The lifespan of vinyl siding depends on its quality. The brand and grade will determine how long the siding lasts and how long it looks good. Cheap vinyl siding might start to crack and fade after a few years, while high-quality siding can look good for more than 50 years.
Other factors that can influence the lifespan include climate, incidents of extreme weather, maintenance and the quality of installation.
Depending on quality, vinyl siding costs anywhere from $3-$7 per square foot installed. Low- and mid-grade vinyl siding falls on the low end of that range, while premium products fall on the high end.
People often ask if premium siding is worth the extra cost. That depends on several factors, including your budget, how long you plan to be in the home, the price of the home, what kind of siding your neighbors have used and more. Mid-grade siding is usually sufficient for the average family home, although premium siding is a better investment in high-end neighborhoods. Avoid anything thinner than 0.40 mm - it will not hold up.