Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Using and Replacing Vinyl Siding

This is a house covered with vinyl siding. (Picture: Exovations)   When vinyl siding is properly selected, and properly installed, it should be indistinguishable from the street from conventional siding or even hardiplank.


    Vinyl siding used to conjure thoughts of trailers and substandard housing, and used to be rather thin.  However, now in both the US and Canada, vinyl comprises a thick durable product, in a variety of styles and colors, textures, which beading to simulate conventional siding, or without. . It is relatively easily installed, and may be easily repaired when damaged.  Now, some very expensive and gracious homes may be covered with vinyl siding.
       One of the benefits to vinyl siding, is its durability and ease in cleaning, hosing or mild power washing. Another is that depending upon the variety you select, and what you place under it, your energy efficiency can increase greatly, which means your utility bills can decrease !   If you are replacing pre-existing siding on a home, or if you are planning to place vinyl over a pre-existing siding, you should contact a certified installer.  It could be disastrous to place vinyl over a home with siding which has dampness, a carpenter ant issue, or worse, termites.   A family who must periodically paint a sided house, may save a fortune by replacing the siding, or occasionally having this siding placed over intact siding below.
         Although most of our outbuildings are sided in wood, many homeowners are choosing to side outbuildings and storage sheds with vinyl siding, and then learning to trim around the windows and doors. This is not only beneficial as a means by which to side one's outbuildings but in terms of learning how to replace siding in the event that you must repair siding on your home.
           Do your research and pick a quality vinyl siding.  Remember that a cheap product take the same amount of time to install and costs the same from a standpoint of a paid installation.  Use the right materials.
      

Vinyl siding comes in long strips which are fashioned as you see above.



As terrific as vinyl siding may be, this is what will happen should you barbecue on a deck nearby the siding itself. Also, when surburban homes have fires nearby, this can also happen.




This is an example of a properly selected, thick enough, vinyl siding, which has been properly installed.  Note the corner trim.


Vinyl siding installation should always start at the bottom of the project. The pieces are secured with a nail gun gently but not tightly as they must shrink and swell with the weather.  Pieces are generally cut using a power table saw. 

This is the Wiss tool for removing damaged pieces of vinyl siding.  It also is invaluable in anchoring them to other pieces after hanging.


This is the Kobalt vinyl siding tool sold by Lowe's.  My son who replaced some of these recently likes this tool for vinyl siding best.  It is relatively inexpensive at around six US dollars.






Each time a new row of two is installed, the lip is anchored to the lower piece using this special blade which can be purchased at many hardware stores.  This is an inexpensive and excellent tool to have should you have a home or building with vinyl siding.  (Picture: DIY Home Network)






This type of damage can occur, not only when one selects a cheaper product, but when one uses a weed whacker too close to the siding of the home itself.


This is an example of warped vinyl siding.  It was applied too tightly to the house, and has warped. Once it warps it cannot be corrected without being replaced.



This is the vinyl siding installation manual for download:

http://chicagohomeprimer.com/editable/uploads/File/Vinyl%20Siding%20Installation%20Manual.pdf


36 comments:

Dabney Walker said...

Hello,
Informative blog. This images are very useful for all. Vinyl sheds have a simple and contemporary design that will surely enhance the beauty of your house and landscape. Vinyl sheds are known for being extremely tough. They are capable of withstanding extreme wind, rain or snow. Thanks to sharing it.
Vinyl Sheds

JaneofVirginia said...

Thanks Dabney, The link as well as the post is very helpful. Vinyl sheds DO stand up very well. They are reflective in summer, protective in winter, and even can be great protection for animals. When the occasional piece of vinyl needs replacement, it isn't all that difficult, I mastered this skill myself this week. I would still not be able to hang vinyl siding on a structure, but repairing one piece would be very possible. Best wishes and thanks for posting.

Mac said...

Today’s windows are more durable and beautiful than ever. And if you account for the amount of energy that new windows will conserve throughout the year, the reduced bills you’ll see will help to offset the price of installing them.


vinyl siding portland or

Unknown said...

I don't know how I missed this...love it. I walked a railroad most of the way to school all during elementary school, and still down there to catch the bus to high school.
siding

Unknown said...

