Vinyl siding is an attractive material for your home. It's designed to look like cedar shakes, logs, or wood siding, but because it's made of vinyl and not wood, the siding is lighter and more durable. Here are four points to know about vinyl siding.
Vinyl Never Has To Be Painted
Vinyl siding is easy to clean and maintain over its lifetime. All you have to do is wash it occasionally to get rid of dirt. You never need to paint the siding. The color fades slightly, but not enough to require touch-up paint. This eliminates the time-consuming and expensive chore of exterior painting every few years to keep your home looking nice.
You Can Get Insulated Siding
When you're talking to your siding contractor about the type of siding to buy, ask about insulated vinyl siding and if it's right for your home. The insulated siding has a back layer of insulated foam. The insulation may reduce heat transfer so your home is cooler during the summer months and warmer during the winter. The insulated siding also helps muffle sounds, so your house can be quieter.
In addition, ask your contractor about putting house wrap underneath the siding. The wrap adheres to the wall and forms a watertight blanket that keeps out moisture and air leaks through tiny gaps in the wall. The house wrap seals your home and makes the insulation a little more effective.
Removing The Old Siding First Is A Good Idea
Another thing to discuss with your siding contractor is if the new siding can be put on top of the old siding. Your contractor may agree to this if the old siding and wall are in sound condition. However, the contractor might want the old siding to be removed.
When the old siding is out of the way, the roofer can check the wall to see if it has any water damage and rotted areas. These areas can then be replaced with dry plywood to ensure the new siding goes over sturdy walls and will last a long time.
There Are Three Basic Styles Of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding can be made to look like various types of wood siding, depending on how the siding is shaped, colored, and textured. Shakes are made to look just like wood shakes and they're applied in a similar way by lapping them over each other.
Horizontal boards are common, and these can look like stained wood or they can be colored in just about any color you want. Rather than paint that peels off, the color is added during the manufacturing process so it lasts the life of the siding. Vertical siding is another option. It also comes in a variety of colors and can be used to give your home a more unique appearance.
Contact a local vinyl siding contractor to learn more.