Vinyl Siding in Wichita, KS

Why vinyl is so common around Wichita

Drive through almost any neighborhood built in Wichita, Derby, Andover, Maize or Goddard in the last 40 years and you will see vinyl. It costs less to buy and install than fiber cement or engineered wood, it does not rot, and it never needs painting, just an occasional wash. Repairs are simple when the color is still available, because panels can be unlocked and replaced individually.

The trade-offs are real, though. Vinyl can crack from hail, especially in cold weather. Thin panels can wave and show the wall behind them. Dark colors can fade, and vinyl can warp near grills or in sunlight reflected from low-E windows. Most of those weaknesses come down to choosing the right grade and installing it correctly.

Thickness and grade

Vinyl siding is sold in grades, usually described by panel thickness in thousandths of an inch:

• Builder grade panels are the thinnest. They are the cheapest, but they flex more, show wall imperfections and crack more easily.
• Mid-grade and premium panels are thicker, stiffer and lie flatter on the wall. They usually have a stronger nail hem, which helps with wind ratings.
• Insulated vinyl has a contoured rigid foam backer bonded to the panel. The foam supports the panel, so it resists dents and cracks better and feels solid when pushed, and it adds some insulation value to the wall.

For a house that takes regular Kansas hail and wind, most homeowners find the step up from builder grade to a thicker panel worth it. Ask each contractor which product line and thickness they are quoting so you can compare apples to apples.

Certification and wind ratings

The Vinyl Siding Institute runs a third-party product certification program for vinyl siding that meets the ASTM D3679 standard, and certified products carry a wind-load rating (Vinyl Siding Institute, product certification program). It is a quick way to check that a product meets a recognized standard. Higher wind ratings come mostly from the design of the nail hem and the lock, plus correct installation.

Profiles and styles

• Traditional lap (often called double 4-inch or double 5-inch) is the most common look.
• Dutch lap has a decorative groove at the top of each course and casts a deeper shadow line.
• Board and batten vertical vinyl is popular on gables and for modern farmhouse looks.
• Shakes and scallops are molded to look like cedar shingles and are often used in gables and accents.
• Beaded profiles mimic older wood siding on historic-style homes.

Mixing profiles, for example lap on the walls with board and batten or shakes in the gables, is a common way to add interest without changing materials.

Color and the Kansas sun

Wichita-area homes get a lot of direct sun, and south and west walls fade fastest. Lighter colors have traditionally held up best on vinyl. Many manufacturers now offer darker colors with fade-resistant formulations; ask about the color warranty for the specific shade you are considering, because dark vinyl absorbs more heat and some products limit where dark colors can be used. Reflected sunlight from a neighbor's low-E windows can concentrate enough heat to distort any vinyl panel, so if you see wavy spots on one wall, that is worth investigating before replacing.

Vinyl and hail

Vinyl is flexible in warm weather and stiffer in cold weather, so how it handles hail depends partly on the temperature during the storm. Thicker and insulated panels resist cracking better than thin ones. If your current siding cracked badly in a storm, ask about a heavier panel or insulated vinyl for the replacement, or compare with fiber cement and steel. See the best siding for hail in Kansas.

Installation details that matter for vinyl

• Panels hang on nails driven in the center of the nailing slots, not tight, so they can move with temperature. Vinyl expands and contracts noticeably between a January morning and a July afternoon.
• Gaps at corner posts and J-channel allow for that movement; the right gap depends on the temperature on install day.
• A water-resistive barrier and flashing go behind the vinyl. Vinyl is a rain screen, not a waterproof skin.
• Mounting blocks for lights, outlets, vents and hose bibs keep fixtures from pinching the panels.
• Starter strip and properly fastened top courses help keep wind from getting under the siding.

Repairing vinyl siding

Individual vinyl panels can be replaced: the installer unlocks the course above with a zip tool, removes the nails, hangs a new panel and relocks it. The hard part is matching the profile and the faded color. If you have leftover panels from the original install, they are worth keeping in the garage. See siding repair.

Caring for vinyl siding

• Wash once or twice a year with a soft brush and mild cleaner. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on low and spray down, never up under the laps.
• Keep grills well away from the walls.
• Trim shrubs back so the siding can dry, and keep mulch and soil below the bottom edge.
• Check after windstorms for loose or unlocked panels, and get them re-hung before the next gust peels off more.

Is vinyl right for your house?

Vinyl is a strong choice if you want low maintenance and a reasonable budget, and if you choose a panel thick enough for local weather. If you want a painted-wood look, the highest impact resistance or a noncombustible material, compare fiber cement, LP SmartSide and steel. The vinyl vs. fiber cement guide walks through the trade-offs, and the cost guide has published ranges.

Getting a vinyl siding quote

Send the form and choose vinyl as the material (or "not sure"). We will call you back to set up a free quote. Ask for the manufacturer, product line, thickness and color in writing.

What does it cost? See published national ranges for vinyl siding in the siding cost guide. They are general industry estimates, not quotes.

Related guides

• Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding for Kansas Homes
• How Long Does Siding Last in Kansas Weather?
• How Much Siding Do I Need? Measuring in Squares

Good to know: Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation. Ask for a written quote that lists the material, the scope, permits and the warranty terms.