Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Vinyl Siding
Question: What is vinyl siding?
Answer: Vinyl siding is made from an impact-resistant material known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has become the leading choice for consumer and commercial building products.
Question: Why should I consider vinyl siding in my building and restoration projects?
Answer: Vinyl siding is not only strong and maintains rigidity, but also requires little maintenance. There is no need to worry about peeling paint or the need to paint, as you might with wooden siding. It is resistant to rotting and is designed for proper ventilation. The bottom siding edges contain pre-drilled weep-holes that allow proper drainage for any condensation that occurs. With proper preparation, you can replace rotting siding with vinyl siding so that moisture causing rotting can be kept under control. With restoration and with proper treatment, existing problems can be minimized. It may require some replacement of underlying moisture-damaged materials or materials that have been damaged by insects, before replacing the outer siding with a vinyl siding to help in eliminating any future problems.
Question: Does vinyl siding interfere with television or other electronic reception in my home?
Answer: No, there have not been any problems with vinyl siding causing interference.
Question: How does vinyl siding compare to other types of siding?
Answer: Siding can also be made from varying materials like wood, hard board (a high-density fiberboard) and metals like aluminum and steel. The advantage of vinyl siding is that it can simulate the appearance of wood, looks attractive, is a long-lasting durable product and is easy to install and maintain. The other types of siding do not offer all of these important features.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: The cost of using vinyl siding is considered less expensive than using other types of siding. Other siding materials like wood or hard board siding require more upkeep. Vinyl siding lasts upwards of 40 years and does not require the labor and other costs associated with sanding and painting that is required for other types of siding. Not only do you save money on the expense of painting every few years, but you also save the time if you do this yourself. Any costs for vinyl siding compared to other siding options, will certainly be less over the long term when you factor in the savings from not having to paint or replace sections that deteriorate because of moisture or insect damage.
Question: Can I install vinyl siding myself and what suggestions do you have for doing so?
Answer: Vinyl siding is easy to install, but requires that you keep in mind that siding contracts and expands with varying temperature changes. Avoid installing too tight; allow about 1/32 of inch between the siding and the head of the nail. Allow for a 1/4 inch gap between the vinyl and where it joins to the “j-channel” which you have already placed around doors and windows. This will prevent the vinyl from buckling or tearing. It is also a good idea to install the siding from the bottom up and to align that first piece of siding in a level position.
About the Author
Charlie Johnson started C and K Roofing in 1999. Our Nashville roofing office
provides both commercial roofing services and residential services for
homeowners in the Middle TN area.
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