One of the most common types of exterior cladding in Canada is vinyl. Of the many types of vinyl siding, the most common is horizontal lap, with board and batten vertical siding becoming more common in recent years. Vinyl is common because generally it is affordable, easy to install and quite durable. Most vinyl often lasts between 20-30 years, but high end vinyl can easily survive 50+ years.
When choosing vinyl for your next project, like with any home improvement project, you need to consider where price intersects with quality, which is where you find value. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can move along the value scale to find the place that fits your needs. For example, a family cottage that you don’t plan on selling may not require the same quality siding as a new build you may sell in the next 10 years. I’ll lay out a few things to consider when looking for vinyl.
Vinyl comes in a number of different levels of quality. Quality is largely, but not limited to, a function of its thickness.
Builder’s grade – 0.035” - 0.04” Low quality, prone to warping and fading.
Residential grade – 0.042” Better quality than the builders grade, but still not great.
High Residential Grade – 0.044”. Provides good value. Strong, fade resistant and will withstand temperature changes. Not the highest quality available, but you can expect this product to look good and last a few decades.
Premium – 0.046”+ - These are the highest quality vinyls on the market. The extra thickness provides rigidity and stability. These are made with high quality ingredients, they withstand the sun's rays for a long time and are extremely resistant to warping and fading if installed correctly. You will pay more for these products, but they will last a life-time.
The thickness of vinyl is an important consideration. A few other factors to look at include warranty, brand and style. Choosing a high quality, well known brand with a good warranty means you know what you are getting. A low end brand from a wholesaler will be inconsistent and won’t come with much of a warranty.
Choosing a style is often dependent on personal preference and the architecture of the home. The face of a dormer often looks nice with shake style siding and the remainder of the home with horizontal siding. Ranch style homes look great with board and batten style siding combined with a metal roof. Some homes will incorporate several styles to allow them to contrast.
In the Madawaska Valley horizontal siding (often dutch lap) is very popular. I recommend looking through the different styles and choosing one that meshes with your home's style. I also recommend at least residential grade, although high residential grade is probably the better option if it fits in your budget.
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