Vinyl Siding comes in various colors and patterns. Still, some are manufactured from vinyl resembling wood at a lower grade yet are chemically treated to resist the elements and provide protection from fire. It can be easily glued on and is relatively inexpensive for its performance. The only drawback to vinyl siding is it tends not to last as long as some of the other exterior styles but provides a good bargain and low maintenance cost.
To choose vinyl siding, you must consider the size of your home, how much exterior noise and heat can be expected, what material you want to use (wood, composite, aluminum), and whether you will want a wood look or bricky look. Once you have these questions answered, you can begin to shop. You can purchase vinyl siding in most big box stores as well as department and home improvement stores. If you have any special requirements for the installation of your vinyl siding, you will need to call the manufacturer and ask before ordering. Vinyl siding installation costs vary from store to store.
It is cheaper to buy in bulk than to buy one piece at a time. Therefore, if you have a large home, bulk purchases may be your best option. There are many reputable manufacturers of vinyl siding with great customer support. Most installers who install vinyl siding will offer a free consultation to find out what type of installation you would prefer. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and receive pre-approval for your installation.
You can choose to either do the installation yourself or hire a contractor to do the work for you. If you decide to do the installation yourself, you should first read all of the instructions included with the vinyl siding product that you are considering. In particular, you should make sure that you understand the process for attaching and detaching the hardware. Many installers charge a fee for the actual labor of installing vinyl siding, which is why you should find out all you can about their installation process before making a final decision. If you hire a contractor, he will give you all the information you need to know about the installation, including his estimated time.
Another factor you need to consider when choosing vinyl siding and its manufacturer is impact resistance. Impact resistance is determined by the amount of force that the product is able to withstand before it begins to crack or split. Vinyl siding and its products have a limited amount of impact resistance, especially for the areas where they will be exposed to the most moisture. If you live in an area that experiences high levels of rain, your choice in siding may not provide you with the protection you need. For this reason, you should select exterior cladding that has a higher impact resistance rating than vinyl siding would.
The third consideration for choosing vinyl siding options is whether they are energy efficient. Energy efficiency concerns are important to homeowners who are concerned about the cost of running their appliances and heating and cooling systems. Vinyl panels are almost always rated according to the amount of electricity required to run the item. If you are going with a panel that is rated lower than the norm, you can expect to pay more money for your energy bill each month.
The fourth factor you need to keep in mind is whether or not you want siding that is attached to the house or whether you are going with siding that can be detached and placed on another exterior wall. Attached siding typically installed with screws. The drawback to this type of installation is that you will have limited freedom when it comes to changing the look of the roof. If you are seeking a totally different look from your previous roof, detached siding may be the right option for you. On the other hand, if you are going with a completely new roof, then attaching the vinyl siding to the previous roof is typically installed.
The final consideration when looking at vinyl siding options is the price. This decision ultimately comes down to your budget and the longevity of the product. Vinyl is typically less expensive than wood, but because it is a plastic, the vinyl siding will eventually deteriorate if you do not protect it properly. Polyvinyl chloride is a plastic that maintains its protective qualities so you can rest easy knowing your investment will still be in your possession for decades to come.