Ply Gem Vinyl Siding: Superior Styles for Every Home
Ply Gem’s vinyl siding offers a durable, low-maintenance solution that enhances curb appeal and withstands varied climates. From elegant lap profiles to authentic cedar textures, these options are engineered to provide lasting beauty, effortless upkeep, and exceptional performance for new builds or remodels.
The experts at C&W Roofing, Siding, and Window Co. are here to help you understand how these four premium Ply Gem vinyl siding lines differ, what they share in common, and which one is best suited to enhance and protect your home.
Why Choose Ply Gem?
Ply Gem is a nationally trusted leader in exterior building materials, known for its innovation in vinyl siding technology, weather resistance, and versatile design options. Whether you’re refreshing your home’s curb appeal or tackling a full-scale remodel, Ply Gem vinyl siding offers lasting performance, low maintenance, and timeless style—backed by one of the strongest warranties in the industry.
Shared Features Across All Ply Gem Siding Lines
Before diving into the differences, here’s what you’ll get with every Ply Gem vinyl siding product:
Architectural Versatility: Choose from traditional lap, textured shake, or vertical profiles to match any home style.
ColorHold® Technology: Delivers fade-resistant color with advanced UV stabilizers and deep-through pigmentation.
Low Maintenance: No need for painting or staining—just rinse with a hose to keep your siding looking like new.
Durable Construction: Designed to withstand impacts, warping, cracking, and high wind speeds.
Fire Resistance: All vinyl products are Class A fire rated for peace of mind.
Lifetime Warranty: Every line is backed by Ply Gem’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, transferable to new homeowners.
Detailed Breakdown Between Ply Gem’s Vinyl Siding Products
Ply Gem Heritage Cedar® (Shake & Shingle Siding): Authentic Cedar Look Without the Upkeep
Overview
Heritage Cedar siding captures the rustic texture of real cedar shingles while delivering the strength and low maintenance of premium vinyl. With panels up to twice as thick as standard vinyl and deep shadow lines, it offers lasting beauty and performance in any climate.
Key Benefits
Impact-Resistant Thickness: Durable enough to resist dents, warping, and severe weather.
Superior Wind Resistance: Withstands hurricane-force winds up to 168–218 mph.
Authentic Cedar Style: Random grain patterns and varied edges mimic real cedar’s natural charm.
Limitations
Rustic Aesthetic: Best suited for homes seeking a traditional, craftsman, or coastal style.
Best For:
Homeowners who want the timeless look of cedar shakes without the ongoing maintenance of wood.
Ply Gem Ashton Heights (Traditional Lap Siding): Classic Style, Lasting Strength
Overview
Ashton Heights siding delivers the timeless appeal of painted wood with a subtle woodgrain texture—offering beauty, durability, and minimal upkeep. Its reinforced structure and advanced color protection make it a practical choice for Ohio weather.
Key Benefits
Secure Installation: Double-staggered nail hem for strength and stability.
Enhanced Color Protection: ASA resin with Permahue® technology guards against fading, even in darker colors.
Wind-Tested Strength: Resists winds up to 132 mph.
Limitations
Traditional Appearance: May not suit ultra-modern home designs seeking a more contemporary finish.
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a classic lap siding look with dependable performance and fade resistance.
Ply Gem Vortex Extreme™ (High-Performance Lap Siding): Built for the Toughest Weather
Overview
Vortex Extreme is engineered for superior durability in extreme conditions. Using Ply Gem’s Weather Warrior Technology, it combines extra-thick panels, UV protection, and a triple-locking system to handle high winds, harsh sun, and severe storms.
Key Benefits
Exceptional Wind Resistance: Built to withstand hurricane-level forces.
UV-Protected Color: Resists fading in intense sunlight.
Secure Locking System: Triple Bow™ lock and reinforced nail hem ensure a tight, lasting fit.
Limitations
Performance-Oriented Design: Overengineering may be more than needed for mild climates.
Best For:
Homeowners in high-wind or severe-weather regions seeking maximum siding durability.
Ply Gem Board & Batten (Vertical Siding): Distinctive Vertical Appeal
Overview
Board & Batten vertical siding blends farmhouse charm with modern resilience. Its alternating wide and narrow boards create striking vertical lines, adding height and style to home exteriors.
Key Benefits
Impact-Ready Thickness: Strong enough to withstand daily wear and harsh weather.
Secure Locking System: Ensures panels stay tight and secure for years.
Architectural Interest: Vertical orientation adds depth and dimension to a home’s façade.
Limitations
Bold Design Choice: May not match every home’s exterior style.
Best For:
Homeowners looking to create a standout look, either as full exterior siding or as an accent wall.
Which Ply Gem Siding Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick summary to help guide your decision:
Choose Heritage Cedar® if you want the authentic, textured look of real cedar shakes with extra-thick panels for maximum durability, impact resistance, and exceptional wind protection.
Choose Ashton Heights if you’re looking for traditional lap siding with a subtle woodgrain finish, strong wind resistance, and advanced fade protection for rich, lasting color.
Choose Vortex Extreme™ if you need a high-performance lap siding engineered to withstand extreme weather, with a reinforced locking system and superior UV protection.
Choose Board & Batten if you want a bold vertical design that adds farmhouse charm or dramatic accents, with durable, impact-ready panels that hold color and style for years.
No matter which style you choose, Spartan StormShield ensures your siding is installed with precision, built to endure Ohio’s climate, and backed by Ply Gem’s trusted warranty protection.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Heritage Cedar® vs. Ashton Heights vs. Vortex Extreme™ vs. Board & Batten
| Feature | Heritage Cedar® | Ashton Heights | Vortex Extreme™ | Board & Batten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Style | Shake & Shingle (cedar-look) | Traditional Lap (woodgrain) | High-performance Lap (cedar-look) | Vertical Siding |
| Panel Thickness | Extra-thick (up to 2× standard; varies by profile) | .042" nominal | .046" nominal | .048" nominal |
| Wind Resistance | Hurricane-level; up to ~180–230 MPH (profile-dependent) | Up to ~175 MPH | Up to ~220 MPH | High (exact rating varies) |
| Appearance | Deep cedar texture; bold shadow lines | Painted-wood look; subtle woodgrain | Refined lap with color-stable finish | Alternating wide/narrow boards; strong vertical lines |
| Fade Protection | Excellent, low-maintenance | Excellent (enhanced UV/color protection) | Excellent (UV-resistant coating) | Excellent |
| Profile Options | Perfection Shingle, Round-Cut, Hand-Split | Double 4", Double 5", Dutch Lap | Double 4", Double 5", Double 4.5" Dutch Lap (standard & long lengths) | Standard Board & Batten |
| Ideal Buyer | Homeowners seeking authentic cedar-shake aesthetics with extra durability | Traditional curb-appeal with strong value and low upkeep | Severe-weather markets wanting maximum strength and stability | Farmhouse accents or full-home vertical statement |
| Maintenance | ✔ All products are low-maintenance and never need painting or staining | |||
| Material Sustainability | ✔ All made from recyclable vinyl for eco-friendly performance | |||
| Warranty Coverage | ✔ All backed by Ply Gem’s Limited Lifetime Warranty (transferable) | |||
Get Expert Guidance from C&W Siding
Still not sure which option fits your home and budget? Contact C&W Roofing, Siding & Window Co. for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk you through the features, colors, pricing, and warranties to help you make the best choice for your family.
