A few weeks ago, a normal day turned into a great tribulation as I became the sole heir to a beach house that I inherited from my aunt. A few days later, upon inspecting the house, I realized that the vinyl sidings needed to be replaced. Armed with a laptop, my journey to do some research began to find the Best Vinyl Sidings for the Beach House.
Although vinyl siding can typically last up to 20 to 40 years, durability, affordability, and exposure to natural elements are all important factors to be considered when choosing the best vinyl sidings for a beach house.
Explore the factors to be considered when choosing the best vinyl siding, the best available brands, the approximate cost, which will help guide you in making a more informed decision on the Best Vinyl Siding For Beach house.
Factors To Considered In Choosing the Best Vinyl Siding
The following factors need to be considered when choosing the best vinyl sidings for a beach house.
1. Durability
A beach house is sustainable to many harsh elements like moisture-fraught air, bright sunlight, rain, strong winds, and saltwater corrosion. Hence choosing a durable vinyl siding that can withstand the elements of mother nature will be invaluable.
2. Thickness
The level of thickness of the vinyl siding will dictate how heat is retained and kept away from your home interior. Using the wrong thickness of vinyl sidings for your beach house can create more insulation problems.
Based on the American Society For Testing and Materials, the vinyl sidings should not be thinner than 0.035 inches. But if you are looking for more durable and long-lasting, they usually range from 0.4 inches onwards.
3. Grading
There are six grades of thickness for vinyl siding needs.
Builders Grade
If you have a tight budget, then this grade is for you. It is 0.40 mm thick and provides limited insulation and protection. It can easily crack and break.
Thin Residential Grade
It is affordable with a thickness of 0.42 mm. Provides an adequate amount of protection and insulation, but heat can still penetrate the surface.
Standard Residential Grade
This grade is the most preferred choice amongst homeowners. It is 0.44 mm thick and offers a good balance of insulation, and sturdiness while still being cost-effective.
Thick Residential Grade
This grade of vinyl siding is 0.46 mm thick. These vinyl sidings provide adequate protection and insulation. Although a pricey option, it is still affordable to many people.
Super Thick Residential Grade
Although it is more expensive than the other grades, these vinyl sidings protect from rain and strong wind while providing ample insulation. It is 0.50mm in thickness.
Premium Grade
0.52 to 0.55 mm in thickness; this is the most expensive vinyl sidings you will find on the market. It provides the best protection and insulation from penetrative heat and low temperatures from the exterior.
Advantages of Thicker Vinyl Sidings
Thicker vinyl sidings are better suited for the colder, wetter environment. They have the following advantages.
- More Durable.
- Not prone to sagging.
- Provides noise cancellation.
- Already insulated.
- Withstand high wind forces.
- Will not warp easily.
- It can offer a life expectancy of up to 60 years.
- It is more aesthetically pleasing to look at.
Disadvantages of Thicker Vinyl Sidings
- More expensive.
- You would require more tools for cutting so that it can be a challenging, time-consuming D.I.Y. project.
- Some believe that thinner vinyl will be more suitable for warmer climates, as thicker insulated vinyl sidings may retain heat and moisture behind the walls, which may cause rot and mold.
- You can still consider using thicker vinyl sidings in a warmer environment by consulting a knowledgeable contractor to offer you moisture protection options.
Building Codes
ASTM International and the International Residential Code will be able to empower you with safe and sustainable products and practices, as well as the permits you would need to obtain for the installation of vinyl sidings. They are also offering guidance on the appropriate thickness of your vinyl sidings within the regulated building codes.
This guidance will ensure that your home meets the minimum protection standards it needs from fires, hurricanes, windstorms, and other factors.
Siding Colours
It is refreshing to know that vinyl sidings now come in various colors, giving you the flexibility to choose the color that reflects your style preference. Many beach property owners prefer to choose a blue that would add to the aesthetics of a seaside look and feel—also choosing an environmentally friendly color.
If your house is located on the South, and you don’t have trees to shade it, it is best to go with a light-colored vinyl siding. Medium shades are also designed to last longer. It might be best to consult a vinyl siding manufacturer for the best option.
Choosing The Right Brand
Choosing the right brand will add years of durability to the vinyl siding. Below are the top 3 recommended brands
ALSIDE VINYL SIDING
Alside is among the best brands in the U.S.A. They have been in the market for almost 70 years.
Advantages
- 14 different product lines that you can choose from.
- Alside is the perfect choice for durability, great value, or attractiveness; you won’t go wrong with Alside.
Cost
Costs range from $3 and $8 per square foot for panels, materials, and installation costs.
CERTAINTEED VINYL SIDING
CertainTeed is another one of the high-end brands that are among the most popular in the United States.
Advantages
- A very reliable brand.
- Affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Homeowners will also find that it’s resistant to fading and practically maintenance-free.
Cost
Cost between $4.50 and $9 per square foot.
VARIFORM VINYL SIDINGS
Advantages
- Their vinyl sidings are designed to be maintenance-free. You can hence say goodbye to washing and painting.
- The Traditional Lap Siding is easy for contractors to install.
Cost
Costs are between $2.75 and $8 per square.
How Do You Identify And Choose The Best Vinyl Siding Brand?
Look out for the brand backed up by the manufacturer’s name and has an A.H.A. (The American Hardboard Association) certification, found on the back of the siding. If you are unsure, you can contact an expert for verification of the authenticity of the brand.
Look out for brands that offer warranties against hail damage and fade resistance, as well as the ability to transfer these warranties to a new homeowner in the event you want to sell.
Conclusion
When choosing the best vinyl siding for your beach house, ensure that it will add to the house’s curb appeal and also help with reducing the costs of energy.
Consider the long-term durability of the vinyl siding by opting for a thicker brand of vinyl siding. You may have to outlay more capital at the outset; however, you may be saving far more in the long run concerning repairs and damages.
Buying into a product that offers minimum protection and insulation can often have far-reaching financial implications.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinyl_siding
- https://za.pinterest.com/morris4350/coastal-siding-colors/
- https://lpcorp.com/products/exterior/siding-trim/why-lp-smartside/durability
- https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/best-siding-material-for-beach-house
