Boost Curb Appeal With Vinyl Siding

Before calling a contractor for prices it is wise to do some research on the distinct vinyl products. A good idea is to start a project workbook and take it with you when you look at homes and buildings that have the product you are interested in.

Vinyl Siding Dallas is made from a specialized type of exterior grade plastic that requires minimal maintenance. It will not rot or corrode, and it resists moisture.

Many homeowners choose to spruce up their home’s exterior in order to improve curb appeal or boost resale value. A popular option is vinyl siding, which is known for its durability and low maintenance requirements compared to other types of exterior cladding materials.

Most manufacturers boast that vinyl can withstand harsh elements for up to 30 years. This means that homeowners can avoid the expensive and time-consuming repairs associated with other cladding materials, such as rust, rot or wood damage.

However, this doesn’t mean that homeowners don’t have to keep an eye on their vinyl. Some issues that can impact the integrity of a vinyl home include:

Warping and Cracking

These problems often occur around windows or doors, where the siding is installed too tightly. It can also occur in areas that experience significant temperature changes. Loose planks can let in outdoor air and raise utility bills, while cracked or warped planks can allow moisture into the structure of a home, leading to mold or water damage.

The good news is that these issues are relatively easy to fix. A qualified contractor can remove the affected area of the wall and replace it with a new, undamaged piece. They can also offer advice to prevent these issues in the future, including the use of OSHA approved tie-offs when working on a steep roof, and making sure that all potential obstructions are removed from the work site before starting the installation process.

Other concerns with vinyl are color fading and scratch resistance. Luckily, these issues can be easily addressed with the right care and attention. Modern vinyl has been manufactured to include color that is “baked-in” and can’t be scratched off or stripped like other paints.

Styles

There are many different styles of vinyl siding available for homeowners to choose from. From a smooth finish to a rough cedar plank look, there is a style to suit every taste. Wood grain vinyl is especially popular, as it resembles actual wood boards and offers a classic look. It can be painted any color, and it requires less maintenance than real wood siding.

Another advantage of vinyl is that it doesn’t suffer from the same issues as wood when exposed to sunlight. While in the past, vinyl colors would fade over time due to sun exposure, new innovations in production and finish have eliminated this problem. Additionally, vinyl is also scratch resistant. So while some materials may need to be repainted or repaired when scratched, vinyl will simply hide the mark without any additional maintenance.

The color layer of vinyl is baked-in, making it highly durable. This means that scratches will not show and that the color of your home will last longer than other materials. Additionally, the insulating properties of vinyl are better than those of wood or even brick veneer. This can significantly reduce energy costs in the summer and winter, saving you money on your utility bills.

When choosing a style, it’s important to consider your budget and personal tastes. There are many different color options to suit any budget, and you can even combine multiple styles to create a unique look for your home. In addition, vinyl is easier to install than other types of siding, so it can be an affordable choice for recladding your home. However, it’s essential to invest in high-quality vinyl for long-term durability and to ensure that the contractors you hire are experienced.

Appearance

The plethora of color options that vinyl siding is available in gives homeowners the ability to boost their curb appeal with ease. It can be found in a wide range of shades, allowing homeowners to add a pop of color that perfectly matches their personality and style preferences. Many of the more popular choices are neutral shades, but there are also a number of brighter options available as well.

While the color fading issues that plagued earlier generations of vinyl are still a concern for some, most newer vinyl products feature a durable finish that resists sun damage, making fading less of a problem. In addition, vinyl is incredibly scratch resistant and can withstand a considerable amount of wear and tear.

Vinyl can be applied to the exterior of a home in a variety of styles, including horizontal planks and shingle/shake applications. It can be used to achieve almost any architectural style, from the sleek and modern townhome to the quaint and charming cottage. The versatility of the product makes it a great choice for anyone looking to add value and beauty to their home.

Unlike wood siding, which needs to be repainted and sealed regularly, vinyl can easily keep its vibrant appearance with the occasional cleaning of soap and water. This can help to protect the investment and keep the home safe from weathering and insects.

Vinyl can be paired with a variety of different types of exterior trim to create an attractive and seamless look. The trim can be made of wood, aluminum, or a combination of these materials. Using hooks on the exterior of the home allows for the easy hanging of flowers, herbs, or other greenery. This helps to enhance the aesthetic and bring nature closer to eye level. These hooks can also be used to hang festive decorations and seasonal banners, allowing the homeowner to change their exterior décor easily for each holiday.

Low Maintenance

The main reason why vinyl has become the most popular siding option is that it requires a lot less maintenance than other materials. It doesn’t require painting or caulking, and will not swell, crack or be affected by insects. It does need to be cleaned occasionally, however. This is because dirt accumulation on the house can lead to mildew, mold and other unpleasant conditions that will cause a negative impact on family health. Regular cleaning will keep these conditions from occurring, and will also help to preserve the integrity of the siding for a longer period of time, saving homeowners money on expensive repairs or replacement costs.

The low maintenance of vinyl also extends to the trim and accessories that help to complete a home’s exterior design. The vast majority of trim and accessories that were previously produced in wood are now available in vinyl as well, allowing homeowners to enjoy the look of traditional materials without having to worry about maintenance issues like swelling, weathering or insect damage.

Vinyl can be cleaned using many common household cleaners. For example, vinegar diluted with water can be used to remove stains that might have developed as a result of spraying insecticide or herbicide too close to the house. The homeowner must test the solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface of the house, though.

Another common concern that was once a problem with vinyl is color fade. Thankfully, this is no longer a problem because modern vinyl has been engineered with the ability to resist fading from exposure to the sun. The natural color is actually infused into the material itself, so that even if the vinyl is scratched, the original color lies underneath.

Environmentally Friendly

Choosing vinyl siding over other materials, such as brick or fiber cement, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, the fact that you forgo painting and caulking — and the associated chemicals used in those processes — reduces your environmental impact even further.

Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a highly recyclable type of plastic. It can be ground up and recycled indefinitely into products such as flooring, decking and new vinyl siding. In this way, it helps to reduce the rate at which landfills are filled.

In fact, vinyl is the most environmentally friendly siding option available. This is largely due to its incredibly low energy consumption and minimal production emissions. It also is not susceptible to extreme fading, which can cause other claddings such as wood to degrade over time.

The manufacturing process of a vinyl siding uses very little water, energy and raw materials, so it causes fewer emissions than other construction products. In addition, scrap from the initial manufacturing process can be reintroduced into the product stream, resulting in virtually no waste.

Finally, vinyl siding is lightweight and can be flat-packed onto trucks for transportation, reducing the strain on scarce natural resources needed to transport heavy materials like brick and cement. In addition, it is easy to install, requiring less labor than other types of exterior claddings.

The PVC resin that makes up most vinyl is sourced from common salt and natural gas, which are both renewable resources. As such, the environmental impact of vinyl is surprisingly low when compared to other common siding materials such as fiber cement and brick and even rivals cedar. Specifically, vinyl has lower impacts in global warming, acidification, smog and eutrophication categories than both fiber cement and brick.