Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Putting exterior siding through its paces

In years past, many homeowners decided against using vinyl siding for aesthetic reasons. One of the common knocks against this material had to do with the wavy, so-called oil-canning look that resulted from nails that were pounded in too tightly.

But with the waviness problem more or less eliminated—installers learned from their peers' mistakes, and many siding products are now more rigid—and thanks in part to its relatively low price and resistance to water and insects, vinyl now dominates the exterior-siding market.

Whether you use vinyl, plastic, or any other material, like those covered in our June 2009 report on siding and roofing, attractive siding can help boost the curb appeal of your home, important if you're selling your home.

"You have only one chance to make that first good impression," says Judy Moore, a regional vice president for the National Association of Realtors. "Exterior siding, roofing, the front door—all these things are crucial. The outside is a signal as to what the buyer can expect inside."

As you'll see in the video above, we tested both traditional vinyl siding and plastic shingles/shakes, which offer even more of a woodlike look with as little maintenance as vinyl. We also tested fiber-cement products, which cost about the same as vinyl and most resemble wood, even down to the need for periodical refinishing.

Our testers accelerated weathering tests to assess resistance to typical weathering cycles siding would encounter at your home, including heat, sunlight, and rain. They also measured how well the siding products withstood impacts in cold and warm temperatures. While the siding that scored the highest tended to be the thickest and priciest, we found exceptions. Our top picks in vinyl also included the Heartland Siding's HeartTech, which sells for a relatively low $75 per 100 square feet.—Ed Perratore | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Siding and roofing are among the five home repairs you shouldn't ignore. Read our full report on these building products and check out the ratings of siding and roofing (available to subscribers) to find the best materials for your home.