Pittsburgh Vinyl Siding

Inexpensive, durable, and quick to install, vinyl siding, since its relatively recent invention, has become one of the top choices for sprucing up the outside of American houses. In and around Pittsburgh, vinyl siding is an excellent cladding choice for those looking to change the exterior appearance of their home and keep the operation within their budget.

Benefits of Vinyl Siding in Pittsburgh
With the high levels of moisture and frequent precipitation common to Pittsburgh, vinyl siding makes a lot of sense. Unlike wood siding that is prone to moisture problems, vinyl siding will not peel, rot, or swell when exposed to high doses of humidity.

The color of vinyl siding is permanent so you'll never need to paint it. The price and hassle of repainting a house every few years can really be a bother, and no matter how well the job is done, paint on the outside of a house will eventually peel and chip. Over its lifetime (and lots of vinyl siding products come with warranties that will take you well into the next half century), this versatile and durable material could pay for itself in painting costs alone (especially in a place as wet and humid as Pittsburgh). Vinyl siding, though it can fade over a period of decades, generally retains its color quite well, so make sure you pick one you like (it'll be there for a while).

One of the best things about vinyl siding is that it is pretty close to maintenance free. In Pittsburgh, normal rainfall will often be enough to keep it clean. Occasionally (yearly or less) you may want to give it a proper wash with clean water and a mild detergent.

Pittsburgh Vinyl Siding Drawbacks
Though an excellent choice for most homes, there are a few things to watch out for when dealing with vinyl siding. Pittsburgh's annual temperature changes will cause vinyl to expand in the summer and contract in the winter. If it is installed improperly, this could cause damage to the siding. Professional installation is nearly always your best bet. Additionally, if moisture gets behind the siding, it can cause mildew and mold to form between the siding and the base it is installed upon. Under normal conditions, however, this is unlikely to occur.

While vinyl siding is the most popular form of cladding in the nation, it is considered less desirable than some natural materials. In older Pittsburgh neighborhoods where brick and stone are common, a vinyl sided house might be less marketable than those surrounding it.

Though it is a resilient material, vinyl can still be cracked when subjected to impact or constant pressure. This should be taken into consideration when propping up a ladder against the house (say, to clean rain gutters).

Pittsburgh Vinyl Siding Prices
For installation of vinyl siding, Pittsburgh residents can expect to pay between $4,000 and $8,000. Some very small jobs can cost as little as $2,000. Jobs that are particularly large might even go into five figures. It is very important to get multiple estimates, but remember, if one sounds too good to be true, it probably is.