What is the Purpose of Vinyl Siding?
The elements can be tough on your siding. Rain, wind, sun, and freeze to thaw cycles all take their toll over time.
Insulated vinyl prevents heat loss between wall studs, so your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. That can cut your energy costs over time.
It’s Affordable
Vinyl is one of the most affordable types of exterior cladding. It’s also highly versatile and a relatively low-maintenance option for homeowners. It’s made from a type of plastic that’s known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is often simply called “vinyl.” The material is heated in a special blending process that creates color-infusion. This helps it resist color fading from sunlight, and some manufacturers offer warranties that hold up to 50 years.
Adding to its affordability is the fact that vinyl doesn’t require painting like other cladding materials. This will save homeowners the cost and hassle of repainting their homes, as well as paying to have Vinyl Siding Amarillo TX to do so.
Another way that vinyl siding can save homeowners money is on energy costs. Depending on its R-value and how it’s installed, vinyl can reduce heating and cooling expenses by improving home insulation.
There are a variety of styles and colors that can be chosen to complement a home’s architecture, landscape and décor. Some options can even mimic the look of more expensive cladding, such as wood or brick. In addition, there are many different trim and accessory pieces that can be used with vinyl, allowing homeowners to achieve the desired look.
While vinyl is considered a green building product, there are some concerns about its production and environmental impact. Most notably, the manufacture of vinyl emits greenhouse gases and other harmful chemicals. While some studies show that these emissions are lower than those of other cladding materials, there is not enough evidence to determine whether they pose any health risks for homeowners.
Some people worry that the style of vinyl doesn’t mesh with historic neighborhoods. A home restoration consultant, points out that the value of a restored Victorian in a historic neighborhood can suffer if it’s sided with modern vinyl. However, he says that some manufacturers are now offering period patterns to help keep homes in character with their historic neighbors.
There are also vinyl products that mimic the look of more rustic cladding, such as cedar shakes and hand-split logs. These can be found in rows or as individually crafted shingles that have an embossed wood grain or texture.
It’s Durable
When installed properly, vinyl is a very durable siding. It is available in many colors and textures to suit any home design. It is easy to install and can be less expensive than other types of siding. It is also water resistant and has a built-in moisture barrier, which helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. It also does not require painting, which can save on maintenance costs over the life of your home.
One of the main concerns with vinyl siding is that it can fade in color from sun exposure, but thanks to advances in manufacturing, this is not as big a problem now as it once was. The vinyl itself is infused with titanium dioxide to block UV rays. This protects the product, but it is recommended that you use a latex paint to protect the siding from weathering and maintain its vivid appearance.
Unlike wood, vinyl does not warp or rot, and it can easily be repaired. It is also water-resistant and can repel insects, which is a plus for those who live in areas with humid climates. Having vinyl siding also makes it easier to hide problems like cracks, holes or other structural damage.
However, homeowners should consider that while vinyl may last a long time and can be more affordable than other types of siding, it is not as durable as wood or masonry. It can also diminish a property’s value by covering up architectural details that are more desirable to potential buyers, as well as by hiding issues such as water leaks and moisture.
While some homeowners prefer the look of vinyl siding, others think it looks cheap and outdated and that it decreases a property’s value. Some experts recommend avoiding using vinyl on homes in historic neighborhoods. It can also be difficult to match vinyl siding to other period details in a neighborhood, such as period roofs or window trim. Fortunately, manufacturers now offer period patterns to give vinyl a more authentic feel, and other types of siding can be used in combination with vinyl.
It’s Easy to Clean
If you’re a homeowner, then you know that cleaning and maintaining the exterior of your home is important to keeping up its resale value and curb appeal. While it might seem like a daunting task, the truth is that vinyl siding is surprisingly easy to clean. This is because it doesn’t require painting, and instead has a surface that can be cleaned with soapy water.
Vinyl siding is a very versatile material that is manufactured in many different styles and colors to mimic natural materials like wood and stone. It can also be used to create more modern or industrial designs. It can even be molded to fit into unique niches in your home that would be difficult or impossible to reach with other types of materials.
While some homeowners are hesitant to choose vinyl because of its plastic-like appearance, it has advanced over the years to become much more appealing. With advances in production procedures and color options, vinyl is now available in a variety of textures, patterns and colors to suit any taste. Additionally, most manufacturers boast a lifespan of up to 30 years.
A big reason for this longevity is because vinyl is virtually indestructible. It can withstand harsh weather elements such as rain, hail, snow and sleet. It can even hold up against an occasional rock thrown from the lawnmower or tree branch. However, in the rare event that something does pierce or damage the product, it can be easily replaced.
It’s also very easy to keep your vinyl looking its best with regular cleanings. While a hose with a little bit of soapy water will remove most dirt and grime, you can use more aggressive cleaners if needed. General household cleansers can all be used to tackle tough dirt or stains caused by top soil, grease, plant sugar (from trees or shrubs that brush up against the vinyl), crayon, ink and rust.
Be sure to always wear rubber gloves and closed-toe shoes during cleaning, as well as a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. You should also remove any window screens before beginning to prevent them from getting damaged. It is recommended that you do this work on a dry, sunny day.
It’s Easy to Install
While recladding your house with vinyl might seem like an overwhelming project, it’s not as difficult as you might imagine. The process is faster and easier than wood siding and requires fewer materials. This means that the job will cost less, especially if you hire a contractor to do the work for you.
Before you get started, purchase the right tools and materials. You’ll need a ladder, power saw, measuring tape and a pry bar along with a number of other accessories like a starter strip, flashing, corner pieces and mounting blocks for protrusions such as lights, faucets and wall-mounted utility equipment. A pair of tin snips will also come in handy for cutting the vinyl.
Once you have all of the necessary tools and materials, you can begin recladding your home. Start with the bottom and work your way up, making sure that each panel is locked into its starter strip and extending into the appropriate channel. You can then use commercially available mounting blocks to cover protrusions. Once the blocks are in place, add the appropriate flashing to keep water from seeping around them.
When it comes to fastening the panels, make sure that you don’t tighten them too much. Tight nailing will cause the panels to buckle when they expand and contract due to temperature changes. Instead, leave about 1/32" of space between the head of the fastener and the siding nail hem (Fig. 15).
To help ensure that you don’t forget any steps, work on one section of the house at a time. To start, measure the length of the outer corners of each wall from its lowest point to the foundation. Then, measure the gable lines of that same wall — i.e., the distance from the roof peak to where the gable ends on the eave side. Once you have all of the measurements, note them down. This will help you create a detailed timeline of the project and make it easier to track your progress. Then, you can begin working on the actual installation of the vinyl siding.
The elements can be tough on your siding. Rain, wind, sun, and freeze to thaw cycles all take their toll over time. Insulated vinyl prevents heat loss between wall studs, so your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. That can cut your energy costs over time. It’s Affordable Vinyl is…