Vinyl siding has long been a favorite of homeowners due to its low maintenance, durability, and low cost.  Although in years past, it was discouraged in colder climates due to its tendency to become brittle, today’s high-quality vinyl siding is suitable for just about any climate, warm or cold.  If you are considering vinyl for your next siding replacement project, here are some things you’ll want to consider.

Vinyl Siding Replacement Cost:

Vinyl siding replacement projects vary greatly in cost.  Of course, some of this variation is due to the difference in the size of the home or complexity of its design, and also the quality of siding installed.  However, much of the difference can be attributed to the siding contractor that is chosen.  Bottom-line, get several estimates before you make a final decision and make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Materials & Construction:

Although some vinyl siding can be obtained very cheaply, you’ll save money in the long run if you opt for the higher-grade vinyl products.  The reason for this is two-fold:  I’ve already mentioned that older vinyl products had cold weather issues.  Well, they also had issues with fading after only a few years.  And some lower-grade vinyl products are still vulnerable to these problems.  So do yourself a favor and opt for the best quality vinyl siding on the market to benefit from the latest improvements in materials technology.  And, again, make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

What You Can Expect From Your New Vinyl Siding:

In a word … DURABILITY. Vinyl siding is resistant to rain, sleet, and snow and performs well in the mid-latitude cold and hot summer months as well.  It is not prone to insects due to its synthetic nature, does not peel or chip, and is generally more scratch resistant than many other types of exterior cladding.  So, if properly installed, you can expect your new siding to last.

Maintaining Vinyl Siding:

This is a short one since vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free.  Plan a once-a-year soap and water scrub to remove any accumulated surface dirt and to keep your new siding looking fresh and that’s about it.

Choosing a Siding Contractor:

As with any home improvement endeavor, the ultimate success of the project will depend very heavily on the contractor you choose to perform it.  If you want a high-quality product and top-notch service at a reasonable price, take the time and effort to talk to (and get estimates from) a few different companies before settling on one.  Make sure you are getting a premium vinyl product.  Even more importantly, make sure the firm you choose has their own time-tested and proven installation crews with a track record of success.  The best siding in the world won’t perform well if installed improperly by a few fly-by-night day laborers.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about vinyl siding, James Hardie fiber cement siding, insulated siding, or siding replacement questions of any kind … feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!