9 Things You Should Know About Vinyl Siding
As you may have heard, there are many benefits to vinyl siding. First and foremost, vinyl siding is very easy to clean. With just a soft bristle brush and a bucket of soapy water, your home exterior will look new.
Vinyl siding is durable, easy to maintain and long lasting. It’s also affordability in comparison to alternatives, such as wood or brick, and its low-maintenance requirements — have enabled it to reign superior as the most commonly used exterior cladding.
There are various styles, widths and textures to choose from, so where does one start? Below are nine things you should know about vinyl siding before making an investment.
1. Vinyl siding is an excellent option for strong winds.
According to FEMA, vinyl siding should be able to withstand 110 mph winds in addition to heavy rains to be considered storm-ready.
2. Color is Everything!
Years ago, vinyl siding colors were limited, now there’s every color to cover the entire color spectrum. Check out what other homeowners around your area are using. Find some of the nicest looking homes and take pictures with your phone. Compare the different looks and decide on what you like or don’t like. Choosing the right color can increase your home’s value.
3. Vinyl Siding is Durable
Given that a home’s cladding is likely to last a lifetime, durability is a necessity. Look for a vinyl siding manufacturer that can provide products with the highest resistant to rain, wind and sun, like CertainTeed’s Monogram and Encore.
4. Direction Can Impact the Look
Horizontal siding tends to look best on traditional homes, while vertical panels fit well with many contemporary designs. Horizontal siding will elongate your home’s appearance. If you own a one-story home, horizontal siding can make it appear shorter. Adding stone to the bottom rows will solve this problem by adding visual height. Interested in adding stone to the bottom of your home, contact Oaks Construction today!
5. The Look of Real Wood
Some vinyl siding manufacturers provide the look of real wood without the hassle and expense of repairing and maintaining. Products like Cedar Impressions Sawmill Shingles provide the authentic look of saw blades on real cedar. This texture is reminiscent of cedar cut at sawmills from the earliest years of European settlement through New England.
6. Dare to be dramatic!
If the wood look isn’t for you, did you know that you can combine multiple types of siding for a bold or contemporary look? As a matter of fact, certain subdivisions actually require this type of exterior cladding design.
7. Proper Installation is Important
Even the most expensive siding will buckle and warp if not put on correctly. Vinyl siding expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes, so an experienced contract, like Oaks Construction, is crucial to a good siding job. If you opt for insulated vinyl siding, you can boost the R-value of your home’s overall insulation capacity.
8. Look For Products With The Best Warranty Coverage
The best vinyl siding manufacturers will offer lifetime warranty coverage against peeling, flaking, rusting, blistering, chipping, cracking and rotting. Additionally, look for warranties against fade resistance and hail damage as well as the ability to transfer the warranty to a new homeowner.
9. Environmentally Friendly
Other than being cost effective, vinyl siding is also the most ecological option on the market. Vinyl siding is extremely durable, making it more sustainable than its substitutes. Premium vinyl siding is energy-efficient and reflects radiant heat, reducing thermal conductivity to help keep your house cool. Vinyl siding has also been said to reduce noise by as much as 45%.
Vinyl siding has an extremely long lifespan, routinely lasting for over 50 years with little maintenance required. If you decide that vinyl siding is right for you and your home’s needs, contact Oaks Construction today for a consultation!