How Affordable Is Vinyl Siding? A Cost Comparison
Vinyl siding is known for its low maintenance, durability, aesthetics, and affordability. With a range of good-better-best options, vinyl offers price points across a spectrum while still delivering cost savings. How much? The Vinyl Siding Institute examined affordable vinyl siding options in a recent study.
How Affordable Is Vinyl Siding Compared to Other Cladding?
For the study, VSI asked economist, Dr. Elliot Eisenber,g to provide analysis on how vinyl siding factors into housing affordability, “to establish that independent, objective data confirm that vinyl siding is key factor in the affordability of new housing and that restrictions and prohibitions on the use of vinyl siding unnecessarily increase housing prices and further exacerbate the housing affordability crisis.” Dr. Eisenberg’s analysis considered both standard and premium vinyl siding alongside polypropylene, fiber cement, brick and brick veneer, stucco, and cedar. Analysis looked at RSMeans cost data and the typical single-family home size at the time, 2,274 square feet.
“In an analysis of 12 housing markets located in the Northeast, South, and Midwest, vinyl and polypropylene siding are always among the four most affordable options for exterior cladding of new, single-family residential construction …,” the study reported. “Further, because standard vinyl, premium vinyl, and polypropylene siding are always among the four least expensive exterior cladding options, regulations or codes that prohibit or limit the use of vinyl or polypropylene unnecessarily increase the cost of the final product, which always reduces affordability and worsens the housing shortage.”
What Are the Best Affordable Vinyl Siding Options?
Westlake Royal Building Products offers an expansive portfolio of vinyl siding brands spanning the cost spectrum while still maintaining vinyl’s essential affordability. A few of the brands include:
• Royal® Siding: This extensive lineup includes a wide range of colors, textures, and styles informed by leading residential architects and design trends. Royal Siding offerings include Haven® Insulated Siding, Portsmouth Shake and Shingles, Board & Batten, Woodland, Estate, Residential, and Royal® Crest products.
• Exterior Portfolio®: Varied, deep collections of eye-catching, low-maintenance siding in styles, textures, and colors that elevate a wide selection of exteriors and fit all kinds of tastes and budgets. Distinctive traditional and contemporary profiles emulate the character of wood in brands including Premium Pointe®, Board & Batten, Market Square®, Carolina Sands, Parkview®, Elm Grove, and Portsmouth Shake & Shingles. For an even more premium appearance and to reduce thermal bridging, try CraneBoard® Solid Core® Siding, which combines an authentic wood-grain with industry-leading insulation technology.
Vinyl options from both Royal Siding and Exterior Portfolio feature Chromatix technology color protection to resist fading and carry a double lifetime warranty.
