Vinyl siding is an extremely popular siding material, no doubt because of its relatively low cost, durability, and ease of installation by do-it-yourselfers with only moderate skills. Like other manufactured siding products such as aluminum or composites, vinyl can be applied over existing siding such as masonry or wood to give a house an entirely new look.

Extruded from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl siding counts among its many virtues that it weathers well and is far more resistant to insect damage and dry rot than wood (though these problems can occur in the materials under the vinyl siding). It also does not need to be painted or caulked. With proper care and maintenance—usually just an annual hosing down—it can last from 20 years up to the life of the home.

Because vinyl siding can fade with long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays, it has traditionally been offered only in white and light colors, which show fading less. Thanks to recent product advancements, however, many manufacturers now offer a selection of moderately dark tones with reasonably good color retention.

Vinyl siding is available in a variety of textures, ranging from matte finishes to deeply embossed wood-grain surfaces that simulate wood clapboard siding. Most vinyl siding is made to mimic the look of wood siding. From a distance, it can be quite convincing, but on close inspection it still has the appearance of vinyl.

Several different profiles, or panel types, are manufactured. Most are designed to be applied horizontally, but board-and-batten patterns of vertical siding are also among the offerings. A few of the key vinyl siding profiles include 12-foot, 6-inch-long horizontal panels that look like double 4- or 5-inch boards, triple 3-inch boards, single 8-inch boards, Dutchlap siding, and more- decorative scallops, shingles, and shakes. Vertical panels generally have a board-and-batten appearance.

In some situations, vertical siding is used in combination with horizontal siding; for example, the lower part of the wall may be covered with horizontal siding but the upper sections may have vertical siding.

To ensure quality of products made by major manufacturers, the Vinyl Siding Institute offers a certification program that ensures products meet or exceed industry standards, expressed as “ASTM D3679.” This designation ensures qualities such as the ability to weather and retain color, resistance to wind-load impact, and other manufacturer claims.