Casper vinyl siding
Cladding & Siding Installation
Vinyl siding doesn’t last as long as fiber cement or metal, but it can last up to 40 years or so and is much cheaper. It resists moisture and insects which is a huge benefit and doesn’t need a whole lot of maintenance.
Vinyl is a very popular choice mainly due to the more affordable cost, but also because it is very versatile, and doesn’t take much to upkeep. Feel free to reach out to our Casper siding contractors for more information!
Durability and Thickness
The durability of siding depends on how thick it is. If it’s thicker, it tends to be more resistant to impact and not as likely to warp or crack. If it is thinner, it is more likely to warp or crack.
Insulation
Insulated vinyl siding contains a backing made of foam that gives insulation which improves energy efficiency and also reduces noise. It also make it more resistant to impact since it provides an extra layer of protection. Non-insulated vinyl siding is not as expensive but doesn’t offer what insulation does. If you’re on a tight budget, this may be the choice for you.
Color and Fade Resistance
The higher the quality (and cost) of vinyl siding, the better the ultraviolet protection that prevents fading.
Maintenance
A huge advantage of vinyl siding is the ability to maintain it less. You don’t need to paint it. You can clean it with a hose. There’s not much worry about insects, mold, and mildew either.
Cost
It’s generally more affordable than all the other siding options like metal, wood, or fiber cement. Of course, the cost will depend on the type, the thickness, and other things like insulation but just have a good balance with what you want and how it looks to determine how much to pay.
Types of Sidings
Horizontal
Probably considered the most common type of siding. It has long panels (horizontal of course) that overlap each other and look like wood. It is available in different styles like Dutch lap (decorative type of groove), and clapboard (more of a flat profile). Beaded seam siding has a unique bead along the bottom of each panel. It adds an elegant or luxury-type of touch.
Vertical
Siding Board and Batten copy traditional wood that looks like that ole barn. It has wide vertical panels with narrow long pieces (battens) which are not only serve as a cosmetic appeal but also cover the seams that attach the panels together. It makes that rustic or farmhouse look. Basic panel siding is almost the same as board and batten other than having the batten part. A similar look would be like a tough shed.
Shingle and Shake
Vinyl shake siding has a texture to it making it look more rustic. Scalloped shingles have a bottom edge that is rounded and gives a more Victorian look.
Painting Siding?
You can! But there are things to know before taking on this process to make sure it is a success and last a long time.
Before getting into painting, it’s probably important to understand what vinyl siding actually is. Well, it’s made from polyvinyl chloride, or the infamous PVC for short. It withstands all kinds of weather, resists moisture, and has a virtually maintenance-free requirement. The color is infused all the way through the material which very much helps maintain its look over a long period of time.
So why would you want to paint it?
Over that long period of time and frequent exposure to the sun’s rays and weather, fading will occur. Sometimes, the homeowner just wants a different color to change it up or to look fresh and different. Painting can be much cheaper than replacing too.
Make Sure to Properly Prepare
If you want that paint to stick and last for years to come, here are some tips to do just that:
Make sure the siding is cleaned first. Remove all that dirt, grease, and grime to make sure the paint stays put. A mild detergent and water with a soft-bristle brush or even easier, a pressure-washer can do the trick.
Make sure to repair any areas that need repairing. Painting over damaged areas can cause further issues down the road. Better to do it right the first time around.
Not required but priming is always a good idea. It helps the paint stick to the surface much better especially if the siding is older and is weathered.
Pick the right paint. So vinyl-safe and exterior paint is key here. Vinyl-safe just means the paint is made to accommodate without cracking or peeling. Maybe pick a lighter color to avoid absorbing that extra heat.
The Painting Process
Pick a day that isn’t too hot and is not too humid.
A paint sprayer is awesome for large areas and to apply that even coat. It’s also much faster. Keep a good speed and distance though.
Paint in the direction of the panels. So left to right for horizontal, up and down for vertical. This avoids missed areas or brush strokes if a brush is used.
Painting does cost less than replacing vinyl which is why it may be a great choice. You also have the freedom to choose whatever color you want at whatever time you want. If done right, it can extend the life of the siding too.
Keep in mind that there is a possibility of voiding any warranty in place when the decision to paint is made. If you don’t prepare correctly, you can open up a new can of worms in that the paint can lead to peeling, cracking, or warping later on.
