Most homeowners today have little in the way of extra time to invest in maintaining their homes. This is just one of the many reasons that, over the past two decades, vinyl siding has become the number one consumer choice for home exteriors. vinyl siding is durable, versatile, easy to maintain and clean, and attractive to boot.
vinyl siding was first developed in the late 1950’s and has grown in popularity through the decades to become the most commonly used exterior finish in the United States and Canada. It is manufactured primarily from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is made up mostly of chlorine (derived from common salt) and ethylene (extracted from natural gas). PVC is what gives vinyl siding its strength and rigidity, and makes up approximately 80% of the content of siding. The remaining 20% includes stabilizers, coloring agents, and other fillers.
vinyl siding has become so popular because it has many advantages over other siding materials. Consider the following reasons that consumers have made vinyl siding the number one choice in exterior cladding:
* Appearance: Although in the past, color choices in vinyl were limited, and consisted primarily of earth or neutral colors, this is no longer the case. vinyl siding now comes in virtually every color of the rainbow, from natural to bright and dramatic. In fact, manufacturers currently offer more than 400 different colors in ready-made vinyl siding. It is also available in a wide range of textures that resemble the appearance of anything from natural wood grain to stucco. Several vinyl siding companies also specialize in production of siding that mimics particular structural details, appropriate for modern homes or even historical renovation projects.
* Maintenance: according to the vinyl siding Institute (VSI), most homeowners cite ease of maintenance as one of the top reasons for choosing vinyl siding over another exterior cladding material. To keep siding looking like new, VSI recommends spot wiping and rinsing with a garden hose regularly, and using a pressure washer to clean more thoroughly as needed. You will also need to re-caulk the areas between the vinyl siding and any adjacent trim periodically in order to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in these areas, which can lead to mildew problems.
* Durability: Unlike wood, vinyl resists cold, heat and moisture and continues looking great through virtually any environmental conditions, even the most harsh. Modern vinyl siding can be reasonably expected to last the life of your home without replacement. vinyl siding does not rot or flake, nor does it show scratches like other surfaces.
* Value for the Money: vinyl siding is affordable with a material cost that is substantially less than that of brick, stone, or wood siding. Plus, it is highly unlikely that you will need to replace your siding.
When you are choosing vinyl siding, it is important to realize price and quality of siding varies greatly. The most commonly used thickness of vinyl siding is .40 mil, but it is available in a range of .45- .52 mil. Although the cost is slightly higher, purchasing insulator boards to be installed with your vinyl siding will increase your home’s energy efficiency and make it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
It is important to locate a qualified vinyl siding installer to put on your new exterior in order to avoid problems that commonly result from improper installation. Because vinyl siding expands with heat and contracts with cold, improperly installed vinyl siding will begin to pull away from the house, creating serious- and costly- issues such as bulging, sagging and warping. These problems are not only unsightly, but leave open spaces where moisture can accumulate creating the ideal condition for dangerous mold to grow.
To locate a qualified installer, you might want to start out by asking friends for references. The best indicators of quality are examples of the installer’s work that have stood the test of time. Workmanship warranties in the construction industry don’t generally last more than one year, so it is important that you see work that has been around for a few years. Most problems will become obvious during that period. Ask the installer to give you references and be sure to check those references. See if you can drive by one of the houses that they have installed siding on to see how it has held up. The vinyl siding Institute offers a certification program for installers. You can search their website to find a certified vinyl siding installer near you.
Whether retrofitting a home or choosing material for new construction, vinyl siding is an excellent choice for its durability, beauty and value which can greatly improve the appearance of the exterior of your home.
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