CertainTeed Siding: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

CertainTeed siding combines premium quality with versatile design options, offering vinyl, polymer, and insulated materials for every home style. Backed by a century of manufacturing excellence and eco-friendly practices, CertainTeed products deliver outstanding durability and curb appeal. Material costs typically range from $6 to $11 per square foot installed, varying by product line and location.

As a certified CertainTeed siding installer in the Chicagoland area, Greater Midwest Exteriors brings over three decades of expertise to every siding project. In this article, we'll explore the unique features that distinguish CertainTeed from other leading brands like Alside. Should you have any questions about CertainTeed and whether it’s for you, we’re always here to help.

What Makes CertainTeed Siding Stand Out?

When it comes to exterior home improvements, CertainTeed has established itself as a leader in the industry. Their commitment to excellence shows in every aspect of their products, from the popular Colonial White vinyl siding to the authentic-looking Cedar Impressions polymer shakes. The company's dedication to innovation has resulted in industry-leading durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and an impressive range of color options. With strong warranty support and advanced weather resistance, homeowners can trust in the lasting quality of their investment.

Before we explore the specific product lines, let's examine the key advantages and limitations of CertainTeed siding to help you make an informed decision:

Breaking Down CertainTeed Product Lines

CertainTeed offers a diverse range of siding products to cater to every homeowner's style preferences and budget. From traditional vinyl siding to innovative polymer shakes, each product line showcases the company's commitment to quality, durability, and aesthetics.

Let's explore the key features and benefits of CertainTeed's main siding collections.

Vinyl Siding Collections

CertainTeed's vinyl siding comes in three collections: the premium Monogram series with the widest color selection and a lifetime limited warranty; the mid-range MainStreet series, featuring the popular Colonial White option; and the budget-friendly Wolverine American Legend series, offering reliable weather resistance and essential colors.

Cedar Impressions Polymer Siding

The Cedar Impressions collection offers an authentic cedar shake look with superior impact resistance. Advanced TrueTexture™ finish technology and premium color options create a perfect balance between traditional aesthetics and modern durability.

Specialty Siding Options

CertainTeed's specialty siding options include Board & Batten vertical siding for unique architectural interest, Northwoods® shakes for an authentic wood look, CedarBoards™ insulated siding for enhanced energy efficiency, and Stone Façade architectural stone cladding for accent areas or full exterior transformations.

Understanding Your Investment

We know that investing in your home is a big decision. Understanding the cost structure of CertainTeed siding can help homeowners make informed and confident decisions.

Keep in mind that material costs vary significantly based on the chosen product line:

• Entry-level vinyl: $4-$6 per square foot
• Premium vinyl: $6-$8 per square foot
• Cedar impressions: $9-$12 per square foot
• Insulated siding: $8-$11 per square foot

Installation costs depend on several factors including your home's size and configuration, geographic location, current siding condition, and any additional repairs needed.

However, consider that the value extends beyond the initial investment. CertainTeed siding enhances curb appeal, improves energy efficiency, and increases home value while providing long-term savings through minimal maintenance requirements.

Durability & Performance

CertainTeed's commitment to durability shines through in their impressive performance ratings. According to CertainTeed's 2024 U.S. Industry Trend Report, 70% of homeowners and 86% of professionals have noticed a change in extreme weather over the past two years. When selecting building materials with extreme weather in mind, durability is the top priority for both consumers (58%) and professionals (58%).

CertainTeed siding offers exceptional durability, with resistance to extreme temperatures (-20°F to 160°F), Class A fire rating, 110+ mph wind resistance, and impact resistance from 1.25" hail. ColorMax® technology ensures long-lasting color with less than 2 Hunter units of fade in the first decade. CedarBoards™ insulated siding provides superior energy efficiency, reducing thermal bridging by 30% and energy costs by 5-15%.

Maintenance Requirements

One of CertainTeed siding's greatest advantages is its minimal maintenance needs, so homeowners won’t need to stress about labor-intensive maintenance. Annual inspection and basic cleaning are typically all that's required to maintain its appearance and performance. A simple yearly wash with mild soap and water using a soft bristle brush keeps the siding looking fresh. It's important to note that power washing should be avoided or limited to 1,500 PSI to prevent damage.

Long-term care focuses on preventive measures rather than intensive maintenance. For example, keeping gutters clean and ensuring proper drainage around your foundation prevents most of the common issues. When minor damage occurs, get repairs done quickly to help maintain the siding's integrity and appearance. The most common issues — loose panels, water spots, or storm damage — are typically simple to address when caught early.

Warranty Coverage

CertainTeed stands behind its products with one of the industry's most comprehensive warranty packages. Their lifetime limited transferable warranty includes SureStart™ protection for the first five years, covering both materials and labor for any defect repairs. The warranty specifically addresses common concerns like excessive color fade (beyond 2 Hunter units) and damage from hail or high winds up to 110 mph.

However, homeowners should understand what falls outside warranty coverage. Damage from improper installation, unauthorized modifications, or natural disasters beyond specified limits isn't covered. Normal weathering is an expected part of any exterior product's lifecycle and is also excluded from warranty protection.

Brand Comparisons

Understanding how CertainTeed compares to other major siding manufacturers helps make an informed decision for your home investment. While each brand has its strengths, CertainTeed consistently ranks among the top choices for durability and aesthetics, and for good reason.

CertainTeed vs. James Hardie

When comparing these industry leaders, CertainTeed excels in color variety and warranty coverage while maintaining lower maintenance requirements and installation costs. Their architectural design options give homeowners greater flexibility in achieving their desired look. James Hardie, primarily known for fiber cement products, offers superior impact resistance and fire ratings, so it’s particularly suitable for extreme weather conditions.

CertainTeed vs. Mastic

In the vinyl siding category, CertainTeed distinguishes itself through advanced color technology and superior wind resistance ratings. While Mastic offers more budget-friendly options and wider availability, CertainTeed's comprehensive warranty and innovative features like CedarBoards™ insulated siding provide greater long-term value. For homeowners prioritizing initial cost savings, Mastic remains a solid choice, but CertainTeed's quality and durability often justify the premium price tag.

CertainTeed vs. Alside

While Alside offers budget-friendly vinyl siding, CertainTeed stands out with advanced color technology, superior wind resistance, and innovative features like CedarBoards™ insulated siding. CertainTeed's PermaColor™ system ensures better color retention, while their STUDfinder™ and RigidLock™ technologies enhance installation accuracy and structural integrity.

Transform Your Home with Premium CertainTeed Siding Today

CertainTeed siding represents a balanced choice for homeowners seeking quality, durability, and value. With its comprehensive warranty, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of styles, it's an excellent investment for most homes. While premium options like Cedar Impressions may cost more initially, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance, improved energy efficiency, and increased home value often justify the investment.

If you’ve decided on CertainTeed, make sure to choose a trusted company to assist with installation. Greater Midwest Exteriors is a family-owned and operated company that brings decades of experience in CertainTeed siding installation to every project. We have decades of experience and guarantee impeccable results. Ready to explore your siding options? Contact us for a free consultation and discover how we can transform your home with CertainTeed's premium siding solutions.