Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the exterior of their homes. It offers durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance, making it a preferred option for many. Let’s delve into the basics of vinyl siding to understand its benefits and considerations.
What is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is a type of exterior cladding made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. It mimics the look of traditional wood siding while offering superior performance and longevity. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, textures, and profiles, allowing homeowners to customize their homes’ appearance.
Further Reading Provia Vinyl Siding
Benefits of Vinyl Siding:
- Durability: Vinyl siding is resistant to rot, decay, insect damage, and harsh weather conditions, making it a durable and long-lasting option for homes.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding that requires periodic painting, staining, and sealing, vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free. It requires occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its appearance.
- Affordability: Compared to other siding materials such as wood or fiber cement, vinyl siding offers an inexpensive option. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of homeowners.
- Energy Efficiency: Insulated vinyl siding options are available, which can improve a home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and lowering utility costs.
Installation Process:
The installation of vinyl siding involves several key steps:
- Preparation: The existing siding, if any, is removed, and the exterior walls are inspected for any damage or issues that need to be addressed.
- Underlayment Installation: A moisture barrier or house wrap is installed to provide additional protection against water infiltration. Depending on your substrate, your contractor will decide whether to use fanfold insulation, or house wrap.
- Siding Installation: Vinyl siding panels are installed horizontally, starting from the bottom and working upwards. They are secured to the exterior walls using nails or screws.
- Trim Installation: Trim pieces, such as corner posts, J-channels, and soffit panels, are installed to provide a finished look and protect the edges of the siding.
- Final Touches: Once all the siding and trim pieces are installed, a contractor should caulk any remaining gaps or seams to ensure a watertight seal.
Considerations:
- Expansion and Contraction: Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, so it’s essential to leave room for expansion when installing it. See images B & C.
- Environmental Impact: PVC, the primary component of vinyl siding, is not biodegradable and can be challenging to recycle. However, some manufacturers offer recycling programs for old vinyl siding.
- Impact Resistance: Vinyl siding is generally resistant to minor impacts. However severe impacts can damage vinyl siding. Siding companies have designed structured siding to negate this threat.
- Color Fading: While vinyl siding is fade-resistant, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause some colors to fade over time. Choosing lighter colors or those with UV inhibitors can help minimize fading.
- Painting Vinyl Siding: Some painting contractors will recommend painting old, stale vinyl siding. SBS-Exteriors does not recommend painting. The paint will generally chip and peel in several years. A light cleaning with a soft brush and vinyl safe cleaner is generally the best course of action.
Grades of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is available in various grades, each offering distinct features and benefits. The grades typically range from economy to premium, with variations in thickness, durability, and appearance. There are several factors for determining what grade your siding is. The first is thickness, the second is the nailing hem, and the third is top lock.
Economy-grade vinyl
siding is the most basic option, often thinner and less durable than higher grades. It may have fewer color options and less resistance to fading and impact. You may hear this called builder grade siding. It is usually between 0.40″ and 0.42″ thick. The locking hem on this siding is generally a single fold of vinyl. The top lock is generally one layer of vinyl.
Mid-grade vinyl
siding offers a balance between affordability and quality, with improved durability and color options compared to economy-grade. Most contractors will present this as the best value for homeowners. It is usually 0.44″- 0.46″ Thick. The additional thickness is a huge benefit, as it will prevent visual anomalies such as rippling, and oil canning. The locking hem is generally larger, and the nailing hem usually will be two layers of vinyl. Learn More Here
Premium-grade vinyl
siding is the top-tier option, featuring thicker panels, enhanced durability, advanced color retention technology, and a wider range of styles and textures. Harsh weather is no match for Premium Grade Siding. Premium-grade vinyl is usually 0.50″ thick and will often contain insulating backers. These insulating panels provide additional structure to the panels, which protects against dings and dents caused by impacts. Structured siding is a favorite of parents dealing with kids who like to bounce balls off the house! Because the panels are thicker, they have extra rigidity which allows for longer panels, and thus less seams. Premium grade siding is generally the most visually appealing. Structured siding will often have drastically thicker locking hems, often featuring a double or triple fold of vinyl for the nailing hem. Learn more here.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, vinyl siding offers numerous benefits, including durability, low maintenance, affordability, and energy efficiency. Understanding the basics of vinyl siding, including its installation process, considerations, and environmental impact, can help homeowners make informed decisions about their exterior cladding options. With its versatility and aesthetic appeal, vinyl siding remains a popular choice for enhancing the curb appeal and value of homes.
Choosing the right grade of vinyl siding depends on factors such as budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring that homeowners can find a suitable option for their needs. If you would like samples, please feel free to give SBS-Exteriors a call. 724.918.1000
SBS-Exteriors.com 724.918.1000