Is CertainTeed Siding Good? Reviewing the Real Pros and Cons


If you’ve been looking into siding options for your home, chances are you’ve come across CertainTeed siding. Known for its extensive range of vinyl siding products, CertainTeed has become a popular choice among homeowners in Indiana and nationwide. But are they really as good as the marketing makes them out to be?

At Hoel Roofing, we install CertainTeed shingles and have done so for many years. We’ve seen firsthand how it performs on real Indiana homes, and we believe in helping homeowners make informed decisions, whether you hire us or not.

In this article, we’ll break down the types of CertainTeed siding, the features and benefits, the drawbacks you should know about, and how CertainTeed stacks up in the long run. After reading, you’ll have clarity on whether or not CertainTeed is a good option for you to consider.

Table Of Contents

What Siding Options Does CertainTeed Offer?

CertainTeed organizes its siding into a “good, better, best” system

MainStreet (Good): 

  • This is CertainTeed’s entry-level vinyl siding.
  • It has straightforward profiles, classic finishes, and a variety of standard colors. They’re designed to be practical rather than flashy.
  • Offers solid everyday protection against the weather, but not as thick or durable as higher-end options.

MainStreet Siding is best suited for homeowners on a budget, those renting properties, or those updating siding before selling a home. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and keeps curb appeal sharp without unnecessary upgrades.

Restoration Classic (Better):

  • Restoration Classic is the mid-tier option in CertainTeed’s lineup.
  • It offers deeper color choices, more realistic wood-grain textures, and stronger panels that resist warping and cracking better than MainStreet.
  • It offers better impact resistance and improved color retention over time. It holds up more reliably in Indiana’s hot summers and windy storms.

Restoration Classic Siding is best suited for: families planning to stay in their homes for the next 10–20 years who want siding that balances affordability with improved looks and performance.

Monogram (Best): 

  • Monogram is CertainTeed’s premium vinyl siding.
  • Offers the widest variety of colors (including bold and custom hues), the thickest panels, and realistic cedar-like finishes. 
  • Comes with advanced fade-resistant technology.
  • Designed for durability, even in harsher climates. Its thickness makes it more resistant than Restoration Classic to impact and helps reduce warping in extreme temperatures.
  • Typically comes with CertainTeed’s strongest warranty protection.

CertainTeed Monogram siding is best suited for homeowners who want a premium, low-maintenance exterior with upscale curb appeal and the strength to withstand harsh weather for decades.

What Features and Benefits Does CertainTeed Siding Offer?

CertainTeed is one of the leading vinyl siding brands, and for many Indiana homeowners, it’s often the first choice they consider. But before deciding, it’s important to understand what makes CertainTeed Siding appealing.

Affordability

CertainTeed siding offers some of the most budget-friendly options available. On average, CertainTeed siding costs $650-$850 per square installed.  This means: Small home (Around 2,000 sq. ft.): ($13k–$17k), Average sized home (Around 3,000 sq. ft.): around $20k–$25k and Large homes (Around 4,000 sq. ft.): closer to $30k+.

If you’re replacing siding on a large home, the upfront savings can be significant.

Low Maintenance

Vinyl never needs to be painted. A quick rinse with a garden hose will usually clear dirt and debris, and it doesn’t chip or peel like wood. If you want a “set it and forget it” siding, vinyl offers one of the easiest upkeep routines.

Style Options

CertainTeed offers one of the widest ranges of vinyl colors, textures, and finishes. You can even get options that mimic wood grain. If you’re trying to balance affordability with curb appeal, vinyl can deliver variety without breaking the bank.

Durability

Vinyl siding resists rot, insects, and moisture. It also won’t warp like wood. In Indiana’s humid summers, that resistance to rot is a big plus.

Warranty

Most CertainTeed vinyl products come with a limited lifetime warranty for the original homeowner and limited coverage for the next owner. A warranty adds peace of mind, but it’s important to know it often only covers defects, not damage from weather, installation mistakes, or normal wear.

What Are the Cons of CertainTeed Siding?

While CertainTeed siding has a lot going for it, homeowners should also be aware of a few drawbacks:

Not the Longest-Lasting Option

Vinyl siding—including CertainTeed—typically lasts around 20–25 years. While that lifespan is respectable, it’s shorter compared to alternatives like metal siding (40+ years) or fiber cement siding (30–50 years). If you plan to stay in your home long-term and want to avoid another replacement project down the road, CertainTeed may not provide the maximum return on investment.

Can Crack or Warp in Extreme Weather

One of vinyl siding’s weaknesses is its reaction to temperature swings. In Indiana, where winters can be bitterly cold and summers brutally hot, siding panels may expand and contract. Over time, this can lead to cracking, warping, or gaps that allow moisture or pests inside. While CertainTeed performs well compared to budget vinyl brands, it’s still more prone to this issue than fiber cement or engineered wood.

Less Premium Look Compared to Other Materials

Although CertainTeed offers a wide range of colors and profiles, some homeowners feel that vinyl siding doesn’t quite match the high-end curb appeal of materials like fiber cement, wood, or metal. Up close, vinyl can sometimes appear less textured or authentic, especially when compared side-by-side with more premium options.

Potential for Color Fading (Especially Darker Shades)

Indiana’s hot, sunny summers can cause darker-colored vinyl siding to fade over time. While CertainTeed’s newer product lines feature improved fade-resistant technology, older lines and deeper colors may lose vibrancy faster. This doesn’t impact performance but can affect curb appeal and may lead to uneven coloration if some panels fade more than others.

How Much Does CertainTeed Siding Cost?

Pricing varies by product line, but on average, CertainTeed Vinyl Siding (installed) costs $6–$12 per sq. ft. CertainTeed is the most affordable of the three siding types we commonly install.

For a typical Indiana home with 1,500–2,000 square feet of siding, that works out to about $9,000–$24,000 for a full siding replacement project.

This makes CertainTeed vinyl siding the most affordable option compared to other siding types we install, such as fiber cement or metal.

Keep in mind: Final cost depends on your home’s size, style, and whether extra work is needed (like replacing old trim or insulation).

So, Is CertainTeed Siding The Right Fit For You?

It depends on what you want. CertainTeed siding is a solid choice for many Indiana homeowners, but it may also not be the best for some homeowners.

  • Choose CertainTeed if: You want an affordable, low-maintenance, and stylish siding that performs reliably in Indiana’s climate.
  • CertainTeed may not be best for you if: You’re looking for the absolute longest lifespan (consider metal or James Hardie instead) or want a premium, upscale look beyond what vinyl provides.

If you’re still deciding between CertainTeed, James Hardie, and metal siding, check out our detailed comparison: CertainTeed vs. James Hardie vs. Metal Siding: Which Siding Type Is Good for You?

Toyosi Ogunsola

Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.

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