When a homeowner sees .044-inch and .046-inch vinyl siding on the same proposal, the natural question is whether an additional two-thousandths of an inch can make a meaningful difference.

The honest answer is that .046-inch siding provides more material and can offer greater panel body and rigidity. However, the upgrade should not be sold on thickness alone. Panel geometry, nail-hem construction, locking design, surface texture, wall preparation and installation quality all affect the final exterior.

Within Gentek’s product family, Signature Supreme® begins with a nominal .044-inch thickness, while the horizontal profiles of Gentek Sequoia Select® have a nominal .046-inch thickness. Both are premium products, but Sequoia Select offers additional architectural depth and heavier construction.

How Much Thicker Is .046 Than .044?

The numerical difference is .002 inch, or two-thousandths of an inch. Based on the stated nominal measurements, .046-inch siding is approximately 4.5% thicker than .044-inch siding.

The percentage compares the two nominal thickness measurements. It does not mean the .046-inch product is automatically 4.5% better in every performance category.

Gentek .046 and .044 Siding at a Glance

Specifications and available profiles can change. Contractors should confirm Gentek’s current Product Directory for the exact product, profile and market before ordering.

What Does Nominal Thickness Mean?

Both .044 and .046 are nominal thickness measurements. Nominal identifies the manufacturer’s designated panel thickness rather than promising that every microscopic point on every panel will produce exactly the same measurement.

Controlled manufacturing tolerances are normal. Applicable product specifications establish how dimensions are measured and how the siding demonstrates compliance.

Contractors should compare published manufacturer specifications for the exact profiles being quoted. A thickness associated with one siding line or profile should not be applied automatically to every product sold by that manufacturer.

Does the Extra .002 Inch Improve Rigidity?

All other factors being equal, a thicker vinyl panel generally has more material and body. This can make a .046-inch panel feel more substantial during handling and help it maintain straighter-looking courses over a properly prepared wall.

However, “all other factors being equal” is an important qualification. Panel geometry, butt height, bends, nail-hem construction and locking design also influence rigidity.

That is why the Sequoia Select upgrade should be evaluated as a complete panel design. Its .046-inch thickness works with a full-roll nail hem, Advantage Lock system and full 3/4-inch lap height.

The Most Visible Upgrade May Be the Deeper Profile

Homeowners cannot easily see a two-thousandths-of-an-inch difference after the siding is installed. They can see the difference between a flatter wall and one with deeper shadow lines.

Gentek Sequoia Select’s horizontal profiles have a full 3/4-inch lap height. Signature Supreme uses a 5/8-inch lap height. That additional projection gives Sequoia Select a deeper architectural profile.

As sunlight moves across the exterior, the deeper lap produces stronger shadows between courses. This can help a broad wall look more dimensional and more closely resemble traditional wood siding.

ASTM D3679 Evaluates More Than Thickness

ASTM D3679 is the primary product specification for extruded, single-wall rigid PVC siding. It establishes requirements and test methods for several product characteristics.

The standard addresses areas that include:

• Material composition
• Panel dimensions
• Thickness
• Camber
• Heat shrinkage
• Impact resistance
• Linear expansion
• Surface appearance
• Weathering performance
• Wind-load resistance

This broader evaluation prevents a common sales mistake: treating the thickest panel as automatically superior in every way. Thickness is useful, but complete performance requires several tested and engineered characteristics.

Is .046-Inch Siding Automatically More Wind-Resistant?

Not automatically. A thicker panel may contribute to a stronger overall design, but thickness alone does not establish wind-load performance.

ASTM D5206 describes a laboratory method for testing the wind-load resistance of rigid plastic siding under a specified uniform static pressure difference. Gentek states that Sequoia Select has been tested for negative wind-load resistance according to ASTM D5206 and meets or exceeds the applicable industry standard for wind-load performance.

