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Vinyl siding options
Richmond Va Siding - Vinyl
The Value of Vinyl Siding for Your Richmond Home Are you considering using vinyl siding for your Richmond home? If so, you may want to learn a bit more about this material before moving forward. Keep reading to learn more about vinyl siding and if this is the right option for your home. What is Vinyl Siding? Vinyl siding is an extremely durable form of plastic, exterior material used for wrapping a home. It offers appealing aesthetics along with superior waterproofing. Mainly engineered out of PVC – polyvinyl chloride, vinyl siding is considered a smart and convenient addition to your home. That’s because it precludes the need to paint every few years and eliminates some of the other hassles that go along with the regular maintenance that is needed. Brief History of Vinyl Siding Vinyl siding is a material that has only been around for 70 years, or so. It was originally introduced in the 1950s to serve as an alternative to the commonly used aluminum siding, which is easily warped and dinged. In the beginning though, vinyl siding was not embraced immediately. In fact, the earliest versions of this material were susceptible to buckling, fading and sagging. While this is true, new technologies have resulted in vinyl siding improving in regard to the makeup and installation. Now, as mentioned above, vinyl siding is the most popular covering used for residential properties around the country. |
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Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Durability
Pros: There are some who make the claim that vinyl siding is permanent. While it will last a long time, this is only the case if it is properly maintained and cared for. Cons: The installation will also affect how durable the material is. Since it expands, it has to be installed somewhat loosely. However, if it is too loose, the wind can get under the thinner sheets of siding, lifting the panel from the wall. Also, strong hail and wind-blown debris may puncture vinyl. Thicker vinyl is more challenging to install. Color
Pros: Vinyl can be found in an array of colors. It will not fade as quickly as older vinyl. Additionally, the pigmentation will be baked in, instead of applied to the surface. This means that scratches will not show up. Cons: Based on the quality of the vinyl when it is purchased, there will be some fading within five years. Weather and time can also alter the glossiness of the siding. If there is a panel that is damaged, the one that replaces it may not match perfectly. Grades, Styles, and Thicknesses of Vinyl Siding Vinyl siding for Richmond homes is available in several thicknesses and grades. While this will usually vary based on the manufacturer, the higher-grand vinyl is usually going to cost more. According to information from the American Society for Testing and Materials, you should never use vinyl siding that is under the thickness of 0.035”. The standard thicknesses and gradings for vinyl siding today include: Top of the line siding is +0.055” Premium grade siding is 0.048” Upgraded vinyl siding is 0.046” Average vinyl siding is 0.044” Builder grade siding is 0.040” Economy grade siding is 0.038” While thicker materials will allow for more aesthetic deigns, it is also more rigid, and it won’t sag as much as time passes. The thinner options have a tendency to begin to wave or sag as time passes and this usually occurs due to the increasing or falling of the temperature. While this is true, thicker siding is also more expensive than the thinner options listed here. 
What is Insulated Vinyl Siding?
Insulated vinyl siding is a type of vinyl siding that has a backing made of a rigid and solid foam insulation. When the voids that are present behind the stepped profile of the siding are filled in, the material becomes stiffer and much more resistant to warping and moving than more conventional types of vinyl siding. With the insulation in place, it will also add R-value, which is insulating quality, to this siding. It is these benefits that have helped to make insulated vinyl seem like it is an easy and a worthwhile upgrade to the conventional siding options that most people use. However, there will be a slight increase in price for this type of siding, so make sure you understand what this is before choosing it for your home. 
