces of the vinyl are broken or missing. If these signs are to the point where a simple replacement of one or two panels of siding won’t solve the issue, it is a good time to replace all of the siding on your home.
If you notice that the siding is not repelling moisture like it’s supposed to and is instead absorbing that moisture into the walls, it’s likely that the siding is not doing its job anymore and is in desperate need of replacement. Oftentimes, this will look like large wet spots on the vinyl or warping. If you don’t replace it soon, this moisture could seep through walls and cause bigger and more expensive issues such as mold growth.
You should also look for water stains and signs that there is moisture seeping through the siding from the interior walls. This could be a sign of a leaky roof or pipe that is only showing through on the exterior walls. You’ll want to have this inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
The Durability of Vinyl Siding vs. Other Sidings
There are other types of sidings other than vinyl that are just as or almost as durable as vinyl siding. The longer-lasting the siding is and the more resistant it is to the elements, the more durable the siding is.
| Type of Siding | Manufacturers | Lifespan | When to Replace | Pros | Cons | Maintenance |
| Vinyl | CertainTeed, Alside, Georgia-Pacific, Mastic, Royal Building Products, Norandex, Variform, Kaycan | 20-60 years (depending on environmental conditions) | Signs of warping, holes, breaking, fading, or excess moisture. | Least expensive. Resistant to insects, temperature changes, and mold. | Cannot be repainted | Low maintenance. Washing and inspecting for damages once per year is enough, check for minor damage after a storm. |
| Stone Veneer | ProVia, Ply Gem, Eldorado Stone, Coronado, Harristone, Silvermine Stone, Versetta Stone | 20-75 years (depending on the stone) | Cracks in stone, shifting of stones, excess dirt between stone joints, clay has expanded, water or structural damages. | Very strong and long-lasting | Most expensive | Replace individual stones when damage occurs to one or a few of them. Replace all of the siding if issues show up for numerous stones or clay. |
| Fiber Cement | James Hardie, GAF Weatherside, Nichiha, Woodtone, Allura Plycem, Finex, American Fiber Cement Corporation | 100 years to the entire lifespan of the home | Cracks or gaps appear, and excess moisture, rot, or mold builds up. | Affordable, durable, and low maintenance. Resists insects, mold, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. Versatile. | Difficult and costly installation that requires more skilled and trained professionals. Takes more time to install | Repainting every few years |
| Steel | ABC Supply, Edcoproducts, Johnson Bros. Roll Forming Co., Flexospan Steel Buildings, Corrugated Metals, Creative Building Supply, Grant Steel | 50 years to the entire lifespan of the home. | No need to replace unless significant damage has been done to the siding. | Tough and withstands damage, weather, and time. Low maintenance, repels insects, energy efficient. | Expensive gives a more industrial look, not permitted in some communities or neighborhoods. | Periodically inspect siding for loose or missing panels. |
Ruben has a diverse background in the home services industry, with experience running a construction company, a kitchen and bath showroom, and a moving and relocation company. This breadth of experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of home improvement in general and specifically in the heating and plumbing niche.