Vinyl siding has long been popular as a home exterior covering—it's used in one-quarter of new single-family homes being built today. Yes, some deride it as tacky or passé. Comedians have used it for ...

Only 2 years into homeownership, my growing project wish list is daunting. As a result, I’ve procrastinated some major projects—including replacing siding and windows—until the end of the year.