The most durable choices are brick and high quality vinyl siding. They are the most likely candidates to offer trouble-free service and low maintenance costS. But as the following chart demonstrates, initial installed costs of the various choices vary greatly. Although vinyl is among the most durable materials, it is also among the least expensive. Brick, on the other hand, is the most expensive.
Of course, initial costs are only part of the story. Including the cost of required maintenance, such as painting, gives you a more accurate picture of how much your exterior choice really costs. Look at what just a moderately sized painting job every three years can mean to your pocket book:
Painting Yourself Into
A Financial Corner
This example assumes an initial painting cost of $1600 with full repainting every 3 years and with 4% annual inflation added for subsequent applications:
|
Cost |
Total |
| Initial |
$1,600 |
$1,600 |
| 3 years |
$1,800 |
$3,400 |
| 6 years |
$2,050 |
$5,424 |
| 9 years |
$2,278 |
$7,703 |
| 12 years |
$2,562 |
$10,265 |
| 15 years |
$2,882 |
$13,174 |
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America's First Choice
The most popular exterior choice today is vinyl. Vinyl siding is being used on about one third of America's new houses, and about 70% of all remodeling jobs call for vinyl siding. It won't blister, peel, split, warp or rot like painted wood. It can't be easily dented by hail or kids at play. And it has many more applications and offers more variety than brick--at a lower cost.
Is vinyl siding right for your home's exterior? if you want the look of wood, the long-term durability of brick, and the ease of maintenance that only a quality vinyl product can give you. the answer is probably "yes!"
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What does the cost of painting do to the overall costs of your exterior choices?
Here are some twenty year costs including the initial cost of materials and installation. This chart assumes a five-year painting cycle for wood products and a 20th year paint job for aluminum. No maintenance is needed for the brick and the vinyl siding. Costs are based on a typical 2,000 square foot ranch style house.
Side by Side
Twenty Year Costs®
| Exterior |
20 Year Cost |
20 Year Cost
Of Vinyl Compared
To Other Options |
| Red Face Brick |
$16,905 |
37% as much / 63% less |
| T1-11 textured cedar |
$12,198 |
51% as much / 49% less |
| Aluminum double 5", embossed |
$9,586 |
64% as much / 36% less |
| Vinyl double 5" embossed |
$6,175 |
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* J.E. Kosinski: MarQuest Report
Note: Prices may vary in your area of the country. |
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