Vinyl Siding
Is Vinyl Siding for You
Introduction:
If you are
considering re-siding your home there are several choices in material to
choose from; vinyl siding, wood, and composite siding. All are good choices and
have their advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl siding is an excellent choice as
it is quite easy to install as a DIY project by the homeowner.
It is relatively
maintenance free however, once you select the style and color you are
stuck with it as vinyl comes with a pre-painted finish and is
not normally repainted as new paint will not adhere to vinyl very
well, if at all. If you plan on keeping your home for the rest of your
life it is a good choice as it requires almost no maintenance except for
cleaning periodically to clean the dust and dirt that is attracted to
it.
Vinyl siding came into use in the sixties as an
alternative to aluminum siding. Vinyl siding is manufactured from
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and is less expensive than wood or
composite siding. It doesn’t chip, blister or flake. It is available in
a wide range of styles and colors and is applied to your home in either
horizontal or vertical panels. The big advantage is that it never
requires painting. The price
ranges from the $2.50 per square foot panels that you can easily install
yourself as a DIY project over a few weekends. Thickness ranges from
.035 to .055 inches, with the better grade materials in the .040 to .048
inch. Vinyl doesn't fade over time, doesn't crack and resists insects.
The cost can often be recouped when you sell your home because potential
buyers recognize vinyl's low maintenance and long life.
Proper installation is critical to prevent buckling
or warping because it expands and contracts significantly in direct sun
light. It is not a natural insulator, so it is typically installed over
a solid or flexible insulating material. Newer and more expensive
vinyl siding has insulation attached which saves the homeowner an
installation step and a great deal of time.
Although
Vinyl is attractive, inexpensive, resistant to
blisters, rust and insects it is easily dented and cannot be
repaired (except by replacing the damaged panel) and warps if
installed incorrectly. If you are a very busy homeowner and do not
have the time to paint your house every four or five years, vinyl
siding is a good choice either for new construction or a re-siding
project. By doing it yourself
you can save a bundle of money but you must have the patience and
take the time to do a professional job.
Related articles:
Composite Doorway Sills
Composite Wood Decking
Vinyl and Fiber-Cement Siding
Wood Siding
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