Vinyl and Cedar Siding FAQs

Here at Roof Right Inc, a roofing company in Hampstead, Maryland, we are asked by many of our customers questions about vinyl and cedar siding. With that in mind we wanted to create a quick run down of the top questions we have answered over the years when it comes to vinyl and cedar siding. Read on to learn all you ever wanted to know about these two siding types.

Vinyl Siding

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding was first introduced in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum siding. Today it is the most frequently used siding option in the United States. It consists of two layers, the top layer or cap stock and a second layer known as the substrate. These layers consist of polyvinyl chloride and resin. The top layer uses a titanium dioxide for both coloration and protection from UV light damage. The second layer has limestone to facilitate the manufacturing process to decrease costs. This siding is available in a variety of colors and can mimic architectural details that were once made of other siding materials.

Does it require maintenance?

Vinyl siding requires little if any maintenance, never needs to be painted, and if damaged can be easily replaced. To maintain a fresh appearance, it should be washed once a year at least.

Is it durable/weather resistant?

Vinyl siding is made to last a very long time. Warranties on vinyl siding can last from 20-40 years depending on the thickness, with many offering lifetime warranties. Vinyl siding is resistant to heat, cold, and moisture and is certified to withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour.

What is the cost?

Vinyl siding is the most affordable option out there. The value-added advantages of vinyl include its low total installed cost – lower than other materials because vinyl siding goes up faster and doesn’t need any painting. Also, homeowners who remodel with vinyl will recoup nearly 80% on the cost of the installation thus increasing the value of the home.

Cedar Siding

What is cedar siding?

Cedar siding is siding cut from the Western Red Cedar. Cedar siding features great dimensional stability, which allows it to retain its shape while also taking to nailing and staining well. It will help keep warmth during the winter months and keep interiors cool during the summer.

Is it expensive?

Cedar siding falls into the mid to high range cost. Since there is maintenance required with cedar siding that should also be taken into account when determining overall cost.

How long does it last?

Cedar siding endures the elements well and if maintained properly can last many years. Some manufacturers will offer warranties of 25 years or more. Cedar is classified as a durable species. The proper application of a finish coat will allow cedar siding to last for decades. As will all wood, avoid having the cedar siding touch the ground as this can shorten the life span of it.

Is there a lot of maintenance involved?

Cedar siding definitely does have maintenance with it. It is recommended that cedar siding be washed with a low-pressure washer to remove cob webs, dust and other dirt particles. Cedar siding will also require staining every few years. There will be no difficulty when determining the time to re-stain. How well the siding has weathered the elements often determines this. The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture. It is recommended to inspect it regularly and make minor repairs to help prevent moisture damage.

About Roof Right

At Roof Right we have realized customer service and trust are poorly lacking in the roofing industry. That is why our roofing company takes pride in our exceptional service which includes showing up when we say we will, providing a thorough 17-point inspection, listening to you so we can make a quick and thorough diagnosis of your roofing problem, and cleaning up after ourselves as we work. In addition to offering residential roofing services and roof repairs in Maryland. Roof Right is proud to offer the following services:

Roofing & Gutter Maintenance – Your roof, just like your car, should get routine inspections. Your roof gets more abuse from the elements than any other part of your home and preventative maintenance is a key element to a longer service life. Protect your home with the Roof Right Shield Program. Every year, our expert roofers will climb up on your roof and into your attic to ensure that your roof is providing you with the maximum protection for your home. Learn more about roofing & gutter maintenance. 

Skylights & Solatubes – Brighten your home with natural sunlight with skylights & solatubes installed by the team at Roof Right! Sunlight in your home can transform a dark room into one that is bright and full of natural light. It can also highlight textures, and bring out the vibrant colors of your furniture. And that is a beautiful thing! Skylights allow you to light your home for free during the day using natural sunlight. That means you can spend less on electricity and more on you! Roof Right offers a complete system of skylight products for any kind of roof. Learn more about skylights & solatubes.

Gutters – Installing a new seamless gutter system is one of the most critical aspects of all home repairs. Improving the drainage around the home can have a significant impact on the stability of the foundation and the life of your home. Roof Right installs gutters and gutter guards that will efficiently channel water away from your home. Learn more about gutters. 

Siding – Looking to add curb appeal along with improving your homes energy efficiency? No paint. No stain. No hassles. Vinyl siding delivers strength, durability, and beauty of real wood with a variety of design options and multiple color options. Based on an average size home, repainting can cost thousands of dollars every few years. Vinyl siding never needs painting, caulking or patching because, unlike wood, it won’t crack, peel, rot or split. Roof Right carries siding from the best manufacturers in the industry, including Mastic, CertainTeed, James Hardie. Learn more about siding. 

Windows – Reduce your energy bills & increase the curb appeal of your home with energy efficient windows installed by Roof Right!  There are hundreds of vinyl window brands on the market today – but they are not all created equal. Many ordinary vinyl windows are designed only for low cost, not for value. We install top-of-the-line, energy efficient windows for long-lasting great looks. We carry a wide selection of energy efficient products from trusted manufacturers. Learn more about windows. 

Doors – Roof Right and ProVia® are dedicated to making entry doors the professional way. ProVia entry doors are energy efficient, built to quality standards and gives you many choices to entry-level doors that are sold through box stores. Roof Right installers have attended entry systems and storm door training with ProVia®. We have software that will allow you to build your new entry door on our computer so you can see the many different options and price ranges available. ProVia® builds their doors with care in every detail. They don’t cut corners and pay attention to the smallest details. The replacement doors can be customized to your individual taste and style. They are an industry leader in building residential doors. Learn more about doors. 

Decks & Patios –  We can help you design a deck for your home that can bring you many years of enjoyment and improve your home’s value. Let us guide you through the design and construction of your dream deck. From designing the deck for your needs and budget, to getting all the necessary permits, we will make the construction process as pleasant as possible. Choose Roof Right to build a custom deck that will increase your living space and become your favorite relaxation and entertaining spot. Learn more about decks & patios.