If you're looking to install new siding on your home, Ply Gem's Mastic vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance.
But how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth buying? Let's find out.
About Mastic siding
Mastic is Ply Gem's brand of home exteriors and vinyl siding. Designed to look like cedar shake and other expensive materials, Mastic is available in the three basic styles of vinyl siding, including clapboard, board and batten, and cedar shake siding. Mastic also manufactures other accessories like soffit, fascia, and gutters.
Mastic siding products
Lap siding
Structure Home Insulation System
Image source: PROREMODELER
Structure Home Insulation System insulated siding features a combination of vinyl and insulating foam to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Structure Home Insulation System’s key features:
- Made with vinyl and polystyrene foam backing
- Increases R-value
- Impact-resistant
- Duranyl-5000 Protection System, which adds UV protection
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 15 different colors
Quest
Image source: Ply Gem
Mastic's Quest siding is vinyl siding designed to withstand high winds with its unique fold-over nail hem. If you live in an area that experiences a good amount of severe weather, Quest is a solid choice.
Quest’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Can withstand winds up to 190 MPH
- Duranyl-5000 Protection System
- Kynar 500 Protection, featuring a protective coating that helps with wear and tear
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 35 different colors
Carvedwood 44
Image source: Pinterest
Mastic's Carvedwood 44 siding is equipped with a thickness to help resist dents, impact from debris, and other extreme weather conditions. Some of the Carvedwood 44's colors feature SolarDefense, which resists color fading and distortion.
Carvedwood 44’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Withstands winds up to 178 MPH
- SolarDefense Reflective Technology
- Enhanced shadow lines
- Thick nail hem
- Duranyl-5000 Protection System
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 40 different colors
Western Extreme
Image source: PROREMODELER
Western Extreme siding is designed to withstand the damaging effects of western climates like drastic temperature changes, infrared rays, and low humidity. The addition of polymers, various additives, and designs help give the siding extra ultraviolet protection.
Western Extreme’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Dent-resistant
- Woodgrain texture
- Ultraviolet protection
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 16 different colors
Charleston Beaded
Image source: Pinterest
The Charleston Beaded lap siding features sculpted beads to mimic the appearance of classic wood homes. This type of siding also includes Hang-Tough Technology, which helps prevent scratches and cracking.
Charleston Beaded’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Extra thick and dent-resistant
- Hang-Tough Technology
- Duranyl-5000 Protection
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 14 different colors
Ovation
Image source: Ply Gem
Ovation siding features a large variety of different colors and styles in addition to strong wind and dent resistance. It includes a special locking system which lowers the possibility of any type of damage.
Ovation's key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Withstands winds up to 195 MPH
- SolarDefense Reflective Technology
- SNAP+LOCK+HOLD Panel Locking System
- Duranyl-5000 Protection System
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 29 different colors
Mill Creek
Image source: Ply Gem
Mastic's Mill Creek siding is designed to mimic the rustic appearance of real wood, while being resistant to harsh weather and other elements like impact, distortion, and cracking.
Mill Creek’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Hang-Tough Technology
- Dent-resistant
- Withstands winds up to 150 MPH
- Duranyl-5000 Protection System
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 13 different colors
Eclipse
Image source: Ply Gem
Eclipse siding is Mastic's most eco-friendly option, made from natural recyclable materials. This type of siding is also incredibly durable and features extra-thick paneling, protecting it from dents and impact from debris.
Eclipse’s key features:
- Made from vinyl
- Hang-Tough Technology
- Woodgrain textures
- Withstands winds up to 165 MPH
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 16 different colors
Envoy
Image source: Ply Gem
Envoy is Mastic's aluminum siding option. It features an Alumalure 2000 Finish which offers protection from harsh weather conditions, rust, and corrosion. Unlike vinyl, aluminum is also 100% recyclable, making it one of its most eco-friendly siding options.
Envoy’s key features:
- Made with aluminum
- Alumalure 2000 Finish, which gives the aluminum panels a rust-inhibiting primer and a topcoat to resist corrosion
- Withstands winds up to 165 MPH
- 100% recyclable
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 10 different colors
Endurance
Image source: Ply Gem
Endurance is Mastic's other aluminum siding option. Like the Envoy siding, this type of siding also features the Alumalure 2000 Finish, which ensures protection against rust and corrosion. Endurance is similar to Envoy in terms of features, but the panels are slightly thinner.
