Best Rated Vinyl Siding Brands

Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant decision. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your investment from the elements, enhancing curb appeal, and potentially increasing your property value. Vinyl siding, in particular, has become a popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, with so many brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one offers the best value for your money. This comprehensive guide aims to cut through the noise and provide you with a detailed look at some of the best-rated vinyl siding brands available today, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

Understanding Vinyl Siding: A Primer

Before diving into specific brands, let’s establish a foundational understanding of vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is a plastic exterior cladding for houses, used for decoration and weatherproofing, imitating wood clapboard, board and batten, or even stone masonry. It is manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Vinyl siding comes in various styles, colors, and textures, making it a versatile option for homeowners with diverse tastes and architectural styles. Its popularity stems from its resistance to fading, warping, and insect damage, as well as its ease of installation and maintenance.

Types of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It comes in various types, each offering different characteristics and benefits:

• Horizontal Siding: This is the most common type, resembling traditional wood clapboard. It is installed in overlapping rows, creating a classic and timeless look.
• Vertical Siding: Also known as board and batten, vertical siding offers a more modern and distinctive appearance. It is often used as an accent feature or for a complete home exterior.
• Shake and Shingle Siding: This type mimics the look of real wood shakes and shingles, providing a rustic and textured aesthetic. It’s often used for gables, accent walls, or entire home exteriors.
• Insulated Siding: This type of siding features a layer of insulation adhered to the back of the vinyl panels. It provides enhanced energy efficiency and soundproofing, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Specialty Siding: This category includes siding options designed to replicate other materials, such as stone or brick. These products offer the look of premium materials at a more affordable price point.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Siding

Selecting the right vinyl siding involves considering several key factors:

• Durability: Look for siding with a strong warranty and impact resistance. Thicker siding generally offers greater durability and resistance to dents and cracks.
• Aesthetics: Choose a style, color, and texture that complements your home’s architectural style and personal preferences. Consider the overall look you want to achieve and how the siding will integrate with other exterior elements, such as roofing and landscaping.
• Cost: Vinyl siding is generally more affordable than other siding options, but prices can vary depending on the brand, style, and thickness. Set a budget and compare prices from different suppliers.
• Maintenance: Vinyl siding is relatively low-maintenance, but it still requires occasional cleaning to remove dirt and mildew. Choose a siding that is easy to clean and resistant to fading and discoloration.
• Warranty: Look for siding with a comprehensive warranty that covers manufacturing defects, fading, and other issues. A strong warranty provides peace of mind and protects your investment.
• Energy Efficiency: If energy efficiency is a priority, consider insulated vinyl siding. This type of siding can help reduce heating and cooling costs by providing an extra layer of insulation.
• Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of vinyl siding. Hire a qualified and experienced contractor to ensure that the siding is installed correctly.

Top Vinyl Siding Brands: A Detailed Review

Now, let’s delve into some of the best-rated vinyl siding brands on the market. This section provides a detailed overview of each brand, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key features. We’ll consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, cost, warranty, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer of building materials, including vinyl siding. They offer a wide range of siding options, from traditional horizontal siding to shake and shingle styles. CertainTeed siding is known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and innovative features.

Key Features of CertainTeed Vinyl Siding:

• Wide Variety of Styles and Colors: CertainTeed offers a vast selection of styles, colors, and textures to suit any architectural style and personal preference. Their color palettes are carefully curated to reflect current design trends and ensure lasting beauty.
• Durable Construction: CertainTeed siding is made from high-quality PVC resin and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, hail, and extreme temperatures. Their siding is also resistant to fading, warping, and insect damage.
• Innovative Features: CertainTeed offers several innovative features, such as their STUDfinder™ installation system, which makes installation faster and easier, and their PermaColor™ technology, which ensures long-lasting color retention.
• Comprehensive Warranty: CertainTeed offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl siding, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment.

Pros of CertainTeed Vinyl Siding:

• Excellent durability and weather resistance
• Wide range of styles, colors, and textures
• Innovative features for easy installation and long-lasting color
• Comprehensive warranty
• Positive customer reviews

Cons of CertainTeed Vinyl Siding:

• Can be more expensive than some other brands
• Installation requires specialized tools and expertise

Popular CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Products:

• Monogram®: A premium horizontal siding with a woodgrain texture and a wide range of colors.
• Cedar Impressions®: A shake and shingle siding that replicates the look of real cedar.
• MainStreet™: An affordable horizontal siding with a classic look and a variety of colors.

GAF

While primarily known for their roofing products, GAF also offers a line of vinyl siding called GAF Siding. GAF Siding is designed to complement their roofing systems and provide a complete exterior solution for homeowners.

