Vinyl Siding Installation: Getting The Height Right

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homes in the United States. It is a plastic exterior cladding for houses, primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is low maintenance, affordable, and can be made to look like other materials such as wood or stone. Vinyl siding typically lasts between 20 and 40 years, but with proper care, it can last up to 60 years or more. The key to its durability is the thickness of the siding, with thicker vinyl being more resistant to impacts and less likely to warp or buckle over time.

Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance, affordable option for your house

Vinyl Siding: A Low-Maintenance, Affordable Option for Your House

When it comes to choosing the right siding for your house, there are many factors to consider. Siding is an important investment, as it protects your home from the elements while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In this article, we will explore why vinyl siding, a popular choice for American homes, stands out as a low-maintenance and affordable option.

Vinyl Siding: The Benefits

Vinyl siding, a plastic exterior cladding made primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offers a range of advantages that make it a preferred choice for many homeowners. Here are some key benefits:

• Low Maintenance: Vinyl siding is known for its low-maintenance qualities. Unlike wood siding, it does not require regular painting or staining. The colour is infused within the vinyl, preventing peeling, chipping, or fading. While some care is needed to keep it looking its best, vinyl siding generally requires less upkeep compared to other options.
• Affordability: Vinyl siding is highly cost-effective. It is typically less expensive than materials such as cedar or aluminium. The installation process is also relatively simple and quick, further reducing costs. Vinyl siding's lightweight and interlocking design contribute to its affordability.
• Durability: Quality vinyl siding is built to last. With proper care, it can endure for decades, with some types even reaching 40 years or more. Thicker vinyl siding options offer greater durability and impact resistance.
• Energy Efficiency: Insulated vinyl siding can significantly improve your home's thermal performance, leading to potential energy savings and enhanced comfort.
• Colour Variety: Vinyl siding offers a wide range of colours that won't fade or chip over time. Homeowners can choose from various shades to match their desired colour scheme.
• Versatility: Vinyl siding comes in different styles, such as clapboard (horizontal), vertical, and shake, allowing you to achieve a classic, modern, or farmhouse look. It can also mimic the appearance of wood or stone, providing a more luxurious aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
• Weather Resistance: Superior vinyl siding products are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and temperature changes. Features like reinforced nailing hems and interlocking panel designs contribute to its weather resistance.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is crucial for vinyl siding to perform optimally. The surface must be clean, dry, and level before installation. A weather barrier or house wrap should be applied, and any existing damaged siding should be repaired or removed. Nails should be driven through the centre of the nailing slots, allowing for the vinyl's expansion and contraction during temperature changes.

While vinyl siding is low-maintenance, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its appearance and prevent dirt and mildew buildup. Mild soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush are recommended for cleaning. For tougher stains, specialised vinyl siding cleaners can be used.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Despite its many benefits, vinyl siding does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Temperature Sensitivity: Vinyl siding can become brittle and crack in extremely cold temperatures. In very hot temperatures, it may become pliable and buckle or melt.
• Denting: Vinyl siding, even thicker gauges, can dent easily from impacts like hail or stray baseballs. These dents often do not pop back out.
• Panel Replacement: Replacing individual panels can be challenging due to the interlocking installation pattern. Colour matching with existing panels may also be difficult due to fading over time.
• Insulation: Vinyl siding does not insulate well, and additional insulation measures may be needed to improve energy efficiency in extreme climates.

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners due to its low-maintenance nature, affordability, and versatility. While it offers excellent benefits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and ensure proper installation and maintenance. By choosing the right vinyl siding and following the necessary steps, you can enhance the curb appeal and energy efficiency of your home for many years to come.

It is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in a variety of colours and styles

Vinyl siding is a plastic exterior cladding for houses, primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but also containing various additives to enhance its durability and UV resistance. It is a popular choice for homes in the United States due to its low maintenance, affordability, and versatility.

PVC is a key component of vinyl siding, comprising approximately 80% of its weight. The remaining 20% includes additives that impart desirable characteristics such as colour, opacity, gloss, impact resistance, flexibility, and durability. The colour is infused with the vinyl itself, so it won't flake or chip off over time. This colour variety allows homeowners to customise their homes' exterior appearance while still enjoying the practical advantages of vinyl siding.

The development of vinyl siding can be traced back to the 1950s when it was introduced as a replacement for aluminium siding. Initially, vinyl siding was prone to issues such as cracking and warping. However, advancements in the 1970s improved the product's durability and weather resistance. Today, vinyl siding is manufactured through a co-extrusion process, with two layers of PVC laid down in a continuous extrusion process. The top layer, known as the capstock, provides weather protection and durability, while the bottom layer, or substrate, typically contains ground limestone to reduce cost and balance the other components.