Endurance’s key features:
- Made with aluminum
- Alumalure 2000 Finish
- .019" panel thickness
- Withstands winds up to 165 MPH
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 10 different colors
Vertical siding
Board and Batten Designer Series
Image source: Ply Gem
Mastic's vertical siding options include its Board and Batten Designer Series, which is available for full cladding or partial accents. This type of siding features extra thickness which protects it from dents and severe weather.
Board and Batten’s key features:
- Made from vinyl
- Dent-resistant
- Hang-Tough technology
- Extra thickness
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 24 different color options
Shake and shingle siding
Cedar Discovery
Image source: Ply Gem
Another different type of Mastic siding is the Cedar Discovery line, featuring the appearance of real hand-split shakes. While it may not be real wood siding, Cedar Discovery siding is durable and able to withstand strong winds.
Cedar Discovery’s key features:
- Made with vinyl
- Cedar-shake appearance
- Double-thick nail hem
- C-LOK lock system which provides extra support
- Withstands winds up to 180 MPH
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Available in 45 different colors
Mastic siding vs. Hardiplank siding
When it comes time to find the right type of siding for your home, it can be difficult to choose between vinyl and fiber cement siding. While vinyl remains the most popular house siding material available, fiber cement is becoming increasingly popular. Two of the largest brands for each include Mastic and James Hardie.
Here's how they compare.
Durability
Mastic - Despite being made of mostly vinyl materials, which are prone to cracking and warping, Mastic's vinyl and aluminum siding are equipped with key additions that increase their durability. Mastic siding can withstand high winds and includes UV protection so the colors won't fade and the panels won't warp. Mastic also includes a limited lifetime warranty and a fade warranty.
Hardiplank - Although Hardiplank requires a little bit of maintenance, fiber cement is typically more durable, could last up to 50 years, and will not crack or melt in severe weather conditions. James Hardie includes a 15-year color warranty, which covers your siding from excess color change besides normal weathering.
Who do we recommend?: Hardiplank
Maintenance
Mastic - While vinyl siding's paint will fade eventually, you'll rarely need to touch it up. Both options will typically need an occasional wash and upkeep if they become dirty.
Hardiplank - Fiber cement paint chips and fades over time, so you'll likely need to touch it up occasionally.
Who do we recommend?: Mastic
Installation
Mastic - Mastic siding and vinyl siding are usually easier to install than other materials. Mastic siding panels feature a nail hem which makes it easy to attach and lock in.
Hardiplank - Fiber cement is not a DIY-friendly installation and can chip and crack if installed improperly. Fiber cement can also release harmful chemicals like cancerous crystalline silica dust when cut. It's highly recommended that you hire a professional to install Hardiplank.
Who do we recommend?: Mastic
Mastic - Mastic siding costs an average of $5 per square foot, depending on the type you choose
Hardiplank - Because it's a heavier material and more difficult to install, Hardiplank costs an average price of $9 per square foot.
Who do we recommend?: Mastic
Environmental
Mastic - Though some vinyl materials are recyclable, PVC production creates greenhouse gasses that can be harmful to the environment.
Hardiplank - While both vinyl and fiber cement present some environmental issues like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, fiber cement does not pose any long-term environmental risks.
Who do we recommend?: Hardiplank
Is Mastic siding right for your home?
If you're interested in installing new siding for your home, Mastic is one of the top vinyl siding manufacturers available. Mastic offers a variety of durable and relatively maintenance-free options which are affordable and aesthetically pleasing.
While it may not last as long as fiber cement, Mastic siding will still help boost curb appeal, while featuring the appealing looks of real wood. Mastic is a solid choice for premium vinyl siding.
Chris Gennone is a content specialist and video producer at Fixr.com. He has 5 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of web and print publications, currently specializing in home improvement projects such as roofing, remodeling, and repairs. When Chris isn’t writing or in front of the camera, he’s either playing with his band or tracking down the best sandwich shops.