I had it pretty easy growing up because I was raised in a brick home, so the topic of siding never came up. When the sales pitch for vinyl siding would come in over the phone, my father got great pleasure in explaining that we had the original maintenance-free siding, we had brick.
Brick has become less common over the years and siding (wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, and steel) has taken its place. Most experts will agree that of all of your siding choices, vinyl is the best.
The reason vinyl is the best is because it is resistant to mold and to the effects of weather (extreme weather like strong winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes not withstanding). It will not rot like wood will, it will not dent like metal siding and steel siding will, and it won’t warp. It doesn’t peel or chip and never needs to be repainted. Plus, vinyl simply needs to be hosed down to be cleaned. However, some vinyl siding will crack in cold weather.
Vinyl, made of PVC, comes in a variety of colors, so don’t be afraid of getting a drab selection to choose from. Also, there is usually the same type of vinyl trim and accessories available to complete the exterior corners, edges and architectural details of your house.
The drawback to getting vinyl siding is that it cannot be painted over, so it is best to choose a soft, neutral color for your siding so that you are less likely to get bored or tired with the color that you have chosen. Another drawback is that vinyl has a bad reputation for being a potential cancer risk because of the material it is made of (PVC) and the allegations that toxic fumes are released into the air if the house catches on fire, something that the vinyl companies deny.
aluminum siding is considered a nice alternative to vinyl, though it can dent and even fade, but it won’t crack. aluminum siding is fire-proof, and also comes in a variety of styles and colors. This is also a low-maintenance siding but may be more expensive than vinyl.
Unfortunately, unless you actually install siding for a living, covering the exterior of your home with vinyl siding will have to be done by a professional. Of course you will want to get several bids, choose a company that is licensed and/or certified, insured, and is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. This is your money and your house, so invest in it wisely.
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