Here are siding thickness options from thinnest to thickest:
- Economy Grade Siding – .038 inches: It’s cheap and best suited to sheds and outbuildings.
- Builder Grade Siding – .040 inches: You’ll find this on spec homes and when homeowners go cheap.
- Average Vinyl Siding – .044 inches: This siding will give you 15+ years of wear, though it will be showing its age.
Full Answer
What is the best vinyl siding on the market?
the best vinyl siding in the industry. CertainTeed vinyl siding offers exceptional durability with an industry-leading spectrum of fade-resistant colors and a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Choose from maintenance-free classic clapboard, shiplap, beaded, shakes or shingle profiles in many styles, widths, and textures.
What is the best insulated vinyl siding?
Top 10 Manufacturers
- CertainTeed. Easily one of the top premium brands, CertainTeed’s best siding lines, such as Monogram and Monogram XL, meet or exceed all quality characteristics.
- Alside. Also among the country’s best brands, Alside covers all the bases. ...
- Royal Building Products. ...
- Georgia Pacific. ...
- Mastic by Ply Gem. ...
- Exterior Portfolio. ...
- Mitten. ...
- Norandex. ...
- Napco. ...
- Kaycan. ...
What are the different grades of vinyl siding?
- Certainteed. Certainteed is a vinyl siding, among other products, manufacturer that has built a sterling reputation of being one of the best and most reliable vinyl siding brand around.
- Crane.
- Alside.
- Variform.
- Royal.
Is vinyl siding superior to wood siding?
Vinyl siding saves valuable time, not to mention cost when compared to painting the exterior of your home. In addition to this, it reduces maintenance repairs and is also energy efficient. Vinyl siding does not rot or flake and is very durable, unlike wood or cedar.
What thickness of vinyl siding is best?
The American Society of Testing and Materials requires vinyl siding to be 0.035 inches thick, but the most durable vinyl panels are at least 0.04 inches thick.
How important is thickness of vinyl siding?
The thicker your sidings are, they will become more durable and stronger in terms of strength and lifespan. The thickness of your siding can also influence the overall aesthetic impact of your home on your visitors and inhabitants as well.
Is .042 vinyl siding good?
When you want the best quality vinyl siding possible, consider panels that are . 042” or greater in thickness. This indicates that the structural integrity of the siding is high quality and engineered to last for decades.
What are the different thicknesses of siding?
Generally, standard residential grade (0.44 mm) vinyl siding is the most commonly used choice for homeowners....Vinyl ThicknessBuilder's Grade- 0.40 mm.Thin Residential Grade- 0.42 mm.Standard Residential Grade- 0.44 mm.Thick Residential Grade- 0.46 mm.Super Thick Grade-0.50 mm.Premium Grade- 0.52 to 0.55 mm.
What kind of vinyl siding is best?
8 Best Siding Brands of 2022CertainTeed Siding.Mastic Siding.Norandex Siding.Royal Siding.James Hardie Siding.Alside Siding.Georgia-Pacific Siding.Kaycan Siding.
What is the most popular vinyl siding?
Most Popular Brands of Vinyl SidingAlcoa Vinyl Siding.Alside.CertainTeed.Crane.Exterior Portfolio.Gentek.Georgia Pacific.James Hardie.More items...•
What is the most common vinyl siding size?
The popular sizes are the double 4 inches, the double 5, the double 6, the triple 3 inches, and the triple 4 inches. Like the Clapboard, they are also sized by multiplying the numbers.
What is considered premium vinyl siding?
Premium vinyl siding includes features, such as: Horizontal or vertical wood grains or smooth matte finishes. Colors in a variety of shades, similar to stained wood (a natural wood-grain appearance with the look and feel of cedar siding, minus the need for painting and caulking) Tighter seal and durability.
What is the difference between standard and premium vinyl siding?
