Is Dark Vinyl Siding a Good Idea for My Home?

There’s nothing that gives your home’s exterior a boost quite like installing new siding. However, before you’re ready to tackle that project, you have some important decisions to make regarding the siding type and color you want. 

Recently, we’ve noticed that dark-colored vinyl siding is trending, becoming increasingly popular for both new constructions and remodels nationwide — but is it right for your home, too? To help with that decision, let’s explore some of the main advantages and disadvantages of dark vinyl siding. 

Advantages of Dark Vinyl Siding

Dark vinyl siding is growing in popularity for a reason. It brings unique benefits to homes everywhere, as well as to the people that live within them. Some of these benefits include:

Offers a Sleek Aesthetic

Dark vinyl siding provides the sleek, modern aesthetic that’s currently trending. And since traditional, light-colored vinyl has been the popular choice among homeowners for years, choosing a darker color could give your home a unique appeal to help it stand out among others. 

Better yet, if your home’s other exterior features (roof, doors, etc.) are light-colored, choosing a dark vinyl siding can work to add contrast, resulting in a beautiful sense of dimension. 

Increases Home Resale Value

Because of dark vinyl siding’s trending, sleek appearance, you could substantially increase your home’s resale value by installing it. Of course, any siding replacement will help increase resale value, but choosing a specifically dark color could boost that number even more. So, whether you’re looking for an exterior remodel or an entirely new build, it’s a solid financial investment to consider. 

Absorbs Heat in Winter

Just like when you wear a black shirt in summertime, dark vinyl siding will absorb the sun’s heat and retain it within your home. During winter, this is a huge benefit for homeowners looking to soak up as much heat as possible and reduce some of the hefty costs associated with cranking up the furnace. 

Disadvantages of Dark Vinyl Siding

So, what’s the catch? Well, dark vinyl siding also comes with a few disadvantages. While most of them aren’t dealbreakers, they are important things to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at them below:

Fades Relatively Quickly

The main gripe with dark vinyl siding is that its coloring fades quicker and more noticeably than its light-colored counterparts. Because of this, it may require more consistent maintenance or replacements. However, this all depends on how much sun hits your house, and which siding brand you choose. If your house is surrounded by trees, for example, you may not see these effects kick in as quickly. What’s more, choosing a siding brand with a fade-free guarantee can also ensure your home maintains that attractive, deep color for years to come. 

Absorbs Heat in Summer

As winter stops and warm sunny days roll in, dark vinyl siding continues to absorb the sun’s radiant energy. This can cause your home’s temperature to elevate, which can then result in needing more energy (and therefore, money) to power your cooling system. Sometimes, your energy saved and used in the different seasons balances out, but the main point here is that homes with dark vinyl siding are overall more susceptible to drastic temperature changes.  

Can Cost More

Because it’s a trending style, dark vinyl siding can come with higher price tags — but it’s really dependent on the specific manufacturer you choose to shop with. Some may also offer advanced technologies and coatings to make the siding more temperature-resistant and energy-efficiency, but these will likely come at an additional cost. 

Shop Light and Dark Vinyl Siding Options at Zeeland Lumber & Supply

Installing new siding can add a lot of value to your home. To understand all of your siding options, check out our extensive selection at Zeeland Lumber & Supply or our new flagship Standard Zeeland Roofing & Siding location. We offer various materials, styles, colors, and brands such as Royal Building Products Exterior Portfolio® Vinyl Siding. Give us a call or contact us online to get started on creating your dream home exterior!