Hi! Keep on writing stuff like this. This is such a big help especially to businesses like mine. Thank you so much for sharing some information about vinyl siding. You have such a very interesting and informative page. I am so glad to visit your page and get some additional knowledge from your site. I will be looking forward to visit your page again and for your other posts as well.
In addition to that, vinyl siding can be observed in a wide range of product quality realized in a substantial differences in thickness and lasting durability. Thickness can vary from .035" in cheaper grade siding products up to .052" in the highest grade products which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Today, the thinnest vinyl siding commonly used is .040", and is known as "builder's grade". Vinyl product can vary in thickness even within one manufacturer up to .010" of thickness through varying product lines offered that range from basic to premium-grade products. Thicker vinyl products, usually realized in higher cost, are more rigid which can add to the aesthetic appeal and look of the installed, inherently flexible product and also add to durability and life expectancy. Thicker grades of vinyl siding may, according to some, exhibit more resistance to the most common complaint about vinyl siding – its tendency to crack in very cold weather when it is struck or bumped by a hard object while others feel that a thinner product may allow more 'flex before cracking' and is a subject of debate. However, at "This Old House" website, this assertion about thickness and crack resistance is disputed. They claim to know of test results that indicate chemical makeup has a greater influence on impact resistance than does thickness.
StayRight vinyl stabilizers help to prevent heat degradation during the manufacturing process and after installation.

vinyl siding portland or

Unknown said...

Hi! Keep on writing stuff like this. This is such a big help especially to businesses like mine. Thank you so much for sharing some information about vinyl siding. You have such a very interesting and informative page. I am so glad to visit your page and get some additional knowledge from your site. I will be looking forward to visit your page again and for your other posts as well.
In addition to that, vinyl siding can be observed in a wide range of product quality realized in a substantial differences in thickness and lasting durability. Thickness can vary from .035" in cheaper grade siding products up to .052" in the highest grade products which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Today, the thinnest vinyl siding commonly used is .040", and is known as "builder's grade". Vinyl product can vary in thickness even within one manufacturer up to .010" of thickness through varying product lines offered that range from basic to premium-grade products. Thicker vinyl products, usually realized in higher cost, are more rigid which can add to the aesthetic appeal and look of the installed, inherently flexible product and also add to durability and life expectancy. Thicker grades of vinyl siding may, according to some, exhibit more resistance to the most common complaint about vinyl siding – its tendency to crack in very cold weather when it is struck or bumped by a hard object while others feel that a thinner product may allow more 'flex before cracking' and is a subject of debate. However, at "This Old House" website, this assertion about thickness and crack resistance is disputed. They claim to know of test results that indicate chemical makeup has a greater influence on impact resistance than does thickness.
StayRight vinyl stabilizers help to prevent heat degradation during the manufacturing process and after installation.

vinyl siding portland or

JaneofVirginia said...

My own home is brick and vinyl. We chose the thickest vinyl product which really does look like Hardiplank siding. It stands up very well. In contrast, our summer home has much less expensive vinyl siding and it cracking and getting damage each time the caretaker trims around the foundation. It definitely makes sense to forego other things you might want in a home until later, and spend more on quality vinyl siding.

Milliscent Morgan said...

Thanks for this kind of post that nay serve as a good source of information same as the post of vinyl siding Suffolk county, so better to keep on posting!

JaneofVirginia said...

I really believe that high quality vinyl siding, which is not the thin variety can really be an excellent home exterior, and can be relatively low maintenance. This is important especially because as people age, they are less able to wash and then paint the exterior of what could be a larger home. Vinyl siding needs relatively little maintenance, and periodic cleaning which can be obtained quite reasonably from a local contractor.Thanks for your kind words.

JaneofVirginia said...

Thanks Mark, We are still very pleased with ours. We think it's an excellent alternative when the right product for the job is selected. Best wishes.

bradhoss said...

I think you have me sold on vinyl siding. I'll just make sure not to end up hitting it with a weed wacker, cause I'd rather not have to pay for that damage. -Calgary

JaneofVirginia said...

We are truly happy with ours. It's on BOTH our houses.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post. Although I'm yet to find vinyl siding company in Ottawa that has vinyl siding that will hold up, I haven't lost hope. There is supposed to be new composite coming out that is supposed to be as strong as bricks, but we'll see.

JaneofVirginia said...

Our house in Nova Scotia also has thick vinyl siding. For Ottawa you might wish to try:
Mitten
2295 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 4H6
Telephone: 613-744-7548
Contact Distributor
Website: www.mittenbp.com
They could probably show you alternatives. Best wishes.

Unknown said...

I'm looking for good prices on siding repairs in Northern Virginia and came across your blog. I had no idea the warping was caused by the siding being so tight- guess the people who owned the house before me didn't hire the right people. Thanks for sharing the great post!

JaneofVirginia said...

You're welcome Jess. Proper installation is as key as product selection.

bradhoss said...

This looks like pretty great vinyl siding! Would you recommend this siding for everyone, or only people who live in certain areas? Cause I newly moved to Calgary, and I would like to know which kind I should get before I get a house built.

JaneofVirginia said...

