Vinyl siding has a reputation for lasting forever, and compared to wood it does pretty well. But “forever” depends a lot on how it was installed, what product was used, and how much sun, wind and lawnmower debris it has taken over the years. Walk down almost any street in Union County and you will see vinyl that still looks sharp next to vinyl that is faded, cracked and rattling in the wind.
Here is what really decides how long vinyl siding lasts in New Jersey, and the signs that yours is near the end.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Good vinyl siding, installed correctly, commonly lasts several decades. Thicker, higher-grade panels hold their shape and color longer than thin builder-grade siding. Most of the early failures we see are not the vinyl itself. They come from how it was put up.
What shortens the life of vinyl siding
Installation mistakes
Vinyl expands and contracts a lot between a July afternoon and a January night. It has to be hung loosely so it can move. When installers nail it tight, panels buckle and warp. When they skip proper flashing around windows and doors, water gets behind the siding and rots the wall even though the vinyl looks fine.
Thin panels
Thin vinyl cracks more easily in cold weather, sags on long walls and rattles in the wind.
Sun and heat
South- and west-facing walls fade first. Reflected sunlight from a neighbor’s windows can even warp vinyl.
Impact
Hail, a rock from the mower or a basketball in February when the vinyl is cold can crack panels.
Signs it is time to replace your siding
- Warped or buckled panels that ripple across the wall.
- Cracks and holes, especially low on the wall.
- Loose or missing panels after a wind storm.
- Heavy fading that makes repairs impossible to match.
- Soft spots when you press on the wall around windows, doors and corners. That means water damage behind the siding.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper inside on exterior walls, or rising heating bills.
- Mold or mildew that keeps coming back in the same spots.
Repair or replace?
A few cracked panels on one wall can usually be replaced, if we can find a close color match. Older siding fades, so a perfect match is not always possible. When damage is spread across the house, or there is water damage behind the panels, replacing the siding is the better long-term fix. Our guide to siding repair before selling covers a common middle ground.
How to make new vinyl siding last longer
- Choose a thicker panel with a good warranty.
- Make sure the quote includes house wrap and proper flashing around windows and doors.
- Wash it once a year with a soft brush and mild soap. Skip the high-pressure washer, which forces water behind the panels.
- Keep gutters clean so they do not overflow down the walls.
Deciding between vinyl and something more durable? Read vinyl siding vs. fiber cement, and see the average cost of siding a house in NJ for current prices.
Frequently asked questions
Does vinyl siding need to be painted?
No. The color goes all the way through the panel. Painting is possible but usually not worth it compared to replacing badly faded siding.
Can you replace just one section of vinyl siding?
Yes, as long as matching panels are available. Color matching is the hard part on older siding.
Does new siding lower energy bills?
It can help, mostly through better house wrap and air sealing behind the panels. Insulated vinyl adds a bit more.
Thinking about new siding?
Herts installs vinyl and fiber cement siding across New Jersey with house wrap on every full job and a 15-year workmanship warranty. Call 908-206-4240 or request a free estimate.