Standard & Premium Vinyl Siding Standard and premium vinyl siding may appear similar, but premium vinyl siding is thicker with enhanced nailing hems that make it stiffer and easier to install. Premium panels also have larger profiles that create deeper shadow lines, enhancing the overall appearance.
How do I choose vinyl siding?
Step-by-step Guide to Choosing Vinyl Siding ColorStep 1: Review Existing Exterior Colors. Consider your home's existing exterior colors for trim and roofing. ... Step 2: Consider Warm Vs. Cool Colors. ... Step 3: Avoid Trendy Colors. ... Step 4: Request Siding Samples. ... Step 5: Review Your Neighborhood.
How long does builder's grade vinyl siding last?
Vinyl Siding Lifespan. Vinyl siding lasts anywhere from 20 – 40 years on average, but actual lifespan depends on a variety of factors.
What is the difference between D4 and D5 vinyl siding?
D4 Profile: Two four-inch wide horizontal clapboards per single panel of siding. D5 Profile: Two five-inch wide horizontal clapboards per single panel of siding. Dutchlap or Shiplap: A more decorative variation on the clapboard style where the face (or width) of the board is beveled for added dimension.
What is the difference between standard and premium vinyl siding?
Standard & Premium Vinyl Siding Standard and premium vinyl siding may appear similar, but premium vinyl siding is thicker with enhanced nailing hems that make it stiffer and easier to install. Premium panels also have larger profiles that create deeper shadow lines, enhancing the overall appearance.
How long does builder's grade vinyl siding last?
Vinyl Siding Lifespan. Vinyl siding lasts anywhere from 20 – 40 years on average, but actual lifespan depends on a variety of factors.
What is the difference between D4 and D5 vinyl siding?
D4 Profile: Two four-inch wide horizontal clapboards per single panel of siding. D5 Profile: Two five-inch wide horizontal clapboards per single panel of siding. Dutchlap or Shiplap: A more decorative variation on the clapboard style where the face (or width) of the board is beveled for added dimension.
What is considered premium vinyl siding?
Premium vinyl siding includes features, such as: Horizontal or vertical wood grains or smooth matte finishes. Colors in a variety of shades, similar to stained wood (a natural wood-grain appearance with the look and feel of cedar siding, minus the need for painting and caulking) Tighter seal and durability.
How thick is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding comes in several grades and thicknesses. Although it can vary by manufacturer, a higher-grade vinyl will typically cost more. According to the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials, vinyl siding should not be thinner than 0.035”.
What are the pros and cons of thicker siding?
Top of the Line Siding: +0.055”. The Pros of Thicker Siding. 1. Thicker material allows for deeper cut aesthetic designs. 2. Thicker material is more rigid and may sag less over time (although the quality of the fastening system may have just as much to do with sagging).
Why does my siding sag?
Thinner products, however, tend to "sag" and "wave" over time as the result of rising and lowering temperatures, sun exposure, and other weather impacts. 3. Often times, thicker "premium" siding is insulation backed, which can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Is thicker siding better against hail?
4. Thicker material may perform better against hail and other forms of physical impact against the siding. 5. Thicker products generally have higher wind ratings. 6. May be less susceptible to cracking when it is cold (although it could be argued that chemical makeup could be more important than thickness).
How thick should vinyl siding be?
The ASTM’s Standard 3679 calls for a minimum thickness of 0.035 inches; however, professional installers highly recommend thicker siding.
How many grades of vinyl siding are there?
There are as many as six grades of thickness for your vinyl siding needs, so taking some extra time to make a careful decision would be prudent. Here are the six grades:
Why does vinyl siding fade?
Fading of your vinyl siding can be due to several issues. Most commonly, extreme UV exposure to one portion of your house will cause fading over time. However, shaded areas may also be the culprit of uneven fading.
How long does siding last?
With continuous improvement, manufacturers can now produce siding that indistinguishably mimics wood, lasting up to sixty years.
How to get rid of oxidation on vinyl siding?