Key Features of GAF Vinyl Siding:

• Designed to Complement GAF Roofing: GAF Siding is available in colors and styles that coordinate with GAF roofing products, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing exterior.
• Durable and Weather Resistant: GAF Siding is made from high-quality vinyl and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Low Maintenance: GAF Siding is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: GAF offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl siding.

Pros of GAF Vinyl Siding:

• Coordinates with GAF roofing products
• Durable and weather resistant
• Low maintenance
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons of GAF Vinyl Siding:

• Limited selection of styles and colors compared to some other brands
• May be more expensive than some other brands

Popular GAF Vinyl Siding Products:

• GAF Siding (various styles): GAF offers a range of horizontal and vertical siding options in various colors and textures.

Royal Building Products

Royal Building Products is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, including vinyl siding. They are known for their innovative products, sustainable practices, and commitment to quality.

Key Features of Royal Building Products Vinyl Siding:

• Innovative Products: Royal Building Products offers several innovative siding products, such as their Celect Cellular Composite Siding, which is made from a proprietary cellular composite material that is highly resistant to moisture, impact, and fading.
• Sustainable Practices: Royal Building Products is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and offers several eco-friendly siding options.
• Wide Range of Styles and Colors: Royal Building Products offers a wide range of siding styles and colors to suit any architectural style and personal preference.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Royal Building Products offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl siding.

Pros of Royal Building Products Vinyl Siding:

• Innovative products, such as Celect Cellular Composite Siding
• Sustainable practices
• Wide range of styles and colors
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons of Royal Building Products Vinyl Siding:

• Celect Cellular Composite Siding can be more expensive than traditional vinyl siding

Popular Royal Building Products Vinyl Siding Products:

• Celect® Cellular Composite Siding: A premium siding made from a cellular composite material that offers exceptional durability and weather resistance.
• Haven® Insulated Siding: An insulated siding that provides enhanced energy efficiency and soundproofing.

ProVia

ProVia is a family-owned manufacturer of high-quality building products, including vinyl siding. They are known for their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Key Features of ProVia Vinyl Siding:

• Exceptional Quality: ProVia siding is made from high-quality materials and is manufactured to exacting standards.
• Realistic Woodgrain Texture: ProVia siding features a realistic woodgrain texture that closely resembles the look of real wood.
• Wide Range of Colors: ProVia offers a wide range of siding colors, including several fade-resistant options.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: ProVia offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl siding.

Pros of ProVia Vinyl Siding:

• Exceptional quality and craftsmanship
• Realistic woodgrain texture
• Wide range of colors
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Excellent customer service

Cons of ProVia Vinyl Siding:

• Can be more expensive than some other brands
• Limited availability in some areas

Popular ProVia Vinyl Siding Products:

• HeartTech™: A high-quality horizontal siding with a realistic woodgrain texture and a wide range of colors.
• Super Polymer Siding: A durable and weather-resistant siding made from a super polymer compound.

Mastic Home Exteriors (Ply Gem)

Mastic Home Exteriors, a brand under Ply Gem, is a well-established manufacturer of vinyl siding. They offer a wide array of siding options catering to different budgets and aesthetic preferences. Mastic is known for its innovative features, like the Hang-Tight Technology, which enhances the siding’s ability to withstand strong winds.

Key Features of Mastic Home Exteriors Vinyl Siding:

• Hang-Tight Technology: This innovative feature provides superior wind resistance, keeping the siding securely in place even during severe weather.
• Quest Siding: A premium option offering superior durability and aesthetic appeal, designed to mimic the look of real wood.
• Structure Home Insulation System: Insulated siding options that improve energy efficiency and reduce noise transmission.
• Wide Color Palette: Mastic offers a diverse range of colors, including many that are designed to resist fading over time.

Pros of Mastic Home Exteriors Vinyl Siding:

• Hang-Tight Technology for exceptional wind resistance
• Wide variety of styles and colors to choose from
• Insulated siding options for improved energy efficiency
• Reputable brand with a long history

Cons of Mastic Home Exteriors Vinyl Siding:

• Some product lines may be more expensive than entry-level options from other brands.
• Installation requires skilled professionals to ensure optimal performance.

Popular Mastic Home Exteriors Vinyl Siding Products:

• Quest: Premium vinyl siding with superior durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Carvedwood.44: A popular horizontal siding option with a realistic woodgrain texture.
• Structure Home Insulation System: Insulated siding that combines aesthetics with energy efficiency.

LP SmartSide

While not strictly vinyl, LP SmartSide deserves mention due to its increasing popularity as a siding alternative. It’s engineered wood siding known for its durability and realistic wood look. It resists fungal decay and termite damage, making it a robust choice.

Key Features of LP SmartSide:

• Engineered Wood Construction: Made from treated wood strands that are bonded with resins, providing superior strength and resistance to moisture and pests.
• Realistic Woodgrain Texture: LP SmartSide replicates the look of real wood, enhancing curb appeal.
• Easy to Install: Lighter than traditional wood siding, making it easier and faster to install.
• Pre-Primed: Comes pre-primed for easy painting and finishing.

