Which siding is better – vinyl or metal?

Selecting the appropriate siding for your house is an important choice that affects its durability and appearance. Vinyl and metal siding are two popular choices that stand out for their own special qualities and advantages. Whether it’s long-lasting protection, cost-effectiveness, or ease of maintenance, each type offers advantages that meet specific needs.

Vinyl siding is renowned for being reasonably priced and requiring little upkeep. With the range of colors and styles available, homeowners can get the look they want without going over budget. Conversely, metal siding is highly valued due to its remarkable resilience against harsh weather conditions and exceptional durability. It offers a sleek, contemporary look that can improve any property’s curb appeal.

Making an informed decision can be aided by being aware of the benefits and drawbacks of both metal and vinyl siding. What kind of siding is right for your house depends on a lot of factors, including climate, cost, and personal taste. You can choose siding that not only improves the appearance of your house but also provides the durability and performance you require by taking these factors into account.

Types of siding

There are four types of siding: wood, vinyl, cement, and metal. Base siding is a stronger and more resilient material that is used to both decorate and protect the base.

Depending on the kind of section, wood that has been dried, heat-treated, or impregnated is used to make wooden siding.

  • “groove-ridge”;
  • “American” (overlapping siding);
  • butt siding or planken;
  • "at a quarter".

Cellulose fiber and direct cement are combined to create cement siding. It is frequently utilized in industrial construction, has a high fire safety rating, and is hardly ever used to finish homes in the private sector.

Cold-rolled steel that has been hot-dip galvanized is used to make metal siding. It is then coated with a polymer or painted to provide additional corrosion resistance.

The co-extrusion method is used to create modern polyvinyl chloride siding, which has an inner layer that ensures the preservation of dimensional characteristics, strength, and temperature resistance, and an outer layer that shields from precipitation and UV rays.

The most popular materials for cladding the facades of private sector homes (both country and urban) are metal and vinyl siding types.

There are many competitive advantages to each material, but there are also drawbacks, which frequently make choosing a siding difficult.

Although wooden siding is considered classic, it is quite expensive and not available to everyone. Cement siding is almost never used for cladding private houses because it has other uses. Because of this, the only siding options vying for wide access’s middle price range are metal and vinyl.

Metal

Metal siding is made of lightweight metal strips that can be fixed to each other and to the building’s facade to ensure maximum stability. It can be made of steel, aluminum, or even titanium.

Measurements:

  • The length of the metal siding sheet can range from 50 cm to 6 and even 12 meters;
  • sheet thickness – from 0.45 to 0.65 mm on average;
  • the width can be different, depending on the project and manufacturer, on average from 12 to 30 cm and even up to 55 cm;
  • weight values ​​per square meter range from 3 to 6 kg.

Powder coating or polymer coating are two painting options for contemporary metal siding.

Suitable for use as polymers:

  • Polyvinylidene fluoride coating;
  • acrylate coating;
  • polyvinyl chloride (plastisol) coating;
  • polyester coating – polyester.

The polymer layer’s function is to shield the material from environmental elements like deformation, corrosion, and UV rays.

Segments of metal siding sheets with standard structure The current illustration roughly looks like this (bottom to top):

  • Polyester;
  • chrome coating;
  • galvanized coating;
  • cold-rolled steel sheet or other version of the metal base;
  • primer;
  • base color coating;
  • pattern/texture;
  • polyester;
  • transparent protective coating.

Metal siding panels come in two shapes: shaped and smooth. Wide, smooth panels are particularly useful for cladding because they can be installed in both horizontal and vertical planes.

Because of the dimensional characteristics of metal siding, it can be installed with such care that no construction waste is left behind, saving both money and materials.

Metal-siding house

Vinyl

Polyvinyl chloride siding consists of lightweight panels with ventilation and drainage holes in the lower part, locking connections, slots for fastening panels to the frame, and recesses for assembling panels into a single structure (overlapping).

This siding is made up of two layers that are molecularly joined using a unique technology.

The first one guarantees the retention of strength and dimension characteristics, while the second one guards against external impacts.

The following components are included in this kind of siding:

  • PVC – 80%;
  • calcium carbonate – aims to ensure the filling of the leaf structure, amounts to 15%;
  • titanium dioxide – a top layer is added as an important element for stabilizing the structure and protecting against UV rays, up to ten percent in the top layer;
  • butadiene – 1%, stabilizes the composition of the material;
  • modifying materials – depend on the manufacturer’s technological process;
  • coloring pigments.
  • Sheet thickness – from 0.9 to 1.2 mm;
  • panel length – from 50 cm to 6 m;
  • panel width – 20-30 cm;
  • weight value per square meter – from 1.7 to 2.3 kg.

The most common siding types for wall cladding are:

  • Ship plank – imitates a wooden beam;
  • single type herringbone;
  • double herringbone;
  • triple type herringbone;
  • block house – imitates the texture of a log wall.

Vinyl siding can mimic a wooden surface by having a structure that is comparable to that of a wooden surface.

The types of vinyl siding are as follows:

The use of acrylic PVC siding has grown recently because it keeps color much better against UV rays and gives you access to finishing colors that vinyl material could not previously provide.