The exact result may vary by siding profile, fastening schedule and test configuration. Actual building performance also depends on the substrate, fasteners, installation quality, building height, exposure and surrounding terrain.

Contractors should use the current Gentek test information for the exact profile instead of converting panel thickness into an unsupported wind-speed claim.

ASTM and VSI Standards Make Installation the Equalizer

ASTM D4756 addresses recognized practices for installing rigid PVC siding and soffit. ASTM D3679 also directs installers to follow ASTM D4756 and the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product.

The Vinyl Siding Institute has long supported professional installer education. A central VSI installation principle is that vinyl siding must be secured while remaining free to expand and contract as temperatures change.

Whether the siding is .044 or .046 inch thick, professional installation should include:

• A flat, sound and properly prepared wall surface
• A correctly installed weather-resistant barrier
• Proper flashing around windows, doors and penetrations
• A straight and level starter strip
• Fasteners positioned correctly in the nail slots
• Sufficient space between the fastener head and siding panel
• Manufacturer-required clearances at trim and accessories
• Fully engaged courses that are not stretched upward
• Frequent checks for level and consistent course alignment

A correctly installed .044-inch panel can outperform a poorly installed .046-inch panel. The premium product provides a better foundation, but installation determines whether the homeowner receives its intended value.

Does Thickness Affect Fading?

Panel thickness and color retention are separate performance questions. A thicker panel is not automatically more resistant to visible color change.

Color performance depends on the siding formulation, pigments, color technology, environmental exposure and manufacturer specifications. ASTM D7856 provides test methods and requirements for evaluating the color and appearance retention of plastic siding products.

Contractors should rely on Gentek’s current written warranty when discussing fade protection. The warranty determines how excessive color change is measured, what conditions are covered and what exclusions apply.

When Is the .046 Upgrade Worth It?

When Does .044-Inch Siding Still Make Sense?

A .044-inch Gentek panel is not an inferior or economy-grade choice simply because Sequoia Select is thicker. Gentek Signature Supreme is positioned as a premium siding product and includes a full-roll nail hem, panel-locking technology, a 5/8-inch lap and low-gloss hardwood texture.

The .044-inch option may be appropriate when:

• The homeowner needs to balance product quality with a defined budget.
• The home has smaller or less visually prominent elevations.
• The homeowner prefers the profile or texture available in the .044-inch line.
• Other project priorities require a greater share of the budget.
• The product is installed by a contractor who follows Gentek and VSI-recognized practices.

How Contractors Should Present the Upgrade

The strongest presentation allows the homeowner to see and feel the difference instead of relying on technical language alone.

1. Place both panels side by side. Let the homeowner handle the .044-inch and .046-inch samples.
2. Compare the profiles. Show the 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch lap heights from the side.
3. Demonstrate the panel engagement. Explain how each course connects and why a secure lock matters.
4. Discuss the complete wall system. Connect product construction with flashing, wall preparation and fastening.
5. Explain the actual price difference. Present the upgrade as a project-level investment rather than only a price per square.
6. Let the homeowner choose. Explain where the premium creates value without claiming that .044-inch siding is inadequate.

Final Verdict: Is .046 Vinyl Siding Worth the Upgrade?

For homeowners seeking Gentek’s heavier horizontal panel, deeper shadow lines and more substantial architectural appearance, Sequoia Select .046 vinyl siding is a worthwhile upgrade.

The additional .002 inch represents approximately 4.5% more nominal thickness than a .044-inch panel. That difference is meaningful, but it is not the entire reason to upgrade. Sequoia Select also provides a full 3/4-inch lap, cedar-grain finish, full-roll nail hem and Advantage Lock system.

Gentek .044-inch siding remains a legitimate premium option for homeowners who want to manage cost without dropping to a basic, entry-level product.

The best choice depends on the home, budget, desired appearance and installation plan. Either product must be installed according to Gentek’s current specifications, applicable ASTM practices, recognized VSI principles and local building-code requirements.