Raleigh Siding: Article About Why Choose Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is a form of plastic exterior cladding for houses that protects against weather, insulates, and provides a clean, attractive finish. Vinyl siding is most often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and is available in a variety of styles and colors.
Question and answer courtesy of Raleigh siding experts Otto's Exteriors: Can I use vinyl siding on my older home?Yes! While in the past vinyl siding often affected the appearance and thus the value of older houses, vinyl siding is now available in shapes and colors that are suitable for classic homes such as Victorian and Craftsman styles. In fact, insulated vinyl siding can improve upon older construction by making these homes energy efficient, while smoothing over the unsightly exterior imperfections that can arise from settling or weather damage.
There are many reasons why vinyl siding is the most sought-after exterior protection for a home. While vinyl siding mimics the attractiveness of wood, it is easy to maintain and provides superior weatherproofing. Its durable polymers will never crack or rot and the depth of color mean the end of costly paint jobs. Plus, it's cheaper than both cedar and aluminum sidings, to name just two.
For energy-conscious homeowners, vinyl siding is available with attached insulation to help seal out drafts and maintain temperature. This kind of siding can also smooth over rough areas in the house's exterior, providing a smooth, uniform appearance. For environmentally conscious homeowners, installing vinyl siding means saying goodbye to paint and stain and reducing the use of caulk to a minimum. This reduction of materials and waste means less toxic refuse in landfills and less pollution in the air.
The key to getting the best out of siding is to select the right contractor. A knowledgeable siding professional will guide homeowners to the highest quality siding for their needs and budget. In the Raleigh area alone, there are many siding companies to choose from. When selecting a Raleigh siding company, homeowners would do well to look at the company's history and credentials.
Have a question regarding additions or sunrooms? Please ask a siding contractor from Otto's Exteriors of Raleigh today.
Professional certification, awards, and of course, references from previous clients will help the homeowner find the best contractor for their needs. Homeowners should never rush the selection process, nor should they settle for a contractor with doubtful credentials, for even the best quality siding can warp and buckle if not installed correctly.
Once a contractor is chosen, the homeowner can begin selecting the best siding for their needs. Many homeowners, when considering vinyl siding, may recall vinyl's less-than-desirable past performance. Early types of vinyl siding often yellowed and sagged, and could sometimes hide areas of devastating rot. However, these manufacturing issues were quickly addressed, and today's vinyl siding is a durable product that holds both color and shape and blocks moisture.
When it comes to appearance, homeowners are no longer constrained to the horizontal boards of yesteryear. Today vinyl siding comes in a variety of shapes and textures, and can mimic everything from aluminum to rough wood boards, shingles to shakeseven the beauty of classic fish-scale shingles. Combine these various styles with the array of colors available and homeowners may find themselves overwhelmed by choices, but with the guidance of their contractor, they will be certain to choose the right siding for their needs. Once installed, homeowners can rest assured of a clean, crisp appearance for years to comewith no maintenance costs. For today's homeowners, vinyl siding is a worthwhile investment that both protects and beautifies their most important asset.