Hi,
I was wondering, how durable and safe are the Exterior Walls made 'Completely'/'Partially' from Vinyl. Sure we cannot compare with Brick - which is lifetime.

The Builders say all sorts of things but I need your honest opinion here.

One Builder said that only in Ontario, we get 'All Brick' houses elsewhere it is either 'Completely'/'Partially' Vinyl. Vinyl are good for a lifetime. But some of my friends say that water leaks in Vinyl walls can happen after say 10 years and so you will need to redo the vinyl walls every 10-12 years. How far it is correct ?

Is it wise to go for a Vinyl+Brick (I mean, some Vinyland mostly Brick) house and save about 5000$ ? Is it a good judgement (if we discount - how it looks) ?

Thanks Very Much

Hi shaibal,

Well, you already know the answer that 'bricks' are lifetime. However, owing to several factors, cost is one of them, builders have been resorting to use of vinyl sidings, wherever possible. You will still find that most homes have brick frontage, while covered by vinyl sidings on the side.

While I am not an expert in building materials, being a REALTOR, I encounter this concern every now and then. Most buyers from Asia, where they are only used to see brick/concrete/stone exteriors, are concerned about the long term viability of this product. There is no doubt that brick is everlasting, nevertheless, there is nothing negative that I have come accross the use of vinyl sidings. One thing for sure though that it would effect the resale price of the home (when you get to it).

The answer to which one is better will differ from who you ask. Here are a few links that will provide you and other CDs with similar concerns with interesting information for you to make a sound decision

http://www.countymaterials.com/f_products/brick.html

http://www.gobrick.com/html/Shelter_from_the_Storm.html

http://www.new-siding.com/index.htm

http://www.new-siding.com/vinyl_siding-information-ratings-colors.html

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Rajeev Narula, Broker, REALTOR®
ACE TEAM REALTY INC., Brokerage
10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 704
(Opp Square One - HWY10/403)
Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6
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Fax: 1-888-443-3155
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Thanks Very Much RajeevJi.
I really appreciate your kind help and valuable advice.
I am sure, this discussion will help others as well.
Regards
Shaibal Bose

I have seen houses that are over 80 years old made entirely of vinyl.
Before the time that "all brick" homes became a status symbol, most middle income and low income homes were made entirely of vinyl and were pretty durable - if a house that you buy today lasts you 80 years, I would say it is pretty durable

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"