Brad,
Although I think vinyl siding can be a great alternative for most families, I would hesitate to say all. I know that in Nova Scotia, many families by the sea elect to have vinyl siding placed over their traditional cedar shake siding, so that if a storm occurs, then only some of the vinyl is torn off, and the intact clean cedar shake remains, protecting the house. The repairs can usually be done easily without any significant damage to the home.
Alaska has a difficult climate, and vinyl siding is used there.
http://www.alaskasiding.com/ has some examples which show vinyl siding being used in Alaska. I would think that your climate would also allow vinyl rather nicely. It's important to do some research in your area and locate a supplier for your builder who uses the best vinyl choices for your area. There are a broad number of products available, and you should select something that works well for where you are.
Not having to periodically paint, and simply needing your house gently pressure washed on occasion, is a great gift, and something I appreciate every time I have to consider painting one of my non vinyl outbuildings. Thanks for your post.

Joanne said...

Very nice and interesting conversation, I really like reading on your blog the idea you share it will inspire me more to revisit your site more often.

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JaneofVirginia said...

Thanks for posting ! Please visit some of our other pages and posts also ! Best wishes.

Unknown said...

Great blog. We got siding about 9 years ago, so now, it is starting to deteriorate. We are going to have to replace most of it. Your tips will really help!
Jensen | http://www.bdexteriors.com

JaneofVirginia said...

Thanks Jensen,
The newer products, that are thicker, and are beaded should last thirty years or more. Ours is holding up as well as we would expect Hardiplank to do. Best wishes. Thanks for posting.

tyleragent said...

Thanks for the post, and I've been checking out different sites that offer information on siding. But I've been looking at it, and I've been wondering if replacing the siding is something that you can do on your own?

JaneofVirginia said...

I don't think most people could replace all of their house siding by themselves. Remember that if it is cut too short it leaks and if it is cut too long, it bends and doesn't look quite right. A poor vinyl siding job can devalue a home. The people who could reside a house would be those with construction experience, plenty of time to devote to the job, and a brother or father-in-law who do this particular thing for a living. The best course would probably be getting quotes for new vinyl siding from as many as six contractors, but make sure they are placing a solid and not a cheap siding on your home. The quality siding is worth every dime. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I have been looking at getting new siding in Lincoln. We are thinking of getting navy blue vinyl siding and painting our front door a mustard color. We want to go for a nautical look. http://www.starksiding.com/siding

Unknown said...

We have been considering redoing our exterior with vinyl siding and this article has been very helpful. I had no idea there were so many types or that there would have to be considerations about the proximity of the grill to the house. You have probably saved us a bunch in repair costs. Thank you! http://www.estridgecarpentry.com/siding.php

JaneofVirginia said...

Glad this was helpful, Julia !

Unknown said...

There really are a lot of benefits to vinyl siding. I am looking to replace the siding on my home. Vinyl is a material I am considering. I want it to look uniform and be easy to clean, so it sounds like the perfect option for me. Thanks for your warning -- I will be sure to look for quality vinyl.

Claire Reynolds || http://www.ideal-windows.com

Unknown said...

I had no idea that the heat of the barbecue could warp my vinyl siding. I am so glad I know that now. I guess I will have to take my grill out towards the middle of the patio instead of right by the dining room door.

bryanflake1984| http://www.getcitywide.com

Unknown said...

Vinyl siding looks great on older homes and is very fashionable when you are trying to bring out a unique style. My husband and I just bought our first home, it is older but we are wanting to put side vinyl on it. Checking into more websites like this to see what our best options are.


http://www.harringtonco.com/siding/

Unknown said...

Wow this is such a great guide on how to repair vinyl siding. I think that it is good to be prepared and know how to do stuff like this, but I am going to be honest- I don't think I could do this at all. If I wanted to replace some siding, I am positive that I would just call a professional.

http://www.bramblebuilders.com/faqs.html

Unknown said...

I'm surprised at how nice the vinyl looks. You're right, it did conjure visions of trailers when I first heard about it. The ability to power wash would be amazing, though. I'll have to try this out.

Jenn | http://www.beaumart.ca

Matthew said...

Hey there! Thank you for sharing your thoughts in using and replacing vinyl siding. I am glad to stop by your site and know more about rational preparedness. Keep it up! This is a good read. You have such an interesting and informative page. I will be looking forward to visit your page again and for your other posts as well.


Matt
Window Planet

Unknown said...

Hey thanks for the input. I was going to replace the vinyl siding on my house soon because its got warping going on from the previous owners attempts. I will remember not to nail them in too tight. http://www.building9.biz/vinyl-siding-accessories

Unknown said...

Thanks for the information! I have vinyl siding on my house that needs to be replaced They're starting to look like the picture with the siding that had a barbecue on a deck close to the siding. I made the same mistake when I hosted a barbecue at my house over the weekend. These steps will help me to replace it myself. Thanks for posting!
http://www.suburbanconstruction.com/siding-vinyl.html

Unknown said...

Thanks for your post which is truly informative for us and we will surely keep visiting this website.
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