Why not look at one of the concrete sidings as they don't rot and hold paint great as they are much more stable than wood siding.

I feel that vinyl siidng would ruin the look of an older house, but that is just my opinion for what it is worth.

Now for as vinyl being maintenance free. It does need to be washed as it will mildew and get dirty. It is not fade proof as anything in the sun will fade and I have seen it chalk as well. The wind can blow it off your house and what if they don't make that color or style anymore.

Hope this helps out.

There is a new product on the market which is the best thing I have seen in a long time. The only drawback is that it is not available in all parts of the U.S. yet.

Check it out at www.prodigysiding.com.

Good Luck!

putting vinyl on a quaint historical pre-civil war home would be a tragic decision.