Pros of LP SmartSide:

• Excellent durability and resistance to decay and pests
• Realistic wood look
• Easy to install
• Environmentally friendly

Cons of LP SmartSide:

• Requires painting or staining, unlike vinyl siding
• Can be more expensive than vinyl siding

Popular LP SmartSide Products:

• Lap Siding: Horizontal siding that replicates the look of wood clapboard.
• Panel Siding: Vertical siding that offers a modern and distinctive look.
• Shakes and Shingles: Siding that replicates the look of real wood shakes and shingles.

Alside

Alside is another prominent manufacturer in the vinyl siding market, recognized for offering a comprehensive range of siding products, including horizontal, vertical, shake, and insulated options. Alside emphasizes innovation and durability in their designs.

Key Features of Alside Vinyl Siding:

• Prodigy Insulated Siding: This insulated siding option offers exceptional energy efficiency and a seamless appearance.
• Charter Oak: Known for its strength and durability, Charter Oak is a popular choice for homeowners seeking long-lasting protection.
• Grip-Tight Technology: This technology enhances the siding’s ability to stay securely fastened, even in windy conditions.
• Lifetime Limited Warranty: Alside provides a lifetime limited warranty on many of their siding products.

Pros of Alside Vinyl Siding:

• Wide range of styles and colors to suit different tastes.
• Insulated siding options for increased energy efficiency.
• Durable and weather-resistant materials.
• Strong warranty coverage.

Cons of Alside Vinyl Siding:

• Some product lines may be pricier than basic vinyl siding options.
• Proper installation is essential for optimal performance.

Popular Alside Vinyl Siding Products:

• Prodigy Insulated Siding: Provides excellent insulation and a refined appearance.
• Charter Oak: Offers exceptional strength and durability.
• Coventry: A more budget-friendly option that still provides reliable protection.

Choosing the Right Brand: A Summary

Selecting the “best” vinyl siding brand ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Each brand offers unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to weigh the factors carefully before making a decision. Here’s a summary of the key considerations:

• Budget: Determine your budget and compare prices from different brands and suppliers.
• Aesthetics: Choose a style, color, and texture that complements your home’s architectural style and personal preferences.
• Durability: Look for siding with a strong warranty and impact resistance.
• Energy Efficiency: If energy efficiency is a priority, consider insulated vinyl siding.
• Warranty: Look for siding with a comprehensive warranty that covers manufacturing defects, fading, and other issues.
• Installation: Hire a qualified and experienced contractor to ensure that the siding is installed correctly.

The Importance of Professional Installation

No matter which vinyl siding brand you choose, proper installation is crucial for its performance and longevity. Even the highest-quality siding can fail if it’s not installed correctly. Here are some reasons why professional installation is essential:

• Expertise and Experience: Professional installers have the knowledge and experience to install siding correctly, ensuring that it’s properly sealed and secured.
• Proper Tools and Equipment: Professional installers have the right tools and equipment for the job, which can help to ensure a smooth and efficient installation.
• Warranty Compliance: Many siding manufacturers require professional installation to validate their warranties.
• Avoidance of Costly Mistakes: Improper installation can lead to a variety of problems, such as water damage, air leaks, and structural damage. Hiring a professional installer can help you avoid these costly mistakes.

When choosing a siding contractor, be sure to check their credentials, read reviews, and ask for references. A reputable contractor will be licensed, insured, and experienced in installing vinyl siding.

Maintaining Your Vinyl Siding

While vinyl siding is relatively low-maintenance, it still requires occasional cleaning to remove dirt and mildew. Here are some tips for maintaining your vinyl siding:

• Wash your siding regularly: Use a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush to wash your siding at least once a year. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent solution.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the vinyl siding and cause it to fade or discolor.
• Trim vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your siding to prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth.
• Inspect your siding regularly: Check your siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose panels. Repair any damage promptly to prevent further problems.

Conclusion

Choosing the best vinyl siding brand for your home is a significant investment that requires careful consideration. By understanding the different types of vinyl siding, the factors to consider when choosing siding, and the strengths and weaknesses of various brands, you can make an informed decision that will protect your home and enhance its curb appeal for years to come. Remember to prioritize durability, aesthetics, cost, warranty, and professional installation to ensure that you get the best possible value for your money. While brands like CertainTeed, GAF, Royal Building Products, ProVia, Mastic, LP SmartSide and Alside stand out for their quality and innovation, the ultimate choice rests on your specific requirements and budget. Take the time to research and compare different options, and don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified siding contractor to get expert advice. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your home’s exterior with beautiful and durable vinyl siding.