Oxidation may also leave your vinyl siding with a chalky film. Although unsightly, you can get rid of oxidation by soft-washing your vinyl siding. A routine cleaning and maintenance program which includes regular washing will prevent any build-up of dirt and debris.
Is thicker vinyl siding better for wet or cold?
Thicker vinyl is best suited for colder and wetter environments because it often is the case that premium vinyl is insulation-backed. However, in general, thicker vinyl siding has several benefits, including:
What can stain siding?
Unsafe chemical products used around your home’s exterior, such as pesticides and herbicides, may also stain your siding. Be careful to prevent the splashing of these products on your siding.
How thick is super thick siding?
The thickness of each siding varies depending on the grade of the siding. In most cases, homeowners prefer the super-thick grade siding which is around 0.50 thick as it gives a good balance between the price and the amount of durability that you can get.
Why is thick siding good?
Thicker sidings also provide a good amount of insulation. Usually, you will see thicker sidings on houses that are situated in cold and wetter climates since low temperatures and water cannot easily penetrate the interior of your house’s framework and foundation.
Why does siding sag?
Because thick sidings have a more rigid shape, they are less likely to sag as time goes by . Thinner sidings, if exposed to cold temperatures, can easily sad over time if not attended to. However, homeowners still have to take into account the quality of their fastening system because that can also be a primary reason why sidings sag.
What does thicker siding mean?
Lastly, thicker sidings mean that you can also incorporate your own customized aesthetic design on the sidings since the thickness allows some space for design.
Why is thicker siding less likely to crack?
Since thicker sidings feature more tensile strength and durability, it is less likely to crack under the weight and pressure of the roof . This also means that if great force was applied to a thick siding, the cracks would just be minimal and easy to repair.
How thick should soffit be?
If you’re looking for soffit panels for your sidings, they should generally have at least 0.05 in thickness so they can firmly hold the vinyl sidings and prevent sagging once installed.
Why thicken siding?
Again, the thicker the siding, the more money that you will have to spend for your sidings, but if you weigh in on these factors, you are essentially saving money because you are investing in the longevity and durability of your home. By using thicker sidings, you are mitigating any risks of your shakes warping from extreme temperatures.
How thick is vinyl siding?
On average vinyl siding is .40 to .45 millimeters thick. Lower grade siding can come in around the .35 millimeter mark, while the more expensive and thicker sidings can be as much as .55 millimeters. You will find that a majority of the manufacturers and stores will offer you a choice when it comes to the vinyl siding thickness, these are named rather than in sizes. We have listed the common names and thicknesses below to help you recognize them when looking at vinyl siding in the store.
What to consider when choosing vinyl siding?
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing vinyl siding for your project. While thickness is an important consideration, one that will determine the durability and quality of the siding, there is also color, design, style, warranty and manufacturer reputation to take into consideration. If you have chosen to use a contractor who is handling the siding installation for you, request product recommendations. The contractor should be knowledgeable on the products they are offering, so you can determine the thickness of the siding and anything else you want to know to ensure the siding being used meets your needs.
Is thicker vinyl siding cheaper?
Thickness is just one of the considerations that is taken into account when a manufacturer determines the cost of vinyl siding. You can expect to pay more for a thicker siding, but the price will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and will also be based on your overall siding design and style. If you are only looking at the products available from one manufacturer, then you will notice that the thicker sidings are seen as higher grades and are more expensive, while thinner vinyl siding options are seen as basic grade and will be lower in price.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles as well as colors and thicknesses. If you are considering installing vinyl siding, you should learn how to select a quality product and find a proficient contractor who can perform the work. Proper installation is just as important as the product’s quality.
What is premium vinyl siding?
Premium grade vinyl siding will have deeper wood graining patterns to better replicate the look of natural painted wood. Most are available in a wider range of colors. You should also look for top siding materials that come with attractive accessories to put the finishing touches on your home.
What is the difference between cheap siding and high grade siding?
Thickness is the first way to distinguish cheap siding from higher-grade materials. The depth prevents sagging while providing better impact resistance and durability.