Vinyl-sided home

Comparison of siding

You can provide a table that highlights the key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of both vinyl and metal siding.

Meaning Siding PVC Metalsayding
Temperature range at which installation is possible Not lower -10 Celsius There are no restrictions
The temperature at which the standard operation is possible From -50 to +50 Celsius From -50 to +80 Celsius
Possibility of combustion/fire of the material Does not burn, but melts at a temperature of more than 500 degrees Celsius Does not burn, is not fuel, but may be subject to deformation when exposed to high temperatures
Sensitivity to daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations It is characterized by a high coefficient relative to linear expansion, subject to temperature extremes, but with competent installation – this does not affect operational qualities Low – slightly narrows and expands under the influence of temperatures, which does not affect the possibility of use
Resistance demonstrated by the material relative to mechanical stress High – under pressure, impact, mechanical deformation it takes its previous shape Low – under mechanical influence it becomes permanently deformed
Reaction to low temperatures At temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, the material becomes brittle and unstable to mechanical stress The material is not affected by normal natural low temperatures
Reaction to scratches Scratches do not affect operating characteristics A scratch that damages the protective layer can cause metal corrosion
Soundproofing Provides relative sound insulation Metal has no soundproofing properties
Thermal insulation Provides some additional insulation Metal coating can contribute to heat loss without additional insulation
Eco-safety The compositions include unsafe chemical elements that can be released into the air when melted or heated in the sun; environmental safety requires confirmation by manufacturer certificates Taking into account the zinc content, it requires confirmation of environmental safety with a special certificate
Possibility of rotting under the influence of an aggressive external environment Impossible There is a possibility of metal corrosion if the protective coating is damaged
Theoretical service life Up to 50 years old Up to 50 years, with proper care – over a hundred years

The table indicates that vinyl siding differs from steel siding in that it is resistant to rot, has the ability to insulate against heat and sound, and is much lighter than metal siding.It can also be purchased for up to twice as much as steel siding.

In addition, because of its chemical makeup and high coefficient of linear expansion, which causes it to "walk" with temperature changes and even swell if installed improperly, PVC siding can be hazardous to the environment. At low temperatures, it becomes brittle and becomes uninstallable or replaceable.

Paint fading in the sun is another drawback of vinyl siding. Almost all PVC siding will eventually fade and turn beige; the majority of the 20 standard colors of this material are pastel hues, which help to lessen the fading effect.

Fortunately, there is now a remedy for this issue: the more costly acrylic PVC siding has lines that are more colorful and varied, and they can withstand UV rays for a long time.

Colors of vinyl siding

Even though it is not as good as wood, metal siding is more resilient to temperature changes, more environmentally friendly, and more durable.

It is important to keep in mind that metal siding naturally loses heat and makes a lot of noise when it rains. Insulation that is exposed to the cold may rot if the protective layer is compromised; for this reason, it may be necessary to periodically apply anti-corrosion compounds to problem areas. It may also require additional frame structures for installation due to its weight and cost.

A wide variety of colors that nearly never fade, a multitude of texture options for wood, stone, brick, and other imitations, as well as comparatively easier maintenance and dust resistance compared to embossed PVC siding are some of the benefits of metal siding.

In summation, vinyl plastic is inexpensive and practical for daily use; it is a material of choice for those on a tight budget because it performs flawlessly in areas where winters are mild.

Although it needs extra thermal insulation, metal siding is used in areas where quality and durability are desired. It works well in icy climates.

Though most consumers lean toward vinyl siding due to the advancement of polyvinyl chlorides and the introduction of new technologies, metal siding is still favored by those who appreciate durable materials and is thought to be of superior quality.

Variety of colors available for metal siding

Feature Vinyl Siding Metal Siding
Durability Moderate High
Maintenance Low Low
Cost Affordable More Expensive
Appearance Variety of Colors and Styles Sleek and Modern
Installation Easy Requires Professional Help
Weather Resistance Good Excellent

The final decision between vinyl and metal siding is based on your personal requirements and tastes. Because of its low maintenance requirements, ease of installation, and affordability, vinyl siding is a popular choice. It’s simple to match any aesthetic because it comes in a variety of colors and styles. It may, however, fade with time and be vulnerable to damage from harsh weather.

Conversely, metal siding is renowned for its robustness and longevity. Because of its resilience to severe weather, fire, and pests, it’s a dependable choice for long-term use. Additionally, metal siding has a sleek, contemporary appearance that can improve the way your house looks. Its higher cost and the possibility of rust if improperly maintained are its main disadvantages.

The ideal siding for your house ultimately comes down to personal taste, climate, and budget. To make the best choice for your needs, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each type. Either metal for its toughness and contemporary style or vinyl for its adaptability and affordability can offer superior protection and improve the appearance of your house from the outside.

For your home, weigh the pros and cons of vinyl versus metal siding, taking durability, cost, upkeep, and aesthetic appeal into account. Many homeowners find vinyl siding to be a sensible option due to its popularity, low maintenance requirements, and ease of installation. However, despite usually costing more, metal siding provides better weather resistance, longevity, and a sleek, contemporary appearance. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each kind can assist you in selecting the option that best meets your requirements and tastes.

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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