How Long Can You Expect Your Siding To Last?

Your siding works tirelessly to protect your home from the elements. It takes a beating from sunshine, wind, rain, hail, and other environmental factors all year round. Over time, your siding can deteriorate and require replacement. But how long can you expect your siding to last before you start to think about doing a siding replacement?

Your siding’s lifespan will depend on multiple factors, but your choice of material is often the most significant determinant of how long your siding lasts. Wood, engineered wood, stone, brick, vinyl, and fiber cement last for different periods.

Siding Lifespans by Type

Here is an overview of lifespans for various types of siding:

• Vinyl – 20 to 40 years

• Aluminum / Steel – 30 to 50 years

• Wood (Cedar) – 15 to 40 years

• Fiber Cement – 25 to 40 years

• Stucco – 15 to 40 years

• Brick – 50+ years

• Natural Stone – 50+ years

• Stone Veneer – 25 to 40 years

• Fiberglass – 25 to 40 years

• Log – 50+ years

Determining the Lifespan of Your Siding

The first step in determining the lifespan of your siding is to find out how old it is. If you have a record of the original installation, it is easy to figure out your siding age. But if you can’t remember or just moved into a new home, it can be hard to tell how old the siding is.

Knowing when the siding was installed is also essential for determining the siding quality and how long it is likely to last. For example, siding installed 10 to 20 years ago may not be of the same quality as today’s siding. Vinyl siding products used in homes in the 1950s had an inferior quality to today’s vinyl siding products, especially in durability and weather resistance.

The Condition of the Siding

Your home’s siding’s overall condition is a reliable indicator of how old it is and whether it needs replacing. Here are some common warning signs your siding is due for replacement:

• Rot – If you notice rot that spreads across a wide area of your siding, it means it’s time for a replacement.

• Cracks/gaps – Cracks and holes in siding can compromise the structural integrity of your home.

• Moisture and mold – If you notice signs of moisture and mold inside your home, it could be an indication of damaged siding.

In some instances, your siding may require a good coat of paint rather than comprehensive siding repair work or replacement. But if the damage is severe, it can be harder to repair the siding, and a better approach is to have it entirely replaced.

Overall, your siding’s longevity can be compromised by the weather in your area, such as excessive exposure to sunlight and temperature fluctuations. These factors can chip away at the lifespan of your siding by fading paint and making vinyl brittle or wood siding dry out and crack or split. If you need help with siding replacement in the Akron and Cleveland areas, Exteriors Plus is your ultimate contractor. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!