Vinyl Siding Installation – What You Should Know

Which is better: stucco or vinyl siding?

Depending on a home’s style and where it is located, a homeowner may prefer a stucco siding instead of the more traditional vinyl siding. However, is one better than the other, and what are the differences between them so you can choose one? A few facts to consider: 

• Insulation: Vinyl siding installation comes in a hollow-back material and foam-back. Stucco siding has no insulation but can be applied in multiple coats to create layers for insulation. 
• Cost: Always a concern for homeowners, higher-quality vinyl siding installation costs the same as low-end stucco siding, averaging between $7.00 and $13.00 per square foot. Higher-quality stucco siding can cost upwards of $14.00 per square foot. 
• Durability: Any homeowner will want siding to be made from a durable material that won’t need repair or replacing soon, and both stucco and vinyl siding installation will offer you that. Note – the thicker the vinyl, the better the durability. Vinyl has wind resistance up to 110 mph and stucco offers up to 130 mph. When it comes to impact-resistance and life expectancy, stucco is the winner, lasting up to 100 years whereas vinyl installation will last up to 75 years. 

• Insulation: Vinyl siding installation wins in this category with an R-Value of .20 per inch. Stucco siding has to be installed in a triple thickness that maxes it at .75 R-Value. 

Secondary Factors to consider between stucco and vinyl siding install is the ROI, with vinyl winning at 77% and stucco offering only 70%. Both come in a wide range of colors as multiple colors are mixed together to achieve the desired color. Design-wise, vinyl is more varied with anything that wood siding can offer, with options such as a lap board profile, shakes, shingles, split-wood, and vertical panels. Stucco doesn’t mimic other material, but is instead installed without seams in a basic texture. 

Both stucco and vinyl siding installation are fire-resistant materials, but vinyl will buckle or warm in an intense heat from even the grill or UV ray reflection. Vinyl siding installation can be a DIY project with plenty of how-to vinyl siding installation videos available online, whereas stucco should be installed professionally due to the specialized equipment required. Both need to be cleaned annually. 

What brand of vinyl siding is best?

Fortunately, and unfortunately, there is a wide number of brands to choose from for your vinyl siding installation. There may be too many if you don’t do some research and study before you go into this project. Some are superior, and some offer bottom-of-the-line quality, but you can find a good value for vinyl siding that suits any budget and purpose. A few of the brands we recommend are: 

• ALSIDE

Alside has been in the business of vinyl siding installation for more than seventy years. The company started with a residential baked enamel siding in 1947 and has improved upon their already great product over the years. With this company, they offer 14 different product lines with 19 colors for the Premium Charter Oak siding. 

• CERTAINTEED®

CertainTeed® is a high-end brand of vinyl siding with great popularity in this country. Starting as a roofing company in 1904, it has diversified with the times to offer other exterior and interior construction products. They offer a variety of options that are attractive, including accessories. This is a well-known brand name that offers affordable quality. 

• CRANE

Crane has been dedicated to helping homeowners save money since 1947 with technology that it sells to other vinyl siding manufacturers. It offers a large selection in colors and styles, and also provides an insulating material. 

What is the average life expectancy of vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding installation will last up to 60 years or longer, depending on the quality of the installation, material, and the homeowner’s upkeep and maintenance. 

What is the average labor cost to install vinyl siding?

In Frisco, Texas and surrounding cities, a 1,200 square foot home will cost around $4,500 for vinyl siding installation labor. The rate per square foot is between $2.15 and $5.25 with the average cost at $3.70 per square foot.

How much does it cost to put siding on a house?

While many homes in Frisco have brick siding, there are almost always areas that are not brick. In this case, homeowners may choose to go with vinyl siding installation. For 2020-2021, the average costs began around $3,800 and went up to $5,300.00. Some homeowners prefer Hardie board siding, a more expensive, but also a more durable material. This can cost between $2,500.00 and $15,999.00.