If you’re looking for lasting value, you may be on the fence about installing vinyl siding. After all, it’s gotten a bad rap over the years.
However, vinyl has evolved since it first came on the market. Today, Paramount Siding and Windows in Denver explores vinyl’s pros and cons, as well as how to choose a quality vinyl product for your home.
Of course, no matter what you decide or if you need us to point you in the right direction, get in touch. We install a wide range of different siding styles, including steel, vinyl and sustainable HardiePlank®.
The Many Clear Benefits of Vinyl Siding
The strong selling points of vinyl siding are its ease of maintenance, comparatively low cost, and the wide selection of designs available. Compared to wood siding, vinyl requires minimal maintenance. You don’t have to worry about the cost or hassle of having your home repainted every 5 years or so.
Plus, termites, mold, rust, and other issues that can damage the integrity and appearance of traditional siding materials will not affect the durable PVC used to make vinyl siding.
It is usually more affordable to clad your entire home with vinyl siding than with brick, steel siding, wood, or other alternative materials. In addition to a lower upfront cost, vinyl costs less for maintenance over the years. It is long-lasting and a low-risk investment.
These days, quality vinyl siding is available in a range of colors, textures, and designs, even a realistic wood look. This enables you to get creative with the exterior aesthetics of your home.
When To Avoid Going with Vinyl Siding
For most homeowners, vinyl siding is an excellent investment that can protect and add value to your home. There is one exception to the rule, however.
If you live in a historic neighborhood with carefully restored houses, you may want to reconsider using vinyl siding. In this situation, opting for vinyl can impact the value of your home if it sticks out. For historical neighborhoods, it is better to stick to whatever style and materials are traditionally used there.
More Myths About Installing Vinyl Siding
When it comes to everything you need to know about installing vinyl siding, it’s best to look at all the challenges. Most objections to vinyl siding come from those who believe that vinyl has a shiny plastic look and should not be used to clad homes.
While it is true that PVC is a type of plastic, it is a specially engineered material designed to protect homes and withstand weathering. And modern, commercially produced vinyl siding no longer fades or yellows when exposed to UV radiation from the sun.
Another problem commonly attributed to vinyl siding is that it can mask issues with moisture in the walls of your home, making it difficult to identify and potentially worsening the problem.
If your walls have leaks or are affected by condensation of moisture, this is an independent problem. Any siding covering the exterior of your home’s walls will make it difficult to observe mold growth or damp spots.
Before installing any type of siding, you should have your home inspected by a professional, and all leaks repaired. Properly installed vinyl siding will increase the likelihood of dampness entering your home.
Concerning aesthetics, modern vinyl siding does not have to look plastic, unless you go with the cheap stuff. These days, it is available in a range of different textures and matte finishes. You’ve probably even passed a few homes covered in vinyl siding and not even realized it.
If you want the look of wood siding without the cost and hassle of maintenance, ask us about low gloss, vinyl siding with a wood grain pattern in a natural tone.
Characteristics Of Quality Vinyl Siding
Knowing what to look for when choosing your vinyl siding can make a big difference in the quality of your results. For example, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requires vinyl siding panels to be at least 0.035 inches thick. However, higher quality products will be 0.04 inch or 0.045 inches.
Another feature to check is the anti-weathering additives of your chosen vinyl siding product. The color of vinyl siding permeates all the way through its thickness, so it won’t flake or chip. But exposure to UV rays can damage the vibrancy of vinyl colors, so it is important to ask your siding contractor about the specific components such as titanium oxide that can be added to improve the resistance of vinyl siding.
Don’t DIY Installing Vinyl Siding
Correct installation is one of the key factors in making sure your vinyl siding delivers flawless protection and looks good for years to come.
Vinyl siding expands and contracts with changing temperatures. If your vinyl siding is not installed by an experienced and competent contractor, you may end up with buckled or warped siding. A professional will always leave at least 1/4-inch clearance where the panel butts up against a window or stop point.
You may also notice the nailing slots at the top of each siding panel. Nails must be driven into the center of this slot, and a gap of around 1/32 inch left between the nail head and the surface of the siding panel. This allows the vinyl freedom to shift slightly in response to temperature changes. The nails used should be corrosion resistant to prevent unsightly rust marks in the future.
Now that we’ve covered the advantages and disadvantages of installing vinyl siding, you should have a better understanding of this option and be able to make decision with confidence for specific questions or to schedule a consultation about your siding options, you’re welcome to get in touch with Paramount Siding and Windows, your professional siding contractors in Denver.