Higher-Quality Vinyl Siding
Written by: Admin | Date: Friday, 20th August 2010

In its early days, vinyl siding was widely considered a tacky plastic casing, flat and uninteresting.  But thanks to some amazing technological advances, today’s vinyl siding is leaps and bounds above its older counterparts.  New innovations in color and embossing techniques make higher-quality vinyl siding nearly indistinguishable from wood or masonry.  It is even being used in historic home renovation projects, preserving architectural details while offering the modern conveniences it is becoming famous for.

So what exactly are those modern conveniences, anyway?  Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of vinyl siding:

• It’s easy to install.  You don’t have to be a professional contractor to side your home with vinyl – and there are loads of “how-to” resources for the do-it-yourselfer.  However, be careful not to overestimate your abilities; don’t attempt to install it yourself if the directions are in any way unclear to you.  Proper installation of vinyl siding can make a big difference in its performance!  If you choose to hire a contractor to install the siding, take a look at that company’s past work, which is the best indicator of quality vinyl siding.  Separation, sagging, bulging, and warping are definite signs of poor installation.  If a contractor is unable or unwilling to show you some past work, call someone else!
• It’s attractive.  These days there are more color choices than ever.  From light whites and pastels to bold and vivid reds and blues, it’s easy to find a shade that compliments your home.  And it doesn’t have to look like vinyl siding; it can take on the appearance of almost any other type of siding, from scalloped and sunburst patterns to “cedar” shakes. 
• It’s durable.  Siding can withstand winds in excess of 110 miles per hour.  It is weather-resistant and designed to hold up under the normal expansion and contraction that comes with heat and cold.  It will not crack or rot under normal conditions, show scratches, or sustain insect damage. 
• It’s low-maintenance.  This is perhaps one of the biggest sellers of vinyl siding: its ease of maintenance.  Because colors are in the vinyl itself and not just on the surface, color retention is excellent.  It will never need to be painted or stained.  As far as cleaning, all it needs is an occasional spray-off with a garden hose; no cleansers required.
• It can increase property value.  According to a 2005 “Cost vs. Value” report by Remodeling Magazine, homeowners who remodel with vinyl siding recoup over 95 percent of the cost of its installation.

As with any product, some varieties of vinyl siding are better than others, so it pays to do your homework.  Although vinyl is one of the most cost-efficient cladding choices available, you don’t want to skimp on quality in order to save money – it could end up costing you more in the long run.

There are several ways to ensure that you’re choosing the best quality vinyl siding:

• The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) established a program called the VSIVinyl Siding Product Certification.  It is an independent, third-party certification conducted by Architectural Testing, Inc. which tests against the requirements specified in ASTM D-3679: the industry standard for quality.  It allows manufacturers to say with unbiased certainty that their product meets or exceeds the industry standards.  Look for the certification label on the packaging to determine whether the product has met these rigorous standards.
• The thickness of siding is also a good measure of quality.  Vinyl siding ranges from between .035 and .050 inches; as a rule of thumb, you should never go below .040.  While thinner siding is potentially less expensive, it is also less rigid and durable, and doesn’t hold up to extreme temperatures nearly as well.  Also, if you’re going to be placing new vinyl siding over old siding, a heavier panel works better to disguise unevenness or irregularity in the old siding underneath. 
• A sturdy nailing hem, which is the section of the panel that is attached to the house, adds to the overall quality of vinyl siding.  Many manufacturers use a rolled nailing hem that is at least two times the thickness of the panel.  More recently, some manufacturers have developed siding that contains a fiberglass rod running through the nailing hem to increase its rigidity. 
• Check the length of the warranty.  Generally, the longer and more complete the warranty, the better quality the product.  Most vinyl siding comes with a lifetime warranty that can even be transferred between homeowners.
• Ask around.  If you’re really interested in getting the best siding for your money, go straight to a pro.  Call builders in your area to find out what brand and type of siding they use; the majority of contractors will have a favorite.  They will also be able to tell you what holds up best in your area’s climate.

If you choose vinyl siding for your home, there are a few very important things to remember about its care and maintenance:

• Although vinyl is good at withstanding even the hottest of summer weather, it is not made to be exposed to very extreme temperatures (160 degrees on up).  You’ll want to make sure that heat sources such as barbecue grills are placed well away from the siding.  It won’t combust unless it is exposed to a direct flame – but such severe heat will cause damage, which will cause the need to replace the entire panel. 
• Certain weed killers and insecticides may stain vinyl siding.  Always check the product label before use, and cover your siding if you’re spraying near it.
• If you decide to paint your siding, it may void the warranty.  Check with the manufacturer.

Vinyl siding is a wonderful choice for nearly any type of home, and can offer year after year of low-maintenance beauty.  But remember – when purchasing siding, it pays to shop around!