If you are thinking about replacing the siding on your home, you will soon find that there are plenty of options out there. Vinyl siding is available in a rainbow of colors and styles, some even mimicking the look and feel of other materials. But, no matter how good vinyl siding looks, if it is not produced by a reputable manufacturer, you might end up dissatisfied by its performance. Only top-rated brands should be trusted!
But which brands are the best for vinyl siding? How do you know which to choose? Don’t worry. At RGB Construction, we have been working with multiple vinyl siding brands for many years and have favorites to recommend. Take a look.
How To Choose Between So Many Brands
There are options abound when it comes to vinyl siding, but just because there are options doesn’t mean every brand is trustworthy or respectable. You can get recommendations from a vinyl siding contractor and weed out any brands that are less than average.
There are also some things to keep in mind when shopping around, including:
Thickness
The first thing you want is to find vinyl siding that balances quality and cost. The thicker the siding, the better it will hold up. Thickness is measured as a thousandth of an inch then graded:
- Economy grade: 0.038 inches
- Builder’s grade: 0.040 inches
- Light residential grade: 0.042 inches
- Standard residential grade: 0.044 inches
- Thick residential grade: 0.046 inches
- Premium grade: 0.048 inches
The most cost-effective grades for residential buildings include standard and tick residential because they both provide adequate insulation for most homes. However, if you are looking for superior protection from the elements, either thick residential or premium is the way to go.
Materials
In vinyl siding, the main ingredient is PVC—polyvinyl chloride. Siding of a higher quality will often have an acrylic top layer called a cap stock applied, as well. Yet, the composition of the vinyl is what truly determines how well it will hold up.
The least expensive option is made with regrind vinyl, also called “grayback,” because the color is only applied to the front of the siding. Sometimes, recycled PVC is used. Regrind is not the best protection for your home.
Virgin PVC is what you should look for when browsing the home improvement store or vinyl siding contractor’s catalog. Virgin PVC is made from new polyvinyl chloride, not recycled plastics, and is durable and resilient. Sometimes, additives, like hardeners and UV stabilizers, are added to enhance structural soundness.
Top Vinyl Siding Brands
Among the myriad of vinyl siding brands, only a select few stand out. We chose these top 5 brands based on the quality and construction of the siding, cost, durability, and warranty. The reputation of the brands also comes into play.
Check out our favorites:
CertainTeed
Known for their reliable vinyl siding and shingles, CertainTeed is one manufacturer with an incredible reputation spanning over 50 years. It is no wonder that CertainTeed’s vinyl siding collections are popular among North American homeowners. They offer a variety of vinyl sidings to choose from, including the premium Wolverine American Legend siding that looks like wood grain.
One advantage of purchasing from CertainTeed is the durability. You will find that whatever vinyl siding you get is virtually maintenance-free and fade-resistant. And you may think that such high quality is going to cost you, but CertainTeed products are also reasonably priced.
Alside
Known as one of the largest siding manufacturers in the entire world, Alside has numerous siding collections that cannot be beat. The company has been designing and fabricating siding and other exterior products since 1947. Alside’s founder is also credited with inventing the first baked enamel aluminum siding.
But why should you choose Alside? The cost is reasonable, regardless of the style you choose. Furthermore, there are 14 siding options, including the Charter Oak premium vinyl siding line, which comes in 19 colors.
Crane
Founded in 1947, Crane is newer yet highly respected in the world of vinyl siding. In fact, some of the technology the company developed is also used by manufacturers like CertainTeed. Presently, Crane products are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. More popular vinyl siding collections include the Crane Market Square, Crane Dreams, and Crane Carolina Sands.
Looking to reduce your utility bills? Crane products are top-notch when it comes to insulating the interior of your home, so you will use less energy throughout the year.
Royal Building Products
Perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more sturdy? Royal Building Products are considered top of the line. Elegant, sophisticated, and superior in construction, Royal’s vinyl siding is UV-resistant, capable of withstanding wind speeds up to 240 mph, and protected by a double lifetime warranty.
Some of the vinyl siding options are very unique, too. For example, there are styles that mimic the look and thickness of cedar shakes and are available in dozens of colors. It’s a great way to update the aesthetics of your home and gain ample protection at the same time.
Variform
One reason people purchase Variform siding is its durability and low maintenance. You never have to worry about repainting your Variform vinyl siding. Found in 1964, Variform started out as a plastic manufacturer before attempting its own style of vinyl siding in 1976. The manufacturer has two vinyl siding lines: Vertical and Traditional Lap (divided into 8 different collections). Vinyl siding contractors adore Traditional Lap siding because installation is hassle-free.
Conclusion
When you want to replace your vinyl siding, the quality of the materials and installation is paramount. Hopefully, our recommendations for the best vinyl siding brands will help you with narrowing down options. From there, you need to focus on finding a vinyl siding contractor who will do the job right.
We know that selecting the correct vinyl siding for your home can be a challenging task. That is why we at RGB Construction will happily consult with you on installing or replacing your home’s vinyl siding. We can go through every available option so you feel confident in your selection. Why not give us a call at 856-264-9093 to learn more?
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