From Raw Materials to Sheer Bliss

Who can take a pile of bricks and turn it into a cottage? A contractor can. Who can take a few loads of concrete and turn them into a sidewalk? A contractor can. Now, not all contractors have the same skills. A contractor who primarily works on cottages would probably have difficulty making a sidewalk, for example. However, those in this industry are very used to collaborating and reaching out to others when they come across work they don't specialize in. If you think contractors and their work are awesome, then you've come to the right place. This is a friendly blog where you can read more about the topic.

Does Your Home Need Thicker Vinyl Siding?

Construction & Contractors Blog

There's no denying that new vinyl siding can take an old, drab home and completely restore its curb appeal. Choosing new vinyl siding for your home can also be exciting, especially if you're taking your time to browse through the endless array of colors and textures. Whether you're going for a traditional look or something more unique, there's no doubt that you'll find a suitable option.

However, there are a few less obvious considerations when selecting siding for your home. Chief among these concerns are the length and thickness of the panels. Thickness can be a particularly important aspect to consider, but how much do thicker panels make a difference? Keep reading to understand why you should (or shouldn't) go with thicker panels for your next siding installation.

How Is Vinyl Siding Thickness Measured?

There's no magic in understanding the thickness of vinyl siding panels. While there are many technical terms in the siding industry, thickness isn't one of them. Instead, manufacturers express panel thickness in easy-to-understand measurements. In most cases, you'll see thickness measured by the inch, although a typical vinyl panel is far less than an inch thick.

Most vinyl siding panels range from about 0.038" to around 0.050" thick. Most building codes specify a minimum of 0.035" thickness based on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Vinyl siding that falls around this thickness falls into the "builder grade" classification, with higher grade panels often featuring much thicker materials.

Why Should You Choose Thicker Siding?

The thickness of your home's vinyl siding can have numerous effects, with some being more pronounced than others. In general, you can expect thicker siding to offer these benefits:

  • Greater rigidity
  • Improved impact resistance
  • Less warpage
  • Longer lifespan
  • Small energy efficiency gains

Rigidity and impact resistance are often the greatest advantages of using thicker siding. Thinner siding is more prone to cracking, especially when hit by heavy objects such as tree limbs or errant baseballs. More rigidity can also mean less warpage with temperature, improving the lifespan of your siding by minimizing the likelihood that it will come loose and require repairs.

Which Option Is Right for Your Home?

With thicker vinyl siding offering so many benefits, it might seem like it's the obvious choice. In general, thicker siding can be a useful upgrade for your home, but it's important to understand that there may be diminishing returns with much thicker siding. Additionally, thicker siding may be a poor option in humid climates since it can trap more moisture.

In many cases, the best option is to choose something more premium than builder-grade materials, up to what your budget allows. An experienced siding installer can help you select an appropriate thickness for your needs, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of thicker siding without exceeding your remodeling budget.

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7 February 2023