Top Notch Vinyl Siding Installation

You don't get much better than vinyl siding when it comes to price, durability, and ease of maintenance. Vinyl siding installation is one of the most common home improvements in the country for good reason. It looks good, and it is easy to find a variety that will appeal to almost anybody.

Vinyl Siding Installation over another Surface
In older homes, vinyl siding installation can often be done over the existing cladding. This is one of the reasons why vinyl is such a popular choice for remodels.

In many cases, the preparation for this job is simple. All protrusions must first be removed; this includes taking down gutters, downspouts, and lighting fixtures. Any loose or damaged siding material must be nailed down or replaced. Then the caulking around doors and windows is removed and new caulk is put in. After that, the vinyl can be installed without having to remove the old cladding.

Vinyl Siding Installation in New Construction
It is even easier to install vinyl siding in a new house, and many contractors will recommend it because it is so durable and easy to work with. A new house with new vinyl siding will look great for many years and require very little maintenance.

Care of Vinyl Siding
Though it is very resistant to stains, vinyl siding can become discolored if it comes into contact with certain chemicals. In a residential setting, these chemicals are most often found in bug or weed spray. Take special care to look at the label of your lawn care products, as well as any information that comes with the siding itself.

After proper vinyl siding installation is complete, there is very little that needs to be done to maintain its new appearance. It can be sprayed down with a hose to wash away loose dirt. When necessary, it can be cleaned with a wet rag or bristled brush and a mild detergent. Those who own a power washer can use it to clean their vinyl siding but should be careful not to aim the nozzle upward, as water could collect behind the panels.

Heat and Vinyl Siding
Vinyl can expand and contract slightly due to changes in temperature. Professional guidelines for vinyl siding installation take this into account by allowing a small amount of extra room at all openings and stops as well as leaving some expansion room between nail or screw heads and the siding panel.

In some extreme temperatures, vinyl siding can warp. This is generally not a problem in most climates as the temperature at which vinyl siding begins to distort is around 160 degrees. While nature doesn't usually send this kind of heat our way, it is a good idea to keep barbecue grills or other high temperature items a safe distance away from the siding. Though vinyl does not readily ignite unless exposed to flame from another source, it should be noted that it is not a non-combustible material.