How to Clean Vinyl Siding The way you clean your vinyl siding is dependent on what is wrong with it. Cleaning Chalk, Soot, Grime, and Dirt If you are dealing with general dirtiness, then all you need is a bucket of warm, soapy water. In most cases you can use common laundry detergent or dish soap. You also need a garden hose and soft bristle brush. Stains Sometimes, siding can be stained. Similar to algae buildup, this won’t come off with standard detergents. In most cases, a professional can provide you with suggestions for what products to use for this. Mildew Vinyl siding is both mildew and mold resistant; however, if the siding gets dirty, mildew can grow on the dirt. This is especially true for warmer climates. To remove this, combine 1/3 cup of detergent, 2/3 cup of trisodium, and a quart of Clorox bleach, along with three quarts of a mildew specific cleaner for the best results. What is Backer Board? Backer board is what is used and installed behind vinyl siding. If the siding is installed without the proper backing, it will look wavy, rather than straight. The backer board is necessary to have something for the siding to adhere to. |
Maintenance
Pros: Wood has to be stained or painted regularly. Vinyl requires no paint, but you can paint it if you like. The through-body color of vinyl doesn’t ever have to be repainted. However, it is not completely maintenance free. To remain looking new, vinyl should be washed yearly. Also, non-vinyl elements need to be painted, like the window sashes and the trim. Cons: Unlike masonry and wood, vinyl siding has specific maintenance concerns. Proper installation can help to guard against moisture and keep it from getting trapped under the siding. However, improper maintenance may result in the growth of mold and mildew and invite the infestations of insects. If this problem is not repaired, the dampness in the walls can reach the inside of the home, causing even more problems. Painting Vinyl Just a few years ago, the ability to paint vinyl siding was non-existent. However, thanks to advances in painting technology, painting the siding on your Richmond home is not only possible, but there are some people who agree that it is a cost-effective alternative to having to replace the siding altogether. As time passes, vinyl can begin to fade, and it will show signs of UV damage. It gets (for lack of a better word) ugly. When you paint over it, the look of the siding is improved significantly. One of the top reasons that you may decide to paint your vinyl siding is because it has begun to look dirty. While it may be able to be cleaned in some situations, painting it will always produce the desired results. The key to painting vinyl siding is all in how it is prepared. If the siding isn’t properly cleaned and prepared, the paint is going to peel. This is why it is necessary to use an adhesive primer along with a higher quality acrylic paint. Acrylic paint will bond well with the vinyl surface. What is Seamless Vinyl Siding?
The majority of homes that were constructed pre-1960 used aluminum for siding. Vinyl quickly took over because of all the benefits it offers. Through the years, vinyl siding underwent several changes and improvements. The siding that was first produced used an overlapping pattern, which created seams. These seams may lead to wind damage, water infiltration, and insect infestation. With seamless siding, though, all those issues are eliminated because the overlapping pattern is eliminated. The length is also extended and instead of being 12-feet, the panels that are installed are 40-feet. With seamless vinyl siding you have improved aesthetic value and durability without all the issues that result due to spacing present between the panels. 
How to Calculate How Much Vinyl Siding You Need
If you have chosen vinyl siding for your home, the first step in the process is to figure out how much you need. Determining the total amount of this required is actually a simple process. Vinyl siding is going to be sold by the square- this is equivalent to approximately 100 square feet of the material. To discover the total number of squares that you need, you should measure the square footage of the home to be covered and then divide it by 100. The first step is to multiply each height and length measurement to determine each walls total square footage and then add the answer together to determine the total square footage. This total should be divided by 100, which is going to give you the total number of squares that are needed to cover the house. Trim
Being able to estimate the amount of trim that you need is also important. The first step is to understand what trims you can get and where they need to be installed. From this point, it is a good idea to measure all of the areas for the trim to determine what’s needed. Working with the pros to help you determine what is needed will insure you get enough. 
What May Go Wrong with Vinyl Siding?
There are several issues that may arise with vinyl siding. Some of the most common can be found here. Buckling or warping: These are both common problems and they only occur when the siding has not been installed properly. It will expand and contract as the temperature outside changes. The siding isn’t durable: If siding isn’t lasting, it is because it was not installed properly. Be sure to hire the right contractor to avoid this issue. Cracking: In cold climates, vinyl siding may begin to fracture or crack. While these issues won’t be noticeable unless you get close up, they are serious problems you have to address. |
In Summary
As you can see there an awful lot of things to think about when considering vinyl. It is the most popular siding in the US due to its versatility, price, and durability. Due to the popularity of vinyl, there are hundreds of color choices and styles that not only include horizontal and vertical panels of different widths, but also come in beaded, shingle, shake, and lap designs.
As discussed above, the only maintenance necessary is occasionally washing with bleach water or spraying lightly with a power washer that has a strong bleach solution added to the water. Vinyl Siding also typically comes with lifetime warranties.
It is the least expensive siding option when it comes to installation as well. Experienced vinyl siding installers can get it in place relatively quickly.
Hire the Right Vinyl Siding Contractor for Your Needs
To ensure the installation of your Richmond home’s vinyl siding is successful, be sure to find the right contractor. They will help ensure that the job is done properly and that the siding will be durable through the years. There is no question that vinyl siding for your home offers an array of benefits, but there are certain things you need to know and understand to make the most of this material and all it has to offer those who choose to have it installed.