siding

Siding FAQs

Should I re-side using Hardiplank or vinyl siding?
How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
How do I choose a reputable contractor?
If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

  1. Should I re-side using Hardiplank or vinyl siding?
    There are several distinct differences that are worthy of consideration as follows: maintenance, cost, and beauty/color. Hardie siding is a more expensive choice for the initial installation (approx 35%) and maintenance costs over the life of the product. Below are comparisons to help the decision process.

    Vinyl Siding Hardiplank (Fiber cement board)
    MAINTENANCE
    Requires no maintenance except periodic rinsing with a garden hose or pressure washer. Requires the homeowner to maintain (eg: paint) the siding on a periodic basis. FCS will hold paint for a longer period than traditional wood or composite sidings.
    COST
    Can be applied over the old siding after any areas that are rotted or in poor condition are repaired. Very little waste disposal costs. Old siding must be completely removed and disposed of prior to applying new siding. There is a considerable amount of material to dispose of.
    BEAUTY/COLOR
    With the introduction of high grade durable vinyl products, it would be a huge mistake to compare the beauty to low grade apartment communities or cheap builders grade siding jobs. A high quality job will be pleasing for many years. However, the color cannot be changed since vinyl siding cannot be painted. Hardie siding will be aesthetically pleasing for many years. It has a nice wood grain texture and the siding color can be changed if so desired.

  2. How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
    In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.

    We offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And most vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

    In addition, vinyl sidings are backed by a strong warranty. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.

  3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
    If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.

    Of course, if your home has special problems - for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off-the cost of painting can become truly staggering.

    According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it's 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%.

    Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious-vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

  4. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
    In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that "the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes."

    Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, "Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value...(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money."

    Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

  5. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
    Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see previous question for details). It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

    Leading manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, most vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

    And vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles-plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.

    What's more, vinyl sidings are backed by a strong warranty, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid for.

    Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than vinyl siding.

  6. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
    Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction.

    It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through most siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted.

  7. How do I choose a reputable contractor? First and foremost, make an informed decision. Require references and look at previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently re-sided their houses are an excellent start. You may also want to ask about liability insurance, customer satisfaction policies and professional credentials.

    The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone whose skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably.

  8. If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
    It's simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning.

    Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

  9. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
    Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.