When it comes to vinyl siding vs stone siding, it boils down to cost and personal aesthetic.
Replacing worn and faded siding with new products could radically improve the exterior of your home. Comparing vinyl siding vs stone siding options will help you make the right decision. You don't want to invest thousands of dollars on a style you get tired of in just a few years.
Both vinyl and stone products come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Set a budget for the product before hiring a team to complete the siding installation because this may be the determining factor between the two.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding vs stone siding boils down to costs and personal taste. Photo by Barbara.K on Flickr. Vinyl siding has been a popular choice in the last few decades because it's affordable and relatively easy to install. While early vinyl products couldn't handle the sun's rays for years on end, modern projects have UV protection and withstand all kinds of weather conditions.
Even premium vinyl siding prices are low compared to other options, with medium-quality products costing about $1.60 per square foot for materials alone.
Maintenance is as simple as washing away dirt and pollen every few months. There's no need to paint the whole house regularly to protect the siding.
Proper installation is key to a vinyl siding finish that looks good for years. If the panels are nailed down too tightly, they can buckle and become warped. High winds can also pull the panels from the walls, so look for a product with extra wind resistance if this is a concern in your area.
Stone siding
You have two very different options to choose from when picking stone siding. When comparing vinyl siding vs stone siding, decide if you prefer natural or cultured stone first. Natural stone provides the best durability and beauty, but it also comes with much higher stone siding prices.
Cultured stone products use Portland cement and coloring agents to mimic the look of nature with less weight and a lower price point. Natural stone siding costs about $13 per square foot installed, while cultured products cost an average of $12 per square foot with labor and materials combined.
The advantages and disadvantages for stone siding are mostly the same despite the material. Stone products are very heavy, with natural materials requiring extra equipment and skilled workers for installation. Even cultured stone is still heavier than vinyl siding.
As you consider vinyl siding vs stone siding, don't forget to consider the cleaning process. Removing stains or moss from stone siding can require power washing or scrubbing.
Homeowners working with a tight budget may find that in the fight of vinyl siding vs stone siding that vinyl is the clear winner. However, the smooth surface of the siding can't compare with the texture and beauty of stone. When you decide which product is right for you, QualitySmith makes it easy to connect with skilled siding contractors who can install your chosen siding.
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