|
|
No other cladding choice combines the aesthetic versatility, low maintenance, performance
and environmentally friendly attributes that vinyl siding delivers. Look around.
You'll soon discover why America sides with vinyl at a rate nearly double that
of any other exterior cladding material.
|
According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, nearly twice as many homeowners side their
homes with vinyl than with any other material. Here's why:
|
|
Beautiful choices
|
|
New trim and accent options, more styles and finishes, and a full spectrum of colors
help architects, builders and homeowners achieve their ideal exterior style for
any type of home in any neighborhood. Any look from historic to contemporary is
possible with vinyl siding.
While traditional pastel and earthy color options are still available, today's vinyl
siding offers a comprehensive array of darker color combinations including bold,
rich tones like deep red, dark green, deep blues and more. And, all colors feature
unsurpassed color retention.
|
|
Tremendous value
|
|
Today's vinyl siding is more than great looking, it's a great value. It offers the
lowest total installed cost, as well as the lowest life cycle cost over the life
of a home. Its no-painting, low-maintenance features keep appreciating for years
and years.
It is a fact: Homeowners who reside their homes with vinyl siding typically recover
nearly 95% of the cost when selling their homes.*
*2005 Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine
|
|
Built-in durability and low-maintenance
|
|
With the ability to withstand high winds and a composition that resists heat, cold
and moisture, vinyl siding retains its great looks over time.
Vinyl siding never needs paint. Ever. The only maintenance it will need is a simple
wash with a soft cloth and garden hose to keep it looking great, a feature today's
strapped-for-time homeowners totally appreciate!
|
|
Truly environmental
|
|
No matter the color of vinyl siding, it's green. Vinyl siding uses minimal raw material
in production, and nearly all scrap is reprocessed into new vinyl products – meaning
nearly zero waste. Additionally, because there is no need for paint, stain, caulk,
etc. maintenance-related toxins are reduced.
|
|
Real beauty runs deeper than just the
surface. Such is the case with
today's vinyl siding!
|
|
Vinyl Siding vs. Other Cladding Alternatives |
|
As you weigh cladding material options, be sure you have all the facts. Vinyl
siding is the number one choice of exterior cladding across America and nearly twice
as many homeowners side their homes with vinyl than with any other material.
Perhaps the beauty of designing with vinyl siding is how well it suits homes in
any price range, whether new construction or renovation. Vinyl siding is used
most often on new, single-family houses priced up to $300,000, is second only to
stucco for homes priced up to $500,000, and its use has increased 43% on homes at
$750,000 and over.
|
|
Compare Vinyl Installed Cost vs. Other Claddings |
|
The average installed cost of vinyl siding is lower than any other cladding and
it goes up faster and doesn't need painting. That initial value is enhanced
in the long term through its durability and technological advancements.
Estimated installed cost per square includes material, labor, paint and stain if
applicable. Square covers 100 square feet (10'x10').
|
Vinyl siding is the SMART choice
|
|
|
|
Once you've decided on vinyl siding as the best exterior cladding choice for your
home, you'll now want to select the right vinyl siding product. Beyond color and
aesthetics, you'll want to consider performance. Not all vinyl siding is created
equally. There are structural characteristics that can help you tell the merely
adequate from the top performers. Here's what you'll want to look for:
|
|
Locking System
|
|
The locking system joins two panels together. It enables the siding to stay firmly
in place and resist lifting up in strong winds. It also creates a rigid beam along
the panel to help span wall imperfections. A properly designed locking system should
always allow the panel to slide freely within the lock.
|
|
Nailing Hem
|
 |
The nailing hem is the top edge of a panel that's nailed to the wall. It should
have elongated slots that allow the panel to slide on the nail and to expand or
contract with weather extremes. For areas that experience high winds, insist on
reinforced double hems designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. |
|
Panel Thickness and Rigidity
|
 |
Thicker, higher gauge panels are better. Thick, rigid panels with double nail hems
provide greater wind resistance, withstand dents and lie flatter and straighter
against the wall. Thinner gauge works well for stable climates; thicker gauge is
recommended for areas with high winds and extreme temperature changes. |
|
Finish and Profile
|
|
Finish refers to the texture of the panel. Typical finishes are brushstroke, wood
and cedar grain. Profile refers to the specific design and exposure size of a panel.
Typical profiles are clapboard, Dutch lap, beaded and vertical. Each profile and
finish creates a unique exterior look and is a matter of personal choice.
|
|
Panel Projection
|
|
Panel projection is a measure of the distance a siding panel extends out from the
wall. Projection affects panel performance, rigidity, and shadow line or aesthetics.
|
|
Windload Pressure
|
|
Windload pressure is the measurement of how well a panel can be expected to perform
in high wind areas. The windload pressure rating identifies actual windload capacity.
|
|
Color Quality
|
|
Panels formulated with high quality ingredients retain color much longer and make
matching panels during repairs or remodeling easier. Look for siding products that
feature an innovative capstock giving the panel exterior superior fade resistance,
as well as color that goes all the way through the panel. Avoid siding with a gray
backing.
|
|
|