Vinyl siding: popular and practical

For 16 years and counting, vinyl has been the most popular siding material for new home construction in the United States. What you thought was well-maintained, wood siding could be vinyl: It comes in a variety of colors and textures that can look as beautiful as wood, but without the hassle. You should need to do very little to maintain this investment, other than occasionally spray it with a hose. Made of tough, polyvinyl chloride, this siding is durable. It is made to be insect-proof and resist rot, warping and peeling. That said, it may not be the best choice for very hot weather.

Compared to other types of exterior cladding, vinyl is the most affordable. Materials and labor generally cost less than $200 per 100 square feet. You won't have to buy materials for upkeep, which should also save you money. Many siding manufacturers include a lifetime warranty.