How long is a warranty on siding?
The least expensive, lower quality grades of siding come with a 5-year or 10-year warranty. You should look for a product with at least a 25-year guarantee.
What is the primary ingredient in vinyl siding?
When evaluating a product, research how it is made. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is the primary ingredient in vinyl siding. Higher-grade materials will have acrylics applied to the top layer, known as the cap stock, to make it harder. Regrind.
What is the least expensive siding?
Regrind. Typically made from repurposed, melted plastic, this siding is usually the least expensive. A drawback is that the finished color is usually only applied to the front. It is sometimes referred to as “grayback” because of its reverse side color.
What is ASTM 3679?
The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard 3679 created the standards used to rate siding. The designation should be included on the product fact sheets and packaging. This guideline outlines the minimum standard.
How thick is the average home siding?
Most homes use siding that is at least 0.04 inches thick. The most dense siding that you’ll find on the market is around .055 inches. Siding thickness is measured with a 6-leveled grading system. Here are siding thickness options from thinnest to thickest:
How many inches is upgraded vinyl siding?
Upgraded Vinyl Siding – .046 inches: Now you’re getting into quality vinyl that will look good longer.
What is the most popular color for vinyl siding?
What are the most popular vinyl siding colors? Neutrals across the color spectrum, from light tan to medium blue and green, are common. But richer hues like rustic red and forest green give a home’s exterior enhanced visual appeal. Theses colors are given names like premium, designer and architectural.
What is vinyl lap siding?
Lap Siding: Vinyl Lap siding is the simplest profile. It differs from the clapboard profile in that the “individual” planks are thinner at the top than the bottom.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Top of the Line Siding – .055 inches and up: The best quality vinyl should last 20+ years.
What is Norandex siding?
Norandex siding has a wide range of styles, accent options and finishes with new products recently added. The brand advertises low maintenance and a solid range of siding products. You’re sure to find options that match any neighborhood or home style ranging from historic to contemporary.
What is board and batten siding?
Board & batten is often the sole siding on a home, but it is also used to accent other siding types such as horizontal vinyl or brick siding.
The Era of Vinyl Siding
Who Sets The Standard?
Building Codes
- The International Residential Code(IRC) is a comprehensive tool that regulates the construction of single-family houses, duplexes, and apartments buildings (provided that each is under three stories). At the local level, your Building CodesOffice “ensure(s) [that] building designs meet or exceed the minimum, legally-mandated code requirement.” In addition, local building offices revi…
Less Money=More Problems
- If you are willing to accept the level of quality that 0.035-inch thick vinyl sidinghas, you would be meeting minimum standards and could happily proceed with your project. If this is your situation, then perhaps you on working on a very tight budget. However, the caveat to accepting this minimum standard is that you will be buying a productthat offers minimal protection and insulatio…
Vinyl Thickness
- There are as many as six grades of thickness for your vinyl siding needs, so taking some extra time to make a careful decision would be prudent. Here are the six grades: 1. Builder’s Grade- 0.40 mm 2. Thin Residential Grade- 0.42 mm 3. Standard Residential Grade- 0.44 mm 4. Thick Residential Grade- 0.46 mm 5. Super Thick Grade-0.50 mm 6. Premium Gr...
Vinyl Siding Thickness: Is It Worth Considering?
- The pros of thicker vinyl siding will generally outweigh the cons. If you can afford to invest in a thicker material, you will extend the lifespan of your exterior surface and likely benefit from its noise-canceling and insulating properties. Whether you decide to install builder’s grade or premium grade vinyl siding, here are a few more considerations to ponder:
Takeaway
- Consider the long-term durability of thicker vinyl siding as you consider your budget. Although you may face a higher up-front cost, the alternative may end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs for a lower-rated product that does not offer the same protection against the elements. If you still do not feel ready to decide on the thickness of your vinyl siding, don’t hesitate to contac…