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VINYL SIDING
There are over 25 manufacturers of vinyl siding in America. Various styles, thickness, warranties, grains and colors can make it difficult for a homeowner to choose which type is right for your home. Although Southland Remodelers is an independant contractor, we have never nor would we ever install a cheap contractor grade of vinyl siding. We pride ourselves in the fact that not only do we use only the highest quality marterial, but we also use all the vinyl material upgrades possible.
Listed below are some common homeowner questions with the accompanying answer. May these help answer your questions as you decide what type of vinyl siding to protect your home.
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Is Vinyl Siding the way to go?
Vinyl sidings outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. It's the material of choice from starter homes to new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small. Plus vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately, century old Victorians. What's more, vinyl siding provides a wide range of colors, plenty of trim options, almost no maintenance and excellent, lasting value.
Of course, it's easy to get excited about the benefits vinyl siding provides. But to make an informed decision, you have to have the facts too.
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How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
In a way, it's almost no contest.
When compared on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.
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Wood Siding. Initial costs vary: premium clapboard installations are expensive, hardboard installations less so (but hardboard is also less durable). Both need constant, costly maintenance.
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Metal Siding. Moderately expensive. Less maintenance than wood, but it can be costly to repair dents and scratches. Appearance less than premium.
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Brick and Stone. Very costly to install, plus may need periodic mortar repairs. Appearance and durability typically much better than average.
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Stucco. Costly to apply. Less durable than brick or stone, and repairs are costly. Appearance dependent on applicator skills. It needs periodic painting also.
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Fiber Cement. More affordable than premium wood clapboard, but requires expensive painting to maintain appearance. Joints must be caulked regularly or moisture stains will develop.
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Vinyl. The superior choice for low maintenance, high value and outstanding beauty.
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What are some benefits?
Priced to fit most homeowner budgets.Leading manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. But a homeowner must remember, you get what you pay for.
Easy maintenance.Vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. And because it doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
Warranty-backed.You can count on getting all the quality you paid for, because the higher quality vinyl sidings are backed by a strong lifetime limited warranty.
High value.Because it's the preferred siding for more homeowners, vinyl siding retains most of its installed cost. (Remodeling magazine, November 2004 - 98% )
Outstanding beauty.Vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors, or a variety of classic siding profiles. Plus low-maintenance trim products add to both the beauty and value of your home.
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Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move in the next several years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations favor vinyl siding.
The reason is simple Vinyl siding is a one-time investment. Painting, on the other hand, must be done on a regular basis -- usually every three to five years.
A vinyl siding installation is typically more expensive that paint, but that's only true when the calculations are limited to a single, immediate decision. But to do those calculations realistically, you have to consider the vinyl siding is a lasting investment, whereas painting is a continual cost. Every five years or so, you're going to pay as much or more to maintain your exterior walls.
The math is simple: If you plan to stay in your home for more than three to five years, more than likely you'll save money by investing in vinyl siding.
So vinyl siding is by far the better long term value.
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But is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
Absolutely. As long as the homeowner has the premium vinyl siding installed by an experienced professional, rather than a cheap contractor grade.
The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanance. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings (because it's tough enough to withstand constant foot traffic) and, of course, home construction.
It's ideal as an exterior material because, as mentioned earlier, vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp like wood. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through and never has to be scraped sanded or painted.
That's why it's so easy to take care of vinyl siding. It's an advanced material, specifically engineered to meet the requirements of today's demanding homeowners.
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My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
Sure.
Vinyl is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material -- brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.
Even if a homes walls are all brick, the soffit fascia overhang system can be covered and protected by vinyl.
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What exterior design options do I have?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with.
You can choose from different siding profiles, including decorative accent panels...wide and narrow panel exposures...horizontal and vertical installations...smooth and wood-grain textures...board and batten...shakes...plus a wide range of popular colors.
And you can add distinctive details with extensive collection of trim and accessories for windows, doors, corners, eaves, porch ceilings, overhangs and other accent areas.
For more information on design options, ask Southland Remodelers for copies of exterior design brochures: The Exterior Design Idea Book...It's all in the details...and How to choose exterior colors for your home. They're filled with suggestions that can help you plan you're remodeling project.
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How do I get started on a vinyl siding project for my home?
First... Contact Southland Remodelers
Take the first step today...and learn how vinyl siding makes it easy to add beauty, convenience and value to your home. Southland will schedule an appointment at your convenience to inspect your home, share suggestions and options for you to consider and answer your questions.
Second... Sit back and relax for Southland never uses any high pressure selling tactics. Our representative will visit your home with the primary purpose of answering your questions, giving you information and assist you as you make this good investment of protecting your home.
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