All of the other products we tested showed a noticeable change in color when compared with new samples after our color change test. Features make a difference. For fewer seams and a more uniform look on your house, choose panels longer than the typical 12 to 13 feet. Alternative siding holds up better in the cold.
In cold testing, the alternative sidings showed mediocre resistance to damage related to winter weather. All-vinyl siding fared worse. The results suggest that if your house routinely gets battered in the winter by wind-blown branches or other heavy objects, you might want to stick with wood or fiber cement siding.
Our top-rated vinyl siding holds up well in most climates. Alside Charter Oak offers a winning combination of performance and price. It excels in our evaluations of rigidity—lying flatter and straighter on the surface—as well as in wind resistance and assaults by heavy objects at a moderate temperature. Its colorfastness is acceptable. The only alternative siding we recommend, Celect Cellular Composite by Royal 7-inch Clapboard, is the top-performing siding in our ratings overall and has an appearance closer to real wood than the vinyl products.
To increase the chances of finding a capable contractor who will do the job right—and be available to fix any problems that might arise—look for siding installers who have been working in your area for at least five years, and check their references. The websites of some vinyl siding manufacturers also have search engines to help you find reputable local installers. As with any contractor, check local and state licenses, Better Business Bureau ratings, and certificates of insurance. Home Depot no longer offers siding installation services.
You might be tempted to save money by placing a new layer of siding over an old one, but removing old siding and starting from scratch is generally a better approach. These five tips will help you keep costs down. Compare apples to apples. Request all-inclusive price estimates for materials, labor for teardown and installation, and disposal. Virgin Islands Northern Mariana Islands. Are you a robot? Please enter 'Shingles':. By submitting this form, you give consent for KP Vinyl Siding to contact you through the email provided.
Your email is safe with us. We will never sell or share your personal information to third parties. Please enter 'Rockwell':. All Blog Colors Products Gallery. Get More Info. Download Here. Here are some common thicknesses:. Trim: Moldings, soffits and trim work around windows and doors can add to material and labor costs. Labor: The cost of hiring a contractor varies. Real estate agents like to say you can add to your home's value by enhancing "curb appeal" — the way the house looks from the street.
Replacing vinyl siding is often an exercise in adding to a home's curb appeal. There are several ways to pay for vinyl siding replacement, including dipping into savings and getting a cash-out refinance.
One of the most popular ways to pay for home improvements is through a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. It's a second mortgage that turns your home's equity into cash as you need it. Nationally, vinyl siding has been the most popular exterior wall material for newly built homes since the mids, according to the Census Bureau's annual Survey of Construction.
It is by far the most popular exterior wall type in the Northeast and Midwest. But vinyl siding is rarely used in the West. Keep the material's local popularity in mind when deciding whether to install vinyl siding where you're residing. You want to avoid costly renovation mistakes.
Choosing smooth siding instead of textured siding is a way to save money on materials. It will probably have a positive effect on most houses. But, John Leeke, a home-restoration consultant in Portland, Maine, warns against installing vinyl on homes in historic neighborhoods. That doesn't mean older houses can't be sided with vinyl. Manufacturers now offer period patterns, including details like fish-scale shingles that are found on older homes.
Again, look at other houses in your area. If others have vinyl siding, it's far less likely to diminish the value of your home. Another caveat is vinyl's dubious ability to mask trouble beneath. Painted wood often peels or chips when there's a problem, but vinyl offers no such clues.
Be sure leaks, moisture condensation problems and any structural defects have been addressed before the siding goes on. Technically polyvinyl chloride PVC , the vinyl that's used in siding includes a number of additives that help it resist fading, protect it against ultraviolet rays and provide dozens of color choices. The color goes all the way through the material, so it can't flake off.
Vinyl siding comes in textured or smooth panels. Those with a simulated wood grain are meant to imitate rough-sawn wood that's been stained. Panels are available in horizontal and vertical configurations. Horizontal siding tends to look best on traditional houses, while vertical panels fit well with many contemporary designs. There are also a number of widths. You'll find 8-in. Panels are complemented by vinyl soffit, window trim and other accessories.
Any vinyl siding you buy should have this designation on product fact sheets and packaging. This is a minimum standard, however.
To pick a product that exceeds the minimum standard, follow these guidelines:. If you were to throw the names of the top 10 vinyl siding companies in a hat and pick one, you would probably end up with quality siding. Do the same with 10 local contractors, and the installation quality would be far less certain.
A contractor's expertise and experience are crucial to a good siding job. The reason is the material itself. Because vinyl expands and contracts so much, even the most expensive siding will buckle and warp if not put on correctly.
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