Many property owners opt for vinyl siding because of its visually-appealing look and ease of maintenance.

But how long does vinyl siding last?

When properly cared for, vinyl siding can look as good as new for decades. 

Lets take a close look at how long vinyl siding lasts and what factors impact its longevity the most.

Vinyl Siding Lifespan

While they vary in texture, width, and appearance, all types of vinyl siding are made from the same material and therefore they all have the same lifespan. 

The average lifespan of vinyl siding is usually between 20 and 40 years.

This may seem like a large time window, but the lifespan of vinyl siding depends on many factors.

Some of these factors are the amount of sun your property receives, the weather in your area, maintenance, and original installation quality.

Let’s discuss them in more detail. 

The climate in your region greatly affects your siding’s durability.

For example, if you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, the UV rays will cause your siding to fade and wear out much faster.

Or, if your area gets a lot of rain, snow, or hail, the siding could crack or absorb the excess moisture, potentially resulting in mold or mildew.

Extremely high temperatures can melt some vinyl siding, while extremely low temperatures can warp it.

As you can assume, vinyl siding will last the longest in a moderate climate. 

We’ve mentioned that vinyl siding doesn’t require much maintenance. Still, you must take care of it properly if you want it to last a long time.

Vinyl siding manufacturers and contractors usually recommend inspecting the siding at least once a year, depending on the climate in your area.

These inspections will help you spot cracks, moisture issues, or mold and resolve them before they cause significant damage.

Plus, you should clean your siding once or twice a year to prevent discoloration and excessive wear. These simple but significant actions will help you extend your siding’s lifespan. 

Last but not least, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of proper installation for the siding’s longevity.

Namely, when vinyl siding is installed correctly, there’s no room for water leaks, warping, or buckling.

An improper installation may result in the need to repair or replace the siding much sooner than you expected.

Hence, it may be a good idea to hire a professional for the installation. 

20 vs 40-Year Vinyl Siding

As you can assume, 20-year-old vinyl siding is usually more resistant and functional than 40-year-old siding.

However, this isn’t a universal rule.

The key to having long-lasting siding is proper installation and maintenance.

If you take care of your siding, it will last decades. 

Pro Tip: Just because you have older siding doesn’t necessarily mean it requires replacement, especially if a professional installed it. Always consult a contractor before deciding to replace your siding. 

How Does The Lifespan Of Vinyl Siding Compare To Other Siding Types?

Besides vinyl siding, you can also opt for aluminum, wood, steel, or fiber cement siding.

Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Since durability is an important factor when purchasing siding, it’s important to understand how the lifespan of vinyl siding compares to other siding types. 

Aluminum and wood siding have the same lifespan as vinyl siding: 20-40 years.

Steel siding can last well over 40 years, while fiber cement siding is the most durable option; it can last 50-80 years. 

SidingType	Average Lifespan
Vinyl	20-40 years
Aluminum	20-40 years
Wood	20-40 years
Steel	Over 40 years
Fiber Cement	50-80 years

Extending The Life Of Your Vinyl Siding

As mentioned, properly installed and maintained vinyl siding can last around 40 years or more.

Here’s what you can do to extend its life: 

Inspect It Regularly 

Like with many things in life, prevention is better than cure.

It’s much easier to repair a minor issue with your siding than to replace it completely.

That’s why you should take time to thoroughly inspect your vinyl siding at least once a year.

Those who live in areas with extreme temperatures should do it twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.

Check your siding for holes, warping, mold, mildew, and other signs of wear and tear. 

Pro Tip: You can do the inspection yourself. However, if you notice anything slightly suspicious, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Siding contractors can assess the extent of the damage and suggest potential solutions.

Clean It Properly 

Vinyl siding requires little maintenance.

Still, you will need to clean it once or twice a year, not just for aesthetic purposes but also to slow down deterioration.

Knowing how to properly clean vinyl siding is important, as using aggressive cleaning products can damage it. 

The best way to clean your vinyl siding is to grab a bucket of warm, soapy water and a brush with soft bristles.

In the end, rinse your siding with a garden hose.

Keep in mind that you can also use a pressure washer, but it’s important to keep it at a low-pressure setting.

If you use high pressure, the water could end up behind the siding and cause moisture issues. 

Repair It 

If you notice any signs of damage on your vinyl siding, it’s vital to fix it immediately.

Seemingly minor holes can spread quickly, lead to significant issues, and even result in having to replace the entire siding. 

How Often Should You Replace Vinyl Siding?

There are no uniform rules on how often you should replace vinyl siding.

As mentioned, vinyl siding’s lifespan depends on many factors, so it’s impossible to estimate how long it will look good and serve its purpose. 

A general rule of thumb is that you should replace vinyl siding when it shows signs of damage. 

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure if you should replace vinyl siding, it may be wise to contact a professional. They can inspect the siding, estimate its condition, and offer recommendations. In some cases, you can get away with a few repairs instead of a full replacement. 

How Do You Know When To Replace Vinyl Siding?

There are several signs that could indicate it’s time to replace your vinyl siding: 

Rot 

The vinyl itself can’t rot.

However, some vinyl siding features wood siding underneath, and wood can rot if water finds its way around the cracks.

If the siding is rotten, the panels could easily warp and pull apart, leaving your home’s structure exposed.

Significant problems can occur when homeowners don’t notice rotten siding.

Vinyl siding is quite resistant and can “hide” rotten wooden siding for a long time. When homeowners do notice the rot, it may already be necessary to do extensive repairs.

This is another reminder to do proper and thorough vinyl siding inspections.

Common signs of rot are cracked, warped, or loose boards or peeling paint. 

Holes 

Vinyl siding is quite resistant.

Still, animals or extreme weather conditions can damage vinyl siding and create holes in the panels.

Since holes can lead to more damage, you should repair them as soon as possible.

If the entire siding is covered in holes, you may be better off replacing it instead of trying to fix all of them. 

Faded Color 

As mentioned, UV rays will fade some siding over time, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight.

Siding usually has a protective layer that prevents sun damage, but this layer wears away after some time, leaving the siding exposed. 

If the fading is noticeable, it’s likely that your siding will require a replacement soon. 

Warping and Buckling

Many houses experience settling over time.

This happens because the soil or clay underneath a house expands and contracts.

Since this is a normal process that contractors can predict, vinyl siding is usually nailed on loosely so that it can adjust to these changes without difficulty.

But, if the siding is nailed on too tightly, there is no space for expansion and contraction, and the panels can buckle or warp. 

Increased Bills 

One of the benefits of vinyl siding is that it protects your home from outside temperatures and wind, resulting in lower utility bills.

If you noticed a sudden spike in your bills, it might be due to damaged siding.

Check for loose boards, cracks, or warps. 

How Do You Refresh Vinyl Siding?

You can refresh your vinyl siding by painting it, cleaning it thoroughly, and repairing damaged areas.

You may be surprised by how much better your siding will look once you remove dirt and debris, apply a fresh coat of paint, and fix any issues. 

How Long Does Vinyl Siding Paint Last?

On average, vinyl siding paint lasts for around 10 years.

How often you’ll need to paint your vinyl siding depends on the weather conditions in your area and exposure to sunlight.

If the siding gets a lot of sunlight, it will fade faster, thus requiring more frequent painting. 

Is It Less Expensive To Replace Or Paint Vinyl Siding?

Painting your vinyl siding is more affordable than replacing it.

Installing new siding costs between $6,102 and $16,735, while painting costs $570-$3,330.

Remember that painting your siding isn’t a solution for underlying issues. 

Painting may be less expensive, but many homeowners agree that replacing vinyl siding is a better investment in the long run.