The versatility of vinyl siding is another key advantage. It comes in a wide range of colours, styles, and textures, allowing homeowners to choose from options such as smooth or wood grain finishes. It can also be installed in horizontal or vertical panels, making it suitable for various architectural designs and personal preferences. This customisability, combined with its durability and low maintenance, makes vinyl siding a popular choice for those seeking to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their homes.

Vinyl siding is durable and can last for decades with proper care

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home exteriors in the United States. It is durable, long-lasting, and can be made to look like more expensive materials such as wood or stone. With proper care and maintenance, vinyl siding can last for decades.

The key to vinyl siding's durability is its thickness. Homeowners should be aware that vinyl comes in various gauges or thicknesses, and the thickness they choose will determine how long the siding will last. The vinyl typically sold in home centres is 40 to 45 gauge and can last 25 years or more in many climates. However, for those seeking true durability and siding that can last 40 years or more with little to no maintenance, a 55-gauge (.55-inch thick) siding is recommended.

Vinyl siding is also popular because it requires minimal maintenance. Unlike wood siding, vinyl does not require regular painting or staining. To maintain vinyl siding, it is recommended to wash it at least once a year and repaint it every eight to ten years. Additionally, it is important to check for any damage, such as holes or cracks, and repair it promptly.

The flexible material used in vinyl siding offers exceptional durability and resistance to storm and hail damage. It is also energy-efficient, as it provides good insulation and improves the home's thermal performance.

Overall, vinyl siding is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option for home exteriors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for several decades.

It is easy to install and can be installed over almost any surface

Vinyl siding is easy to install and can be placed over almost any surface. It is hung from rails that are nailed into the house. The rails are attached loosely, with the nails left slightly raised so that they can slide back and forth in the nail holes. This allows the vinyl siding panels to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Before installation, the surface should be cleaned, dried, and levelled. A weather barrier or house wrap should also be installed. Any damaged existing siding should be removed or repaired.

Vinyl siding can be installed over brick or stucco, but it's important to ensure that the surface is flat. If you're installing vinyl siding over an old lap siding, you may need to line the wall with sheets of rigid-foam board, which is usually 1/2-inch thick. The rigid foam provides a flat nailing surface and some insulation. Both the rigid foam and siding can be nailed in place with galvanised shingle nails.

Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes, so it's important to allow extra room for expansion to prevent the siding from buckling. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between siding panels and any accessories. You should also refrain from driving nails too tightly, which can restrict the movement of the panels. Leave about a 1/16-inch gap between the nail head and the siding to allow for movement and prevent waves from forming.

Vinyl siding is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and can crack in very cold temperatures

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and low-maintenance qualities. It is made primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can be engineered to mimic the look of wood, stone, or other materials. While vinyl siding is a great option for many climates, it is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and can crack in very cold temperatures.

In cold climates, vinyl siding can become brittle and crack under even the slightest pressure. This is due to the chemical composition of vinyl, which is sensitive to temperature changes. When temperatures drop below freezing, vinyl loses its flexibility and becomes more prone to cracking or other damage. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid installing or repairing vinyl siding during the winter months, as the process is more difficult and the vinyl is more susceptible to damage.

Additionally, vinyl siding contracts in cold temperatures, which can cause issues when the weather warms up. A standard 12-foot-long piece of siding can expand by up to ⅝ of an inch as temperatures rise. This expansion can cause the siding to buckle or bump up against window casings if it is not installed properly. An experienced installer will know how to cut the vinyl for cold-weather installations to prevent these issues. They will also nail the pieces with a little room to allow for expansion.

Vinyl siding is also lightweight, which makes it more susceptible to blow-offs in strong winds. This can occur if the installer nails the pieces in too tightly, causing the siding to buckle and pull away from the house when temperatures rise. Therefore, it is important to hire an installer who understands how much space to leave for material expansion. Regular inspections of the siding are also recommended to identify any suspect pieces that need to be replaced before bad weather hits.

The quality of vinyl siding can also make a difference in its performance during extreme weather. Thicker siding, ranging from .042 to .045 inches, is generally more durable and can better withstand temperature fluctuations. When choosing vinyl siding, look for products with long warranties and superior weather-resistant properties.

For homes in extremely cold climates, fiber cement siding may be a better alternative to vinyl. Fiber cement is a mixture of wood fibers, cement, and silica, and it does not have the same problems with expansion and contraction as vinyl. It is also more durable and deals well with moisture, making it a good option for snowy climates. However, fiber cement siding is typically more expensive than vinyl.

Frequently asked questions