Vinyl siding refers to the imitation of wood exterior siding, typically plastic, used for decorative, weatherproofing, and protection, and for ornamentation, instead of wood clapboard or shakes, which are more traditional. It can also be used to create a vinyl facade for the exterior of a house or building. This can be very useful for homeowners who want to save on cost without compromising durability. Vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of styles, patterns, colors, and finishes, making it more attractive and easier to match with the existing decorations on the house. The following are some of the benefits of using vinyl siding for the outside of your home:
-A longer life expectancy can be achieved compared to other types of material such as fiber cement. Fiber cement and shakes have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced every few years. Even when new vinyl siding replacement is done, there is still a chance of premature cracking, peeling, shrinking and distortion due to the expansion and contraction of the plastic. On the other hand, vinyl is virtually impenetrable by water, insects, heat, rain and snow.
-A lower maintenance level is possible compared to other options. It requires less painting, staining or re-sealing. There is also no need for rotting wood, which is one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of wood maintenance. Since vinyl has a shiny, non-reflective finish, it is suitable for indoor use as well as for landscaping or garden projects like flower beds. Compared to vinyl, insulated vinyl siding does not require the use of varnish or paint.
-It can provide more energy efficiency. A study done by the National Association of Home Builders found that homes with vinyl siding replacement had the lowest energy costs among all homes. This benefit could save homeowners money by reducing their heating and cooling costs. Another advantage of vinyl over traditional materials is that it is fireproof. Vinyl is also highly resistant to termites, which could cause major damage to a home’s structure.
However, it should be noted that even with proper maintenance, some aspects of vinyl siding may deteriorate and become more susceptible to damage over time. In fact, many homeowners who are spending significantly on exterior cladding find that the initial investment yields lower than expected savings in maintenance. The end result is that the homeowner is forced to spend more in the form of repairs. If necessary, it is advisable for home owners to consider other exterior wall covering materials.
One way to reduce costs is by hiring a professional to install vinyl siding or other exterior wall coverings such as aluminum siding. However, one should note that vinyl siding installation requires more skill and expertise than aluminum siding installation. Aluminum installation does not require extensive tools and the process is relatively quick. Therefore, it can be said that aluminum siding provides a fast solution to the problem of excessive maintenance. The downside is that this type of treatment tends to fade over time.
Another alternative that home owners have is doing a horizontal vinyl siding replacement on their own. One advantage is that this process can allow you to customize the look of your home based on the appearance of your vinyl siding. As such, some homeowners prefer to use horizontal vinyl siding instead of vertical. On the other hand, some homeowners may want to go with vinyl siding replacement in order to avoid dealing with the problems associated with vertical installation.
Finally, installing vinyl siding on your home is a relatively low maintenance procedure. As such, homeowners may want to consider doing this on their own in order to save money. Homeowners who are not experienced in this process should take note that installing this material on their own requires a few basic tools such as a ladder, garden hose, and a drill gun.