Low-E Windows: A Problem for Neighbors with Vinyl Siding?Noticed some strange, unidentifiable patterns on your vinyl siding? Do you live in a subdivision? The source of the problem could be right outside your window. Across the US, homeowners have been reporting a strange phenomenon: rippled, melting vinyl siding on just one side of their homes. The possible culprit? Windows with low-emissivity glass installed on a nearby neighbor’s home. Continue Reading
Which Siding Stands Up Best to Hurricanes?When a hurricane or severe storm is predicted for your area, your first concern is undoubtedly for your loved ones. Whether or not you need to evacuate, the condition of your siding—and, ultimately, your home—is important. You want something that will stand up to hurricanes, freeing up energy for you to worry about what really matters— the safety of your Continue Reading
Why Proper Nailing Is So Important for Vinyl SidingHomes function best when every element works in perfect harmony. Even the smallest parts, like nails and screws, make a difference. But the type of nails you use—and your nailing technique—is extra important when you install vinyl siding on your home. Vinyl is a plastic product, so it’s a little bit more malleable than aluminum or wood—particularly when the sun Continue Reading
All About Stucco Finishing OptionsAny home improvement project has its uncertainties. How much will it cost? How long will it take? Will there be any surprises when you start to build? If you’ve decided to re-side your home with stucco, know one thing for sure: you’ll have tons of options. Stucco textures span the gamut from simple waves to smooth, flat surfaces, to faces made Continue Reading
How Sunlight Can Cause Problems for Brick and Stucco SidingUsually when we talk about moisture problems, we mean the stuff caused by ice, rain, sleet, and snow—the kinds of weather it makes sense to protect your home from. But if you have masonry, stucco, or even fiber cement or concrete on the outside of your home, your siding could be collecting moisture from the inside out. It’s called inward solar vapor Continue Reading
Does Liquid Protectant Work for Vinyl Siding?The sun and vinyl siding don’t exactly have the best relationship. While vinyl is one of the more durable siding options around, sunshine is kind of like its krypton. Sun can cause fading and—in worst case scenarios—can even warp or melt siding right off your home. And then there’s rain. Moisture drying on your siding’s surface doesn’t exactly do it Continue Reading
How to Refresh Fading SidingDo you really need new siding, or do you just need brighter siding? If you’re counting your pennies this year, a new siding project can feel like a lot to swallow—particularly if your update is purely aesthetic. Often, siding that’s perfectly functional gets tossed due to its outward appearance. Take, for instance, aluminum siding. Rot-resistant, durable, and corrosion-proof, it’s one of Continue Reading
What’s the Best Time of Year for a Siding Replacement?It doesn’t matter when you get your siding replaced, as long as it gets done, right? As it turns out, that’s not true—particularly if you’re installing vinyl siding. Vinyl is especially sensitive to temperature extremes, so a winter or summertime replacement could affect the quality of your installation. According to siding experts, there are some parts of year when you can Continue Reading
Choosing Between Vertical and Horizontal SidingLike it or not, first impressions count. This is especially true for your home, which is judged based on its exterior. That’s why, when it comes to siding for your home’s exterior, there are plenty of elements to consider. In addition to the basics of home renovation—including cost, installation, and maintenance—there’s also the choice of the orientation of your siding panels. Continue Reading
Home Improvement Projects that Will Extend the Life of Your Siding and RoofYour roof and your siding—they’re your home’s literal first defense against the elements, so you want to make them last as long as possible. Unfortunately, those same elements can take an eventual toll on your home’s exteriors, particularly if you don’t put much maintenance into them. Like most things in life, when it comes to the lifespan of your home’s Continue Reading
Up your home’s curb appeal with new siding
There are very few home improvement projects that can have as large of an impact on curb appeal as new siding. Ever see old, rotted siding? Not such a pretty sight. There are a variety of types of siding available. Included in these are:
Wood siding: The advantages of wood siding are beauty, dependability and charm. The disadvantages are high maintenance and bug and animal infestations.
Aluminum siding: Aluminum siding is very low maintenance and comes in a wide range of designs and colors. It is designed to be weatherproof. Aluminum lacks the aesthetic beauty of wood siding. Some pre-finished painted siding has been known to fade, and denting is a common problem.
Vinyl siding: Vinyl siding is a low cost, low maintenance option. Vinyl siding comes in strips and can be sold in a wide array of styles and colors. Certain styles can mimic the appearance of wood shingles. Vinyl siding has been known to crack in cold weather or after receiving a strong impact. If it’s not properly installed, it could warp or buckle.
Cement fiber siding: This is the most recent development in residential siding. It is extremely durable, inexpensive and made from recyclable material. Being virtually maintenance free, it often has a warranty for up to 50 years. The drawback of cement fiber siding is that it is more expensive than the other siding options.
In years past, asbestos siding and fiberglass siding were popular. But these options have been replaced with the above mentioned home siding styles. When properly installed and well-maintained, siding not only improves the appearance of the home, but it also offers protection from damage for years to come.