Liquid Siding Comparison

Advertised Advantages

• Liquid siding manufacturers and installation professionals provide extensive lists that detail the benefits of the material. These companies claim that the material provides a waterproof and mildew-resistant exterior coating for your home that is capable of expanding significantly before breaking or cracking. Apparently, this material lowers energy costs, requires little maintenance and lasts for a very long time -- at least 25 years before showing signs of wear and tear. It also resists dirt accumulation, comes in hundreds of colors and can be applied to nearly any surface.

Manufacturers' Claims

• According to the manufacturers, liquid siding installs as easily as paint but lasts significantly longer while its color never fades. While not as hard as stucco or vinyl siding, it requires less maintenance, provides better weatherproofing and won’t break if your home shifts, moves and expands, which is typical of stucco. Liquid siding costs significantly less than other siding materials in the long run given its myriad benefits, especially because it saves on energy costs due to its superior insulating qualities.

The Realities of Liquid Siding

• The realities of liquid siding differ significantly from its manufacturers' claims. Home construction and building resource Ask The Builder provides a long list of testimonials and objective evidence about liquid siding. According to this information, liquid siding tends to peel off not long after installation. Its energy-saving advantage, furthermore, is questionable -- the Federal Trade Commission censured Kyrton Coatings, a siding company, for completely fallacious claims in regard to the insulating properties of its products. Another such company, Liquid Siding of Lexington, received a grade of “F” from the Better Business Bureau. The organization received nine customer complaints about the company’s product and guarantee.

An Objective Comparison

• In reality, traditional siding materials provide a much better solution to protecting your home than liquid siding. The waterproofing qualities of liquid siding, for instance, have a very low moisture permeability rate. Because of this, liquids and moisture in walls, wood, concrete and other home materials cannot escape. This moisture can cause significant damage to a home’s frame. Most other siding materials, especially stucco and vinyl siding, provide much greater permeability. Furthermore, the claim that liquid siding lasts for as long as 25 years without peeling only holds true when applied to a completely clean, dry surface with no modifications -- put liquid siding on a painted surface and it begins peeling very quickly.