Vinyl siding thickness is an important factor to consider when it comes to gauging the quality and durability of vinyl siding. This is because the thicker the vinyl, the stronger and more durable the product is. Vinyl siding thickness not only affects durability, however, it can also affect the overall look of a home.
Types of Vinyl Siding Thickness
Vinyl siding thickness can vary from a minimum of .35 millimeters for low grade products up to around .55 millimeters for some of the higher quality and more expensive products. Typically it is around .40 – .45 millimeters thick, and some stores and manufacturers will offer even more variety on the type of vinyl siding thicknesses you can buy. Here is a listing of what each level of vinyl siding thickness is called, helping you recognize the quality of the product you are looking at while you are at a store or talking to vinyl siding contractosr.
Vinyl Siding Thickness
Builder’s Grade – .40 mm
Thin Residential Grade – .42 mm
Standard Residential Grade – .44 mm
Thick Residential Grade – .46 mm
Super Thick Grade – .50 mm
Premium Grade – .52 – .55 mm
Importance Of Vinyl Siding Thickness
The thicker the vinyl siding is, the stronger and more durable it typically is. This can make your home look better because a higher vinyl siding thickness will hide any flaws in the underlying wall behind it. Thicker grades will also eliminate some of the waviness that can often accompany lower grade (and lower thicknesses) products. Thicker material will also be stronger, more flexible and more durable. This should add to the longevity of the product and can make it financially worth the added expense up front because the product will last longer. Also, due to its enhanced strength and flexibility, thicker grades is less likely to crack when struck by an object or due to any type of impact, especially in cold weather.
Vinyl Siding Thickness And Cost
There are many factors that go into a manufacturer determining vinyl siding cost. Vinyl siding thickness is just one of them. Generally, the higher the thickness, the greater the cost, but that rule can vary when comparing products from different manufacturers, with different design and vinyl siding styles, and so on. When looking at a line of products from the same manufacturer, you can usually assume that siding with greater thickness levels will be considered as “premium grade” products compared with those that are thinner (which will be considered “basic grade” products), and will therefore cost more.
Other Considerations
Thickness is just one factor to consider when selecting a siding product. Of course, this is an important component because it will most greatly affect the quality and durability of the siding that you buy, but you should also consider other factors. Part of the decision making process will include vinyl siding colors, finish styles and designs, manufacturer reputation, warranty terms, and so on. If you are using a reputable siding contractor to handle installation, asking for recommendations on products is a good idea because he should be well versed on products that will meet all of your needs.
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