exterior cladding
Vinyl siding (standard)
Extruded PVC siding panels. The most common American residential cladding by sqft due to low cost, color-through-the-thickness, and low maintenance.
Cost tier
BUDGET
Cost / sqft
$2.5–$7
Install
trade
Durability
medium
Maintenance
low
Moisture
excellent
Cost notes
Lifecycle 20-40 years. Color choices limited to lighter shades to avoid heat warp.
Aesthetic
- Finish: smooth, wood-grain
- Color range: white, tan, gray, dozens of factory colors
- Pattern: double-4 lap, double-5 lap, shake-look, scallop
- Visual weight: light
Climate suitability
✓ Hot-humid
✓ Hot-dry
✓ Mixed-humid
✓ Mixed-dry
✓ Cold
✓ Arctic
Code notes
IRC R703.11 governs vinyl siding installation. Wind-rated panels required in coastal zones.
Source
Architectural Graphic Standards — Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper) — Materials chapter
Tags: vinyl, low